First You Have to Row a Little Boat

By Richard Bode,

Book cover of First You Have to Row a Little Boat: Reflections on Life & Living

Book description

FIRST YOU HAVE TO ROW A LITTLE BOAT first hit shelves in the mid 1990s and has been inspiring readers ever since. Written by a grown man looking back on his childhood, it reflects on what learning to sail taught him about life: making choices, adapting to change, and becoming…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked First You Have to Row a Little Boat as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Richard Bode’s pocket-sized memoir was given to me by a college friend, shortly after our graduation (as I write this, that was about three decades ago, and I still have this little book on my shelf within reach). It’s got water and sailing (both of which I love), but more importantly, it’s also chock-full of life lessons—without being preachy or overbearing. In the end, you realize that you can plot your own course, adapt to the shifts of wind and waves (Bode’s metaphor for life), and become your own hero.

From Christopher's list on heroes that we can relate to.

Want books like First You Have to Row a Little Boat?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like First You Have to Row a Little Boat.

Browse books like First You Have to Row a Little Boat

Book cover of Man’s Search for Meaning
Book cover of Justice Hill
Book cover of Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,531

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in sailing, spirituality, and philosophy?

Sailing 18 books
Spirituality 320 books
Philosophy 1,790 books