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Escaping from Reality Without Really Trying: 40 Years of High Seas Travels and Lowbrow Tales
Based on nearly 40 hours of interviews, Escaping from Reality Without Really Trying is the memoir of a 61-year-old, life-long merchant seaman re-counting his fantastic, hilarious, and politically incorrect exploits. He’s a sailor-scholar and an individualist anarchist; he’s read Voltaire and The Egyptian Book of the Dead. He admits to working at his hobby, sailing, to keep up his real occupation, drinking.He’s lived 40 years of adventures around the world, including an incursion into Cambodia during the Vietnam War; a prison break from a Ceylon jail; a dockside fistfight in the Philippines in 1977; a 2-week stowaway run on a British merchant ship sailing around South Africa; meeting Omar Sharif in Aqaba, Jordan; an around-the-world trip (with Greg Cousins, the third mate on the Exxon Valdez, and we learn what really happened!) that ends in Alang, India and the beaching of the ship to be cut up for scrap metal; seeing the rise and fall of communism and capitalism in Africa and the newly independent states after the Soviet Union’s collapse and division; and an ammunition delivery to Kuwait on the eve of the 2003 American-led invasion of Iraq.
526 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2011
2 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Robert Jacoby
4 books76 followersI'm a poet, novelist, memoirist, and diarist. My poetry, fiction, and nonfiction have appeared in more than 20 literary magazines. My story “The Span of Blood” was selected runner up in the 2018 Haunted Waters Press Short Shorts Flash Fiction Competition; read the story here. I'm the author of four books:
Never Stop Dancing: A Memoir
(2019, nonfiction);
Dusk and Ember
(2019, novel);
There Are Reasons Noah Packed No Clothes
(2012, novel); and
Escaping from Reality Without Really Trying: 40 Years of High Seas Travels and Lowbrow Tales
(2011, nonfiction). The book's website is escaping-from-reality.com and has audio clips of the interviews, an FAQ, and more. I've finished two new novels and am currently seeking representation for both.
Visit my other sites around the web to see what I'm all about:
• robert-jacoby.com
• Facebook page
• Amazon Author page
• LinkedIn page
My professional work focuses on website governance and management issues:
• Website Governance Modeling Tool site
• CMSWire magazine profile
Visit my other sites around the web to see what I'm all about:
• robert-jacoby.com
• Facebook page
• Amazon Author page
• LinkedIn page
My professional work focuses on website governance and management issues:
• Website Governance Modeling Tool site
• CMSWire magazine profile
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 6, 2012
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)
This clever book is a good example of what I perhaps like best about what comes from the world of basement presses; for while it's ostensibly the memoirs of a forty-year career sailor, with just as many salty, amazing stories as you would imagine someone in his position would have, it's actually written as a series of direct transcripts of oral conversations conducted with him, giving the whole thing this very idiom-based, Studs-Turkel-like feel. As such, then, some will naturally tire of its Mametesque clipped rhythm and coarse language; but since basement presses are already targeting a small, niche crowd, they can afford to put out books like these with a very specific audience, a title which its fans (like me) will find flabbergasting and delightful in equal turns. It comes recommended in that spirit.
Out of 10: 8.6
This clever book is a good example of what I perhaps like best about what comes from the world of basement presses; for while it's ostensibly the memoirs of a forty-year career sailor, with just as many salty, amazing stories as you would imagine someone in his position would have, it's actually written as a series of direct transcripts of oral conversations conducted with him, giving the whole thing this very idiom-based, Studs-Turkel-like feel. As such, then, some will naturally tire of its Mametesque clipped rhythm and coarse language; but since basement presses are already targeting a small, niche crowd, they can afford to put out books like these with a very specific audience, a title which its fans (like me) will find flabbergasting and delightful in equal turns. It comes recommended in that spirit.
Out of 10: 8.6
December 7, 2011
While nonfiction is a recent fascination of mine, I have to say this book is unlike any other I have read. When I received the book in a Goodreads giveaway, the author told me it would be a bumpy ride. I would like to describe it as a rollercoaster. The storyline has its ups and downs. While many sections had me not wanting to put the book down, other sections were harder for me to get into and really read. My husband is a big history buff and will get a kick out of this book. He started reading sections of it with me and actually grabbed the book out of my hand to read at one point. I believe my favorite parts were where they are being frisked in customs for smuggling and drugs and meeting Omar Sharif. I believe my husband will enjoy this book a lot more than I did. This guy has been to more countries than I knew existed and I bet has meet a lot more interesting people than the book covers. I would LOVE to know how much the signed picture of Omar Sharif the guy's relative has is valued at now! The details of this memoir is AMAZING! I really could picture, in great detail, the events that transpired in this book.
Surprisingly enough, I think I enjoyed this book over my recent read of Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly.
Surprisingly enough, I think I enjoyed this book over my recent read of Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly.
March 19, 2012
Having multiple speech tags in the same sentence is annoying. He says, he says, he says. Yeah, I get it; the same guy is talking the entire time. The book is repetitive and far too long. It pretty much can be summarized in a few words: The guy goes to work sailing, the guy goes to shore and gets drunk, the guy finds a hooker and has sex with her (or some other sexual act). It's the same chapter after chapter. Is it a great read? No. Are there some pretty hilarious parts within it? Yes. Yet, there are simply not enough to be worth your time.
February 9, 2012
What I liked the most about this book, beyond the 40 years of travels, was Ron’s disposition toward the establishment or “ism” as he aptly called it.
So many things in this book rang true to me, not just because I always felt a real aggravation for people telling me what to do (luckily, I usually had my way), but because once I came to this country I was confronted face-to-face with all the things Ron complains about.
I was born in Panama, which since the discovery of America has been a crossroads and peoples of all nations had walked its streets. So, Ron’s recollections of his days through Panama brought nice memories of youngers days.
My only complain about this book is that being the recollections of an old sailor it was at times repetitive. But not so much as to make me stop enjoying it.
True, you can’t read this book in one sit. Although, it’s completely worth the time you could invest doing it. Do it at night, with a cold beer, as the author suggested at the beginning. It might take you several nights, but --trust me-- you will go to bed dreaming of exotic ports and a fulfilled life of adventure.
Ron is not asking you to follow his steps, he’s just sharing his story and prompting you to reach your own conclusions and accomplish your own dreams, whether those include the white picket fence or the French girl waiting for you by the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
By the way, when I left Panama in the summer of 2008, the Blue Goose was still there, servicing gentlemen from all around the world.
I received this book thanks to the RrR program from the Making Connections Group at Goodreads.
So many things in this book rang true to me, not just because I always felt a real aggravation for people telling me what to do (luckily, I usually had my way), but because once I came to this country I was confronted face-to-face with all the things Ron complains about.
I was born in Panama, which since the discovery of America has been a crossroads and peoples of all nations had walked its streets. So, Ron’s recollections of his days through Panama brought nice memories of youngers days.
My only complain about this book is that being the recollections of an old sailor it was at times repetitive. But not so much as to make me stop enjoying it.
True, you can’t read this book in one sit. Although, it’s completely worth the time you could invest doing it. Do it at night, with a cold beer, as the author suggested at the beginning. It might take you several nights, but --trust me-- you will go to bed dreaming of exotic ports and a fulfilled life of adventure.
Ron is not asking you to follow his steps, he’s just sharing his story and prompting you to reach your own conclusions and accomplish your own dreams, whether those include the white picket fence or the French girl waiting for you by the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
By the way, when I left Panama in the summer of 2008, the Blue Goose was still there, servicing gentlemen from all around the world.
I received this book thanks to the RrR program from the Making Connections Group at Goodreads.
May 14, 2012
Relaxed and very conversational book about the high seas adventures of a modern day adventurer. As I now live on the shores on the Graveyard of the Pacific, this was the perfect book to sit and watch the ships head in and out being welcomed into the bosom of the sea some days and tossed to the watery depths of hell on others.
Brutally honest and highly descriptive, you will feel as if you are sharing a pint or two or twelve with the seasoned author. This will put salt in your blood or have you get back in touch with your own hell raising days and adventures.
Offers some rare and unique glimpses into some famous and infamous historical events as well. How many are tall tales? Who knows and who really cares. It is nice to have a book that tosses political correctness overboard and just tells it as it was.
Brutally honest and highly descriptive, you will feel as if you are sharing a pint or two or twelve with the seasoned author. This will put salt in your blood or have you get back in touch with your own hell raising days and adventures.
Offers some rare and unique glimpses into some famous and infamous historical events as well. How many are tall tales? Who knows and who really cares. It is nice to have a book that tosses political correctness overboard and just tells it as it was.
January 29, 2012
I was given this book through Goodreads for review.I took my time with this book. That's something I don't normally do, but I saved a little bit for each night. My Grand Pa was a old career navy chief and this book in many ways took me back to the stories he used to tell me about his overseas shore leaves when my parents weren't around. Crusty as hell and not for the faint of heart but I enjoyed this book all the way through.
February 19, 2012
You may love or hate the rough staccato rhythm that starts off the first few chapters. Whether things smooth out on their own or your brain starts to accept the vaguely English like language after being beaten to a pulp I cannot say without another read through. There seems to be many paths to Ron's observations about life and the world. I'm glad someone made the journey told and extremely happy it was not me. Much like Ron I prefer to get there my own way, albeit a bit more quiet and sober.
My copy of this book was provided by the author.
My copy of this book was provided by the author.
December 8, 2011
The author shares his lifelong adventures at sea in this ambitious novel. It has a little of everything-humor, self-discovery, relationships and loving life.
You are swept along with the author as he reounts his many adventures. The descriptions of his travels to diffent places is insightful. Some people stayed in his life, others did not. But he lived his life the way he wanted with no apologies. It is a great read.
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
You are swept along with the author as he reounts his many adventures. The descriptions of his travels to diffent places is insightful. Some people stayed in his life, others did not. But he lived his life the way he wanted with no apologies. It is a great read.
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
January 31, 2012
I loved the conversational tone of this book; truly like sitting down with this old adventurer and hearing all of his best stories. The pace was a bit back and forth, but overall I couldn't believe how fascinating some of his anecdotes turned out to be!
March 23, 2012
A bit edgy but truthful and written like a storyteller! Enjoyed it and passing it along.
April 4, 2012
As an ex-Navy man, when Robert Jacoby queried POD People about his book, Escaping Reality Without Really Trying, subtitled “40 Years of High Seas Travels and Lowbrow Tales,” I had to request it for review. The book proved to be an interesting read.
The book is the story of “Ronnie,” a 40-year veteran of the US Merchant Marine. It’s written in an extremely conversational tone, as if Ronnie is sitting across the bar from you (if you know Ronnie, this would have to be at a bar, bordello or at least with a bottle in hand) telling you all his old sea stories.
I have to say, Ronnie either has an encyclopedic memory or some kind of log book, because he remembers every ship and every captain he served under. I also have to tell you that Ronnie considers his true occupation as drinking, screwing hookers as a second job, and working on a ship as a hobby. All of this does not make for a tale to be read at your local Sunday School picnic. But then sailors are rarely seen at Sunday School, so it all works out in the end.
As a work of literature, Escaping Reality is somewhat unique. There is no plot, merely a long string of anecdotes of Ronnie and his various escapades. Most of the anecdotes are interesting, including his two weeks as a stowaway on a British merchant ship, sailing into Cambodia while we were bombing it during the Vietnam War, and more shipboard and pier side shenanigans then one can shake a stick at.
I personally found the exhaustive length of the book, well, a bit exhausting. At 526 pages, this is not a quick read. In my personal case, having been to sea as a working mariner myself, I wasn’t terribly shocked or surprised by Ronnie’s exploits. Had I been writing Escaping Reality, I would have made a tighter work. But that’s me, speaking from having done a few of the things Ronnie’s done. If you haven’t been to sea (and no, riding a Carnival Fun Ship does not count) your mileage will vary. If you are interesting in learning what life in the Merchant Marine is really like, or just want to escape your cubicle, then I can highly recommend Escaping Reality.
The book is the story of “Ronnie,” a 40-year veteran of the US Merchant Marine. It’s written in an extremely conversational tone, as if Ronnie is sitting across the bar from you (if you know Ronnie, this would have to be at a bar, bordello or at least with a bottle in hand) telling you all his old sea stories.
I have to say, Ronnie either has an encyclopedic memory or some kind of log book, because he remembers every ship and every captain he served under. I also have to tell you that Ronnie considers his true occupation as drinking, screwing hookers as a second job, and working on a ship as a hobby. All of this does not make for a tale to be read at your local Sunday School picnic. But then sailors are rarely seen at Sunday School, so it all works out in the end.
As a work of literature, Escaping Reality is somewhat unique. There is no plot, merely a long string of anecdotes of Ronnie and his various escapades. Most of the anecdotes are interesting, including his two weeks as a stowaway on a British merchant ship, sailing into Cambodia while we were bombing it during the Vietnam War, and more shipboard and pier side shenanigans then one can shake a stick at.
I personally found the exhaustive length of the book, well, a bit exhausting. At 526 pages, this is not a quick read. In my personal case, having been to sea as a working mariner myself, I wasn’t terribly shocked or surprised by Ronnie’s exploits. Had I been writing Escaping Reality, I would have made a tighter work. But that’s me, speaking from having done a few of the things Ronnie’s done. If you haven’t been to sea (and no, riding a Carnival Fun Ship does not count) your mileage will vary. If you are interesting in learning what life in the Merchant Marine is really like, or just want to escape your cubicle, then I can highly recommend Escaping Reality.
August 2, 2013
Postmodern men are challenged in their humanity by the twin losses of adventure and uncertainty.
For most worker-bees in the real world, "adventure" is expressed on weekends at the game console, or the park, or the mall (in addition to two weeks per year of hermetically-sealed vacation). The lives of postmodern men are pre-planned: the prime of life is to be spent inside the four corners of a cubicle. Life insurance is just another quarterly expense. Any nascent urge to fight or fly away from this arrangement must be suppressed. Responsibilities must be undertaken for the long-term.
That fairly describes much of the working-age population on the treadmill economy.
Now think of Ronnie as standing at the crossroads of that treadmill. And he's offering you an alternate-reality sandwich.
"Let's face facts," Ron begins. "I'm not a father figure. Or, maybe I am."
Ronnie is a retired merchant marine, and he tells his story himself. His steeltrap narrative reveals a crusty personality, and recounts the experiences of his life at sea and at ports of call around the globe.
Chapters are divided by voyages aboard this or that merchant marine vessel.
"But it was a good run. Back down the west coast of South America. You talk about just the idiot's delight again, here we go. Back down to Cartagena, Buenaventura, Panama, down to Lima, this was a great run. Plenty of women, plenty of booze, nobody cared. Money was good, it was the higher rate, cuz these was still subsidized vessels."
That's about the size of it. No marriage. No mortgage. The only contract Ronnie ever signed was with his employer. And that changed on his terms.
Ronnie's life reads something like a map, showing a comparative path not taken. "Escaping from Reality Without Really Trying" is a journey to the heart of an alternate and older reality: a world without walls or fences.
Enjoy your sandwich.
For most worker-bees in the real world, "adventure" is expressed on weekends at the game console, or the park, or the mall (in addition to two weeks per year of hermetically-sealed vacation). The lives of postmodern men are pre-planned: the prime of life is to be spent inside the four corners of a cubicle. Life insurance is just another quarterly expense. Any nascent urge to fight or fly away from this arrangement must be suppressed. Responsibilities must be undertaken for the long-term.
That fairly describes much of the working-age population on the treadmill economy.
Now think of Ronnie as standing at the crossroads of that treadmill. And he's offering you an alternate-reality sandwich.
"Let's face facts," Ron begins. "I'm not a father figure. Or, maybe I am."
Ronnie is a retired merchant marine, and he tells his story himself. His steeltrap narrative reveals a crusty personality, and recounts the experiences of his life at sea and at ports of call around the globe.
Chapters are divided by voyages aboard this or that merchant marine vessel.
"But it was a good run. Back down the west coast of South America. You talk about just the idiot's delight again, here we go. Back down to Cartagena, Buenaventura, Panama, down to Lima, this was a great run. Plenty of women, plenty of booze, nobody cared. Money was good, it was the higher rate, cuz these was still subsidized vessels."
That's about the size of it. No marriage. No mortgage. The only contract Ronnie ever signed was with his employer. And that changed on his terms.
Ronnie's life reads something like a map, showing a comparative path not taken. "Escaping from Reality Without Really Trying" is a journey to the heart of an alternate and older reality: a world without walls or fences.
Enjoy your sandwich.
September 23, 2017
Totally agree with other less glowing reviews here. Someone made the same observation on Amazon, and the auther actually made some butt-hurt response with "You didn't think it was noteworthy that he was in Laos even though we weren't officially at war with them?". I slogged through about half the book and came to the same conclusion that you did: So the guy goes to all of these exotic ports of call.....and does the same exact thing: gets drunk and whores around. Like you couldn't do that on dry land. Boring in the extreme.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews