A modern-day Huck Finn, Buck casts off down the river accompanied by an eccentric crew of daring shipmates. Over the course of his voyage, Buck steers his fragile wooden craft through narrow channels dominated by massive cargo barges, rescues his first mate gone overboard, sails blindly through fog, clashes with overzealous period reenactors, and much more. In addition, he charts his own geographical and emotional journey while also delivering a richly...

Praised as a riveting adventure tale, loopy travelogue, and powerful family memoir in one ingeniously crafted package (Harry Stein, "One of the good Guys"), this beautiful memoir tells an enchanting story of youthful accomplishment.