Dove

• #6 in Best Sailing Books

71 Reviews

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Years ago, when I was growing up, I read the account of Robin Lee Graham as the young man who sailed around the world alone, and also got married along the way, in three installments of the National Geographic, circa 1965-1970. These articles so affected me that I also wanted to sail around the world. However, as I read this book it soon became apparent to me that this book is also an account of a true life love story, between Robin and Patti, both with simple values and needs, in sharp contrast to most people who are primarily concerned with money and social status. They were deep in love and would, and did, do anything for each other.

Robin alone, and later with Patti, sailed to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, I think they must have enough memories for 20 lifetimes. The writing style makes you feel that you are right there with them.

The pictures included in this book are poor black and white, but as I remember, the National Geographic articles included excellent color photographs, it would do you well to find those issues.

As for me, I never did get to sail around the world, a little thing called life intervened, the grind and all that! I did take a sailing class through a local university in the summer of '77, even got an "A" in the class, but this pales in comparison to the daring sailing of Robin Graham. Sometimes, during trips to Florida I gaze at ocean-going yachts at wharfs, and yes, the dream is still alive, thanks to Dove

I read DOVE in 1973, shortly after it was published, and I will eternally thank Robin Lee Graham for introducing me to the sailing life! As a boy not much younger than Graham himself I was captivated by his story, by his daring in taking a 24-foot sloop across trackless oceans, by his exotic ports of call, and by the romance which fueled his ambition.

Robin Lee Graham was like a lot of baby boomers, but when he dropped out at age 16, he dropped into exotic places like Fanning Island, Papeetee, and the Indian Ocean. More travelogue than sailing guide, DOVE gave it's readers glimpses of places rarely visited and virtually unknown at the time. Thirty years later in the Internet and Cellular World it's hard to picture just how far-flung Graham's travels really were. Graham sailed three-quarters of the way around the world without a 2-way radio, and without SatNav, GPS, Loran, EPIRB, or even a real life raft, in a boat barely bigger than a bedroom. He finished the trip in a slightly larger, better equipped boat.

Graham was a reluctant sailor who was happiest ashore with his wife, Patti (who he met along the way in Fiji). Revisiting DOVE, I found that Graham felt overly pressured (by his father and by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, both of which were financing the trip) to complete the circumnavigation. His strongest motivation to sail on was his wife, who played global hopscotch to stay always one port of call in the future. His best reminiscences always include her.

Graham closed the circle, but I had to wonder if he would not have been happier, like Moitessier, just to sail off into the sunset and find his own way.

I first read Robin Lee Graham's account as it was printed in installments in National Geographic at the time of his voyage more than three decades ago. I was a few years younger than he, and fascinated by the narrative and photos of his exploits.
It was very good to find this book recently and revisit his story. This book is of course an expanded account, a lengthier chronicle of his voyage. Also a more frank account; in those days, journalism observed proprieties, and Robin's relationship with Patti was portrayed by National Geographic as more G-rated than it was. (Not that the book is explicit -- Robin simply makes it clear that he and Patti lived together for periods during his journey, and considered themselves to be married before they had an official wedding ceremony).
The book ends with Robin's account of the newlyweds, with young daughter in tow, moving to the woods of Montana to live a "simpler life". I must confess that the cynic in me was certain that they must have run into reality at some point and separated. But I was pleasantly surprised to find some articles on the web that indicated they are still married, with their two children grown and gone, and still living in Montana. In fact, I sugggest you go to Google Images and search for "robin patti graham". You will find a photo, taken just a few years ago, of a grey-bearded but smiling Robin Lee Graham, and beside him Patti -- who, despite being middle-aged, retains the blonde good looks that attracted Robin to her when they met in Tahiti about 40 years ago. There is a passage in this book where Patti asks Robin if he will still love her when she's 64. This photo provides a wonderful postscript to that passage.

Lately I've been reading books about great sea adventures, some of which for the second or third time. Among them are Robin Lee Graham's Dove, the story of his journey around the world in a 24 foot sloop begun when he was only sixteen. Also, Joshua Slocum's classic adventure Sailing Alone Around the World. Just now I'm reading Apsley Cherry-Garard's The Worst Journey In the World, named by National Geographic last year as one of the greatest adventure stories ever written. I am drawn to this genre because of my work and travels in more than 80 countries and my journey around the world in 1999, most of the way as a lone passenger aboard a modern freighter. It is to Robin Lee Graham's credit that his book is now still in print for 31 years and that it is among the classics recommended in home schooling for young adults. In the last chapter of the book, still uncertain of his future, he writes that he and his young wife, Patti, begin to read the Bible together: "Our finding a belief in God - becoming Christians - was a slow thing.... We want to work out our lives in the way God intended us to. In reading the Bible together we were fascinated by the prophecies made two thousand years and more ago, prophecies which seemed to be coming true, like the Jews returning to their own country. We have no idea where these new thoughts and ideas and practices will take us.... But we are open to whatever direction God will give us. Our belief is simple. It is the belief that so many of our own generation are discovering - a belief that God isn't dead as some of the older generation have told us. In a world that seems to be going crazy we are learning that Jesus showed men the only way they should live - the way we were meant to live." Graham's voyage brought him immense intangible wealth -- a companion for life and the wisdom of discovering a Shepherd for all eternity. Highly recommended. ...

I read this book for a class. Weve read a few books on sailing alone around the world, and I have to say, I enjoyed this one the most. It goes in depth on the loneliness of the voyage. It's not only about sailing but about the love of two people that defies time and distance, and a father who would do anything for his son. All in all, I think it is definatly a book worth reading.

Robin L. Graham lived the dream that over half of us have wanted to do. He sailed around the world. I first started following this story back when reading National Geographic a few decades past. I ran across this book and it was better than the thin National Geographic articles.

Along with being a roaringly great story, a person just does not really comprehend how hard it is to sail around the world. This reviewer knows something about reading a map. Robin makes navigation, a fairly hard and critical skill, seem easy. Example, his sailing from California to Hawaii is a shake down cruise. Then after the first leg of the trip he sails from Hawaii to American Samoa, a voyage of over 2000 miles. A navagation error of only a half a degree would have left Dove miles from her destination. Robin does the navigation and does not think twice of it. This kid has talent. Robin does it all with a sextant, charts, and a chronograph. Who needs GPS? He even invents a simple auto pilot for the boat. If Robin had made the trip today he would have job offers from a half dozen firms.

Robin visits lots of local cultures. It's great. He is just some skinny American kid, not at all like the more numerous soldiers and sailors found in that area at the time. He blends in seamlessly with the local people.

Robin gives lots of sailor's lore. Dove loses her main mast. So Robin has it replaced but he neglects to put a coin at the bottom of the mast. Sure enough Dove loses her main mast in another storm. On mast mark III there is a coin. It might be superstition but to be de-masted in the middle of the ocean is not a fun experence.

I didn't mind the love story. It gives something for Robin to dream of while going from port to port. It does not overpower the story like many other romances tends to do.

I liked this story. This is the sort of light book I wish high school English teachers would use in their classes. The romance would appeal to the girls. The boys would love the action. The parents would not mind the PG rating, if the book had one on its cover.

Dove is a good tale of the sea. Non-sailors will learn a lot. You get to have a good exposure to other cultures by a non-judgemental American.

This kid had a "whale of a good time". I highly recommend this book. The only bad thing is after reading this book I ran out and bought a small 22' sloop for sailing in the Great Lakes.

I envy Robin. He had a great time. Dear Amazon.com Reader, you'll enjoy this book.

Dove is an absolutely encouraging book about a 16 year old boy (just like me) that sailed around the world in a tiny sailboat. It is not only a book for people who fancy sailing, in fact it is rather a love story than a traveller's account, because he meets a girl (Patti) in the Fiji Islands, falls in love with her and marries in Durban, Africa. However, the story is fascinating, motivating and vivid (you can realize and feel just what Robin was feeling). He accounts the fears he encounters, together with the desperation and harsh loneliness that he struggles against because of the fact that patti wasn't with him during the circumnavigation.
It is a good book that I find quite immature because Robin went into the wild seas not even with a GPS, cell phone or Internet, which now a days we take for granted. All the same, the boy's attitude is a highly positive one, full of bravery and that should serve as an example for the future generations to go.
I've read that in some reviews, the reviewers succesfully contacted Robin Lee Graham. Then, i would really appreciate it if somebody tells me something about his current life.
**I'm sorry for the mistakes, because i'm a Spanish speaker.**

I appreciated "Dove" more for its down-to-earth approach to Robin's otherwise romanticized adventure than for the sailing content (in that respect, Moitessier's "The long way" still remains the soul sailor's bible, I guess). Robin's recurring loneliness and his father's attitude towards the trip (and, ultimately, towards his son's life) somehow took the wind of my sails as far as the magic of his story is concerned. When reading about the voyage in the National Geographic, I had the feeling he was much happier and self confident than the book actually sugests. Seems to me now that upon his arrival, and in spite of all the good memories, Robin was more like a survivor of his father's ambitions than a happy boy who pursued and fulfilled his dreams around the globe (as he corageoulsy admits, were it for his own will, the trip would have come to an end way before it did...). At any rate, the account is inspiring, the story has its own special beauty, and the message is a very positive one. Besides, it shows that if beauty is only skin deep, than a saylor's happines can more than often be tide pool deep. Good reading for any Slocum-to-be.

P.S. Like many othe readers, I too am curious to know of their whereabouts these days.

Dove is an incredible book. A 16 year old going around the world alone! Although he does find a girl named Patti on the way. Patti and Robin eventually married. Robin's parents had different thoughts about the voyage. His mother didn't want Robin to go, she even sent out helicopters to go after the brave minor! Robin's father had a different perspective of the idea. He was all for it! He thought that Robin should foolow his dream, which is sailing. I hope that you have enjoyed my summary. I highly recommend the book to kids 11 and older. Anyone younger might not understand. I hope that you read the book Dove very soon.

Get ready for an adventure, because in DOVE, Robin Lee Graham
Will take you into the life of a young man who in his little boat
That he will use to sail around the world.

This goy was outgoing, and set out to look for
adventure and love. Little did he know, this boy from San Pedro,
California, was about to make history. He will have to make many
Sacrifices, which for a while was bad.


Many people doubted him, but Robin was serious about
this trip. He also had many people supporting him. This lone
Sailor will face many obstacles at sea.

Follow Robin to places like Tahiti, Ala Wia, Hawaii,
Tutila, Apia, Tonga Islands, Florida Islands, South Africa ect.

So grab your gear, because in this trip, you will discover
The good, the bad and the better of sailing.


So come on, you can experience the unforgettable true
Life story of Robin Lee Graham only when you read DOVE.

Any book that someone writes about sailing around the world can't be bad. I thought it was a pretty good story but not the best. Later in his life he moves to the middle of the North American continent & is nowhere near the ocean. I think he doesn't love the ocean like most other circumnavigator's. That said it is still an incredible journey for someone so young to undertake. A better book is Maiden Voyage, by Tania Aebi.

Robin and Patti's incredible story goes way beyond sailing. In fact, as a reader, you may never have stepped foot on a sail boat, but none the less, their story will take you away to incredible places. Obvious places like Fiji and South Africa. But more than that, the book will take you away to places in your own heart and soul and mind. Places like perseverance, courage, hope, and even loneliness, at times. The book helps readers of all ages understand our own days on our own seas. A whole new generation is discovering this extraordinary story told so honestly by a young mind and with a spirit of great adventure. If you elect to read just one book this year, read this one. You will treasure it among your favorites. -- Dick Stafford

Dove is a true story of a 16-year-old boy named Robin Graham who sailed around the world in a 24-foot sailboat. Robin is a wealthy California boy who dislikes society life and would much rather go on sailing adventures to explore different cultures. He follows his dream of sailing around the world, but does not expect the intense loneliness or treacherous weather that would plague him. Neither does he expect the delight of visiting the natural world and making lifelong friendships.
Dove is a well-written and easy to read book. Graham applies imagery and description to give the reader a clear image of the events. He also adds a touch of his personal teenage humor, which makes this book great for youth or adults. Unfortunately, he does not clearly define his sailing terms so I, not having any sailing experience, was left to consult a dictionary. I also felt he could have expressed more of his emotions rather than blandly describing them. Overall, Dove is an engaging tale of humor, adventure and romance, and it will inspire you to follow your dreams and to live your life to the fullest.

I must have read Dove five times as a teenager. I loved the true life adventure of someone my age. Robin's story increased my love of adventure, sailing and the sea. His search for truth and desire too read all the important books inspired me. I too read the Bible and saw truth, truth that was missing from my dead church background.

Later, I re-read Dove as an adult. I found Robin's life immature and impetuous. But, what did I expect from a California teenager from the 60's? I still appreciate his impact on my life and consider Robin Lee Graham one of my life heros. He has flaws like every human. He overcame them in a way that everyone can learn from. "Home is the Sailor" is a good follow up to fill out his story. Incidentally, as of a couple of years ago, he still lived in Montana.

I too have read and re-read this book and agree with Robin's view of American life. For those above who wonder what happened to Robin and his family, read the sequel: HOME IS THE SAILOR. It is not widely published but with some searching you will find it--well worth the read. It continues Robin and Patti's way of life, but on land, in Montana. P.S. It's good to hear from those of like mind! Drop me a line and let me know how you liked the SEQUEL!

If you are looking for an example of courage to follow, this is it. I can think of no better account of what a single human spirit is capable of.

I came upon this book while on the hunt for something to use with my students during our nonfiction section. I purchased an older copy that had the 64 pages of color photographs which I would suggest to anyone who is looking to buy this book.

I loved this story! What an inspirational tale of a young boy with an ambition. His descriptions of the places he saw and the food he ate are so vivid and detailed. His dealings with loneliness and what it would be like to spend months by yourself are concepts that I hadn't even contemplated when it came to this topic. As a Christian the idea that seeing all the beauty the world offers, the compassion of people, and having the time to read the Bible and truly absorb it also led to Robin turning from his aetheist ways, is also a great message. We're left at the end not exactly sure where life is going for Robin and his family, but certain that not matter what they will always remain true to themselves and treat nature and man with the utmost of respect.

i read this book in high school, and i loved it. after reading it, i went to my mom's shelf of every single national geographic ever put out, and found the articles on Robin there. then i found other books "the boy who sailed around the world alone" same story - better photos.

i now have one or two copies of each one, including the hardback, and the movie. (the movie not near as good as the book.) then there is the sequel, "home is the sailor", about their life after the Dove. very interesting, as well.

i buy any Doves that i see at yard sales. i give them to my kids and my kid's friends. one of my paperbacks is now on a sailboat somewhere off France, my daughter's friend Noah, borrowed it.

once, long ago, i wrote to Robin and his wife, Patty, and i got a letter back from Patty - that was cool! she said, "come visit anytime!" that was 10 years ago - wonder if i can still show up?

my man, Norman is a sailor, he loves all the sailing stuff in the book. i just love the adventure and the love story. ahhh, to live on a boat and piddle around warm tropical islands... then, there are the tough times, Robin's despair, the glory, the defeat. but in the end - he WAS the boy who sailed around the world alone.

i'd have to say, this is my favorite book ever.

Robin Graham's account of his voyage
around the world in a small boat
is responsible for many a youngster
(and a few not-so-youngsters!)
chucking their jobs and sailing away to paradise.
The stuff of dreams, this voyage is narrated
by a courageous, insightful, and articulate sailor.
You won't be trading this book in
when you visit your local used book store!
It's a keeper.

I read this book as a fourteen year old and it's one of my favorite books of all time. I hope eventually to see a bit of the world before I get old,like Robin did.( even if it's on a cruise ship.) With so much negative, gloomy crap on the market, it's nice to know that earnest, unironic accounts of a life fully lived still exist. I'm curious to know what Robin is doing now. I wouldn't mind a follow up of some sort.

The book goes like this; I miss Patti; goes to a port; Patti!; leaves port; I miss Patti; goes to a port; I miss Patti more!; Goes to next port; Patti!. Repeat this through thirteen chapters and that is the book.

When I read this book back in the 70's, I was filled with sheer admiration for this young man. Here was a wonderful tale of a sixteen year old boy who set off around the World on a 23 foot sail boat. There was none of the hype that surrounds such ventures nowadays. Robin didn't seek publicity and sponsorship. He was a brave and honest young man who grew up on a venture the majority of us would never dream of taking, he had guts. The voyage had trememdous hardships and delightful romance. I have read and re read this book and still bring out my tattered copy when I need some inspitation. My three sons have all read it at some time or another and my parents were delighted to read about a young man who asked nothing of society for himself, but simply went out and "did his thing". Robin's voyage is an inspiration and the life he and Patty choce for themselves after the voyage was one of spirituality and hope. Thank you Robin. I would love to know what happened to them and where are they now?

This non fiction story is filled with interesting adventure. A young boy setting off to sail the world. Finding new friendships, discovering beautiful places and falling in love with a girl that was raised not too far from his home in the U.S., yet met half way around the world. A very good read.

This was a very interesting book written by a man who at the age of 16 decided to sail around the world alone. The book describes his journeys and his feelings as he experienced life alone.
I believe this book is suitable for 8th through 12th graders based on conservative views of a parent. There is the use of swearing in the book so be aware of this before hand. I did appreciate the fact that the Lord Jesus led Robin to Him through his experiences. Would be interested to know how the family is doing now.

All around, Dove was a pretty good book. It was basically about this sixteen year old boy who loves boats. He takes a trip around the world to see what people and their different cultures are like. Even though he was in love with sailing, he did not really know the dangerous things that could happen to him while he was on his adventure. The protagonist of the story is obviously the boy(Robin Graham, because he was the main character. For the theme of this story, I would say that " Dont judge a book by its cover", would be one that makes a lot of sense. Another book that I would also reccomend would be Maiden Voyage, by Tania Aebi. This is what I thought about the book " Dove." Once again, it was a great read.

My mother gave me this book 2 months after starting sailing in a tiny boat age 11. I had no idea aboat ocean sailing and had never left the British Isles. Robin inspired me. From that moment on although I hadn't realised it I was following a different path. Now 15 years later I have left the office behind and work as a professional sailor on a tropical island.

Yes, Dove is written in a simple style, but that shouldn't detract from your reading pleasure. Robin paints wonderful pictures - you just let your imagination fill in the spaces.

Parents: I recommend passing this to your children, just be aware of what may happen!

I found Dove, a memoir of a 15 year old who travels around the world in a boat, an extremely poor-written, dull book.

Of course memoirs are not the best books on earth, but the author's writing style was dry and immature. For example, Graham uses the word "weird" about three times in one chapter. There is almost no emotion in this book; the author for the better part of Dove tells about where he went, what the scenery was, and about the natives of each country. The only central characters in the story are himself and his young love, Patti. The love story between Robin and Patti seemed to me very drawn-out and surprisingly dull. All the while, the author still could not tell his story in a way that might make me care about him and Patti.

If you are interested in reading a book about a boy's naive, incorrect views of the world and about some so-and-so girl he meets, read this book. If you're interested in something well written, steer clear of this memoir.

A very interesting book. I enjoyed the adventure very much, especially the love story. It was somewhat difficult not to see Robin as a spoiled rich kid though. Let's face it, how many fathers could afford to spend $8000 on a boat for a 16 year old in 1967. That was a pretty good fraction of a years salery for a well paid professional at the time.

Still, there's no denying that Robin handled "the rough spots" on his own. I get the impression that Robin was (is) a person that had experienced wealth and rejected it for the freedom that doing without can bring.

This book is a very good book for young, and old sailors alike, to read. If you understand sailing language and like the ocean and its atmospheree you will surely love this book. It tells the life story of a boy and his love of the ocean and sailing as well as a real life love story.

If you like sailing, traveling, and love, you will absoluttely love this book.

Many people fantasize about a fantanstic adventure yet very few have the courage to follow their heart and actually embark on the journey. This is the story of one young man who sailed a small boat around the world, facing all of the uncertainty, risks and amazing rewards one might encounter and discover on such a trip. Great story to read to children emphasizing independence and courage.

I think that Dove by Robing Lee Grahm is a good book and sets a good example about courage and bravery. If you put your mind to it you can do anything you want and I think that this book says that.

I have to say the book "The Dove" is far the BEST book I've ever read. The Dove is about a 16 year old boy who's looking for a goal in life. He decides that he is going to atempt to sail around the world. During his journey he meets a lady (Who he later marries),named Patti. The only thing wrong with the story is the excess amount of sequence, but, its really doesn't matter because this is a true story and it really happened. I thought this book was great, anyone who enjoys adventures, or enjoys the sea this is certainly the right book for you.

Dove is a book that you can enjoy because it has a little bit of everything. A touch of romance, a touch of adventure, a touch of courage, and a little bit of everything. It is about a boy, Robin Lee Graham and the author is Robin Lee Graham.

A fantastic experience & adventure glibly and diplomatically told. The "meet Patti, in love, go sailing, miss Patti, at next port write to Patti, still miss Patti, at next port meet Patti..." theme is a bit repetitive but realistic for a lonely romantic teenager. More details of personal conflicts and thoughts would have been good, as would more technical detail. But all the same it is an inspiring and interesting read, and Robin Graham is to be congratulated for sharing his story with us.

This is a story about a 16-year-old boy who sails solo around the world in about 5 years. It is very well written and gives a very good account of the struggles and triumphs that he encountered on his long voyage. I enjoyed the descriptions of the people and places that he visited during his journey. Another very enjoyable part of the book is when he meets his wife-to-be. It was really great reading about the two of them getting to know each other, sharing their lives with each other, and making future plans (hopefully they're still together). The book does not end with the journey; it continues on to tell of Robin's acclimatization back to "civilized" society; I found this very interesting as well. It was great reading about how God influenced his life and finally drew him and his wife to Himself at the end of the voyage. Robin is probably in his late 40's now. I wonder where he is these days. I wouldn't mind making a permanent visit to one of the many South Pacific Islands he wrote about...

One of the true great adventures of our time. A great read for all of us 'Walter Mitty' types who dream of doing such things but never find the time or have the ability or courage to do so. A wonderful story.

My father gave me this book when I was 16 and I loved it. Totally inspired me to travel. I asked my father for his boat when I finished the book but helas he didn't hand it over! He did however buy me a ticket around the world at 22yrs old and I spent a year and a half traveling around the world alone... London to London west. While I didn't sail, it was still an amazing trip, an incredible education and now back at work now saving for my boat. :-)

A good read for sailors, & would be circumnavigators.

This book is truly wonderful. It is as much about people, places, and love, as it is about sailing. I feel as if I was let into the deepest part of someone's soul - to share private, happy memories. Robin - if you read these reviews - thank you for writing the book. I have never read a book twice, and have never cried at a book, until I read DOVE. In the next publishing of the DOVE- I would love to read a summary of what happened to you and your family in the following years.

This was the one book that captured me as a teenager. I must have read it 5 times. It caused me to love sailing and adventure both real and in the form of travel writing.

I re-read it as an adult a few years ago and was struck by how immature the book, and Robin, was. But, it is a book of growth. Read his sequel "Home is the Sailor" to continue his journey into manhood and his spiritual quest.

I'm in 7th grade and i read this book for my ID (Geodraphy & L. Arts) class. It is a very fun class and my teachers are very nice. This book is about a boy that is 16 yrs old and he sails around the world in a sloop named Dove. I only recommend this book if you like sailing and storms. These are the reasons why I don't like this book that much. My teachers love it. Each table has a chapter to do a project and our group did chapter 7. I liked the culture of South Africa. It is cool

I am in a 7th grade interdiplisenary class and we read the book DOVE. I thought it was an ok book. i can understand why it is not so good though, this author was not experienced. I am not very in to auto-biographies, so that is why. But other people's opinions differ and a lot of other people say it was a very good book.

Hello my name is Alexis and I go to Sycamore Jr. High School in Cincinnait, Ohio. When our joined classes read the book DOVE I thought it was great. Each group would read a chapter and then would explain it to the class. We used a very hands-on methed to try to learn abot Robin and his trip around the world in a 24-foot sloop. {the boat the he used} It was fun to learn about someone so close to our own ages to do something so brave! In his marvelous adventure, he learns about love, loss, and many truely incredibel experiences. I only wish that I could be as brave as him!

I really enjoyed this book. I am in an Interdisiplinary class, and we did a project on the book. I really learned a lot about the different countries and their cultures. I really got a feel for where Robin was during the book and what he was doing. I think that it was very well written and very detailed. I wish I had as much courage as Robin did to sail around the world!

A great start to finish. A continous era of superlitves.Fantastic cliffhangers. Anyone who loves the sea, adventure, or romance will read it over and over.

I think the book was cool and sad and even funney at times

I just started reading the book Dove in my Id class, once I picked it up I couldn't stop reading it but I had to because of further class assignments. So if you pick up the book and start reading it and don't like it then I suggest that you keep going because the farther u read the better it gets!

I have been using Dove as a nonfiction novel in my interdisciplinary LA/Geography classroom for several years. It is used as the introduction to the class at the beginning of the school year. My students are 7th graders. They have a positive response to Dove and the movie. Let me know if anyone does something similiar. I have great ideas for guest speakers and field trips. My partner and I have a whole unit planned and are always looking for new ideas. My students would love to know what Robin is currently doing. We've written him but haven't gotten a response.

I first read the book when I was sixteen(the same age as Robin) and it has always given me something to aspire to. Like many people, I would love to know what he and Patti are doing now.

This book is about a 16 year old boy who takes off to sail around the world in a 23ft sail bout. Along this journy he fails in love with a butiful girl named patti. A lot of thing happin on this jounry like when he starts holusinating and gets hit by a frater but thats only a few things. This book is definetly the best book ive ever read its a rolercouster ride of amotions i would advise everybody to read it

A autobiographical acount of Robin Lee Graham's record-breaking solo trip around the world in a 23' sailboat. As a sailor I found it spectacular. An easy reading and whimsical story that will wrap you up and have you turning the last page before you put it down.

I read the book the Dove for a class assignment. I got more out of it than i expected. I think of course it could have been a little better but, to keep with the positive things. I really enjoy hearing about someone who takes life, grabs a hold and goes where one can. I mean we need to grasp it now before it's gone. The book displays someone who feels the same. I enjoyed it, and I recommend it to readers of all ages!

Dove is a book that you can enjoy because it has a little bit of everything. A touch of romance, a touch of adventure, a touch of courage, and a little bit of everything. It is about a boy, Robin Lee Graham and the author is Robin Lee Graham.

After reading Dove, I signed up at a local sailing club and am learning this fine art. The adventure and excitement that Robin Graham brings you through will inspire anyone, any age, to pursue his/her dreams.

The emotional challenges, and the physical adventure that Robin Graham lived are extremely well told and captivating. What makes it even more special, is that it is true. I would like to order this in German for my cousin.

"Dove" is honestly the best book I have ever read. Although I am only 14, it still amazes me. Robin Lee Graham did such an incredible thing. This book is just so wonderful. It deserves more than 5 stars. I think it should have infinity stars! I am just curious to know if anyone knows what happened to Robin and Patti. Do they still live in Montana? What is Quimby doing? Is there a sequel to this book...or can I find this information anywhere?

Hello again everyone. I've recieved more responses to my previous review than I ever could have hoped for - in fact I didn't really expect any, maybe one if I was lucky. However, I've got letters from about 15 different people so far. It's such a fantastic surprise to discover such a good way to get in touch with others who share this sea-born wanderlust. Who would ever have thought that Robin Graham would continue to inspire people this many years later? I'm creeping ever closer to that sail into the sunset, things are coming along splendidly. Please continue to write, and thank you to those who already have.

This book is a one of a kind book. I think if I could do any thing in the world, or my life, it would do what he did exporling; the world with cats, and a boat, with the occational humman conpanion. If I did what he did though, I think the lonnliness would get to me more. So I would want my mom with me, because she wants to sail arond the world one day and I really want to go with her. He went to so many dream like places and by just discribing them, it seems like there is really paridise on earth, if you look hard enough...

I just got Dove from my school's library today and have already finished it! I could not put it down for a second until I was done. I am a scuba diver and have only dreamed of going to all the places that Robin visited. I read one of the reviews that said there is a sequel to Dove and I can't wait to read it. This is a very special book and I know that I will read it over and over again.

I read this book when I was a child myself. I vividly remember how I turned each page of this marvelous book and anticipated what was in store for me. I am now 30 years old and the images, memory and wonder of "Dove" are with me still....

Dove, is the perfect book for those of us who like adventure and have a craving to know whats out there beyond our city or country. The travels of Robin L. Graham of sailing around the world in a small boat, are entertainning and inspirational. You don't have to know a single thing about sailing to read this book, is not a book about how to measure distances in the sea, but how it is to find one self outhere, alone and confront the hardships of a rough sea. Excellent book, won't bore you at all!

This non-fiction book is truly the best book ever written. It made me open my eyes and it made me focus on todays society. We're living in a crazy world today, and I've pretty much had it with the system. Robin inspired me so much with his book, that I've decided to by a boat too. (I'm only 19 !). It's not only a love story, it's a contribution to life,to nature and to mankind. Money means so much today......too much, but it seems as if nobody wants to realize. Have a nice life !!!!!!!! I'm heading for the roaring forties !

'The Dove' is a great story about a boy falling in love while sailing around the world. Robin Lee Graham takes us into his boat and life and shows us his adventures and problems about love and sailing around the world. A great story for all ages.

there are still frontiers to explore and this should bring out the explorer in us all. A book about faith,hope and of truth..plus a pretty darn good sailing adventure

Years ago, when I confessed to my girlfriend that I wanted to sail around the world, she gave me this book and said "Read this first." I did, and fortunately for me, it not only gave me a sense of the gravity of my intentions, but it fueled my ardor. It made me realize that the sea is not a playground, but it can be a place to find one's soul.

This has got to be THE best non-fiction book I have ever read. Truly a work of genius. I could not believe how much Mr. Graham had gone through making this trip. I espesially like how some of the most frivilous things and thoughts and Ideas were left in the book, it just made the mood even more enjoyable. Being a sailor myself, I really understand the technical aspects, and my girlfriend loved it even though she is not a sailor, truly this is a book for anyone with a mind for adventure.

this will stand as my all time favorite for a long time, and the only book i have ever been able to read multiple times. i read it when i feel like i don't know which direction i am heading. what robin did made me want to sail the world too. the love story between he and patty was not only inspirational but enviable. i hope to someday marry in the same fashion. i know they have a daughter, quimby, but what has happened to them, does robin still sail, and do they have any more kids?? i woukld love to find out where they live etc.

I'm an ESL student in Norwalk Communnity T. College and I had to read Dove as an assinment. That was an excellent opportunity for me to learn about nature and life's experience. I'd like to congratulate Robin and his wife for sharing his experiences with other people by publiching this wonderful book

I first read this book soon after its original release in the 1970s. It inspired me then, and was equally inspiring when I recently reread it before passing it on to my teenaged daughter. I'd be very interested in knowing what became of Robin and Patricia Graham, and what they are doing today

Dove keeps you turning pages and wondering why you work a day job. This tale made me realize that everything has not yet been discovered or destroyed. Their are still enchanted lands and places untouched by modern civilization. An excellent tale. Not recommended for the career motivated individual.