Deep Water

In 1968, The Sunday Times decided that it needed some way of boosting its circulation. One year earlier, Francis Chichester had become a British national hero by sailing alone around the world. Using that as their inspiration, the Sunday Times announced an around-the-world race. Open to anyone willing to sail solo and non-stop, two prizes were to be offered: one to the first to make it back to England, and one to whomever made the fastest voyage. It was an unconventional race in that there was no specific date that the race began — rather a deadline by which all had to set sail.

Nine sailors signed up for the race, one of whom was 36-year-old Donald Crowhurst. With his purpose-built ship, it was imagined by the media and public that he stood a chance of winning either prize. However, he was inexperienced and his ship proved to be less than he'd hoped. In addition, he'd funded the construction of his vessel by securing a sponsorship from a businessman — the terms of which were not in Crowhurst's favour. Should he turn back before finishing the race, he would be forced to buy back the ship — bankrupting him.

When Crowhurst set sail in his barely seaworthy vessel, there were only hours left before the deadline to depart. By the time he left England, there was already no chance he'd win the prize for arriving first — several of his competitors were already rounding Africa. His only chance, then, was to be fastest.

This is not Crowhurst's story alone: French sailor Bernard Moitessier is also featured. Giving stunning depth and emotional power is the footage shot by both men during their journeys, and in particular the audio recordings and diaries that truly carry us along with them on their voyages. And intercut are modern-day interviews that in many cases can be described as nothing less than heartbreaking. This documentary carries with it more suspense and emotion than just about anything else I've seen recently.

This 2007 film earned 94% at Rotten Tomatoes, based on 17 reviews.

Click here to view the trailer.

“His story isn't sentimentalized, but embraced with understanding and compassion. This race, after all, wasn't about fame or glory. It was a test of survival, and not just of a body, but of a mind and soul. Therein lies its tragedy — and its greatest truth.”
- Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle

The Graveyard Book

I've enjoyed Neil Gaiman's books for a number of years now, and three of his novels have been featured here in the past (American Gods, Anansi Boys, and Neverwhere). His latest novel, The Graveyard Book, is my featured pick.

The Graveyard Book opens with murder (much like Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events). A mysterious character known only as "the man Jack" sneaks into a family home and kills mum, dad and older sister. When he reaches the nursery, however, the family's two-year-old son is missing, having scooted out mischievously into the night. The man Jack, whose silence and hunting skills seem not quite of this world, follows the scent of the boy to a nearby disused graveyard.

Where something strange happens. The community of the dead in the graveyard hide the boy from the killer, and the shady Silas - not quite dead, but not quite alive either - takes the man Jack aside, escorts him calmly out of the graveyard and erases his memory. The boy is adopted by the Victorian ghosts of Mr and Mrs Owens, and Silas appoints himself the boy's guardian, as he's the only one who can leave the graveyard and bring back food. For Silas knows that the man Jack will not rest in his hunt.

Though this book may sound dark and frightening for children, it is in fact a terrific adventure that has as many laughs as chills.

The Graveyard Book won this year's Newberry Medal, which is presented to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

“In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable enchantment.”
- Monica Edinger, The New York Times Book Review

Fleet Foxes

This five-piece group from Seattle last summer released their eponymous debut album. Since its release, it has garnered rave reviews from a number of major media outlets. The Guardian claimed it to be "a landmark in American music, an instant classic."

Click here to visit the iTunes Store to listen to samples from the album.

“Throughout the album, the band sounds wise beyond its years, so it's not really that surprising that Fleet Foxes is such a satisfying, self-assured debut.”
- Heather Phares, allmusic review