The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway

My husband and I decided that we would get into a sea faring mood while driving the four hour drive to the beach from our land locked home by listening to an audiobook over our radio. We chose Hemingway's "The old man and the sea". I was familiar with Hemingway's famously masculine writing style, but this was my husband's first encounter. It was a great choice for the drive. The story follows an old fisherman who after a bout of bad luck decides he will take himself, alone, far out into the ocean in pursuit of bigger fish and better fortune. He hooks a wildly large fish and must endure great suffering by the will of strong minded perseverance to bring back his great catch. Old, alone, and facing many obstacles he must use his wit and his willingness to keep going in order to survive the adventure. Facing exhaustion, sharks, and lack of provisions the old man shows great endurance and Hemingway has an excellent opportunity to outline what he feels defines a true man. There are so many quotable moments in this story,

"But man is not made for defeat," he said. "a man can be destroyed but not defeated."

"Why do old men wake so early? Is it to have one longer day?"

"I may not be as strong as I think, but I know many tricks and I have resolution"

To name a few of our favorites. I recommend this read to anyone.