Black Wave: A Family's Adventure at Sea and the Disaster That Saved Them (Library Edition)

John Silverwood lives in California with his wife, Jean, and their four children.

"The jaw-dropping true tale of the Silverwood family and their awe-inspiring survival when faced with the most harrowing of events on the high seas is a truly remarkable account. Carrington Macduffie and Joe Barrett bring this story to life, capturing the tense journey down to the slightest detail in these realistic readings...both performances are earnest and raw, allowing the listeners to ebb and flow with the story as if they were tucked away on the Silverwood's fifty-foot catamaran."

Carrington MacDuffie expresses Jean's excitement at global scenic spots, her pride in son Ben's growing maturity, and her disappointment at her husband's slips from sobriety. Joe Barrett, as John, picks up the story with the aftermath of the crash...Both narrators deliver foreign accents well, and their dual reading makes this loosely organized adventure tale special.

MacDuffie narrates Jean's story, the loving wife, frustrated spouse, kind and often bemused mother, and always a strong woman trying to protect and love her family even in the most desperate straits. Barrett's gruff voice is perfect for the rugged, handsome John who can burst into pirate lingo at one moment and describe his near death experience and his acknowledgement of dependence on his family at another. Together their narration creates a story that everyone in the family can relate to.

Wisely, [the Silverwoods] focus not only on the natural wonders experienced on their marathon journey, but on the small everyday matters: meal preparations, the kids' home schooling at sea, mechanical problems with the boat. These close-up, authentic details enrich a story that works on many levels-as intimate family portrait, colorful travelogue, and high-seas drama.