This book was amazing from the VERY FIRST page. It puts your whole life and goals into perspective....I could not put this book down, I read it non stop....Buy it and be thankful to the family for the indepth sharing...very, very heartwarming and real!!

In an attempt to leave the hustle and bustle of city life in San Diego and take their family on a trip around the world, John and Jean Silverwood buy a 55-foot long boat called the Emerald Jane and take their four children on a once-in-a lifetime trip on the ocean. Using their boat and ports around the world as the classroom, the parents hope to teach their children priceless lessons. But, family bonds are tested through a multitude of problems faced on the high seas.

When their boat hits and becomes stranded on a reef, the family is forced to come together and use everything they learned on their adventure to survive and make it back home.

An almost impossible-sounding story, this will keep the reader on the edge of their seat as each page is turned to the climactic end.

I couldn't put this book down. I was especially moved by Jean's account of the events. As a mother myself, I understand the inherent need to keep your kids safe. What an adventure this family took and it almost took everything from them. John and Jean were well prepared and had researched everything from route logistics to safety on the island--who knew you couldn't trust a taxi driver in Panama? If you are into sailing there's plenty of technical stuff to keep you on your toes, even if you're not, you still get the gist of the full power of the sea. Their story of survival is incredible. The bravery of Amelia and Ben especially stand out. The experiences they shared as a family will forever change them and bond them together too. They were able to work through so many obstacles--boat repairs, alcoholism, pirates, sea sickness, family drama, broken arm. Just an amazing read. Highly recommended.

Extremely interesting to anyone who has ever gone down to the sea in ships. An authentic and chilling review of what can go wrong and things that probably will go wrong. The modern equipment may not save your ship
but it may save your life (and limb?.) Would a regular single hull have
reacted differently?

A page turner! An amazing story of a seemingly grounded family who ran aground (& then some!), finding their footing in spite of it. A story of risk-taking, persevering & resiliency. "Black Wave" not only represents the literal wave that hides what lurks beneath the surface, but also reflects the dynamics that lurk beneath a family's polished exterior.

Honest, compelling account -- interweaving 2 years aboard while returning to the scene of their ultimate crisis, where their journey challenges their very lives.

Don't let the esoteric jargon dissuade you from reading what is a much bigger story. There are incredible, articulate descriptions of people, landscapes, seascapes, and the beauty of sailing, which makes you feel like you're along for the ride. The photos add to the visual descriptions. It is a growing lesson, finding balance, maintaining sanity in close quarters. Jean Silverwood's honest assessment of their joys & struggles is refreshing and very real. Not glossing over the speed bumps that make us human -- and not even providing (or having) all the answers. Some really great humor adds levity to some tense situations.

This is a story of a family that grew stronger through each crisis (there were several) even when it seemed darkest. It gives you a healthy respect for the sea, and yet yearn to sail on it. Their conviction in each other & their faith is inspiring. So is Jean & John's palpable pride in their children.

[4 Star Rating as the 2nd half of the book got bogged down in John's need to parallel a historical shipwreck to this family's plight. Altho' educational, it became overlong and avoided the emotional experience that we're so privy to by Jean's account in the first half of the book. But it's quick enough to skim through.]

An amazing story of survival and all the people who were there in the nick of time to help this family. Not the best writer in the world, but he did a good job telling his story and bringing it to life with pictures.

I loved this book, even though there were parts that seemed a little repetitive. There were really two different stories going on, the physical one about the boat trip and what happened off Tahiti, and the parallel story of an American suburban family, a family that had a lot going for them, but real problems as well. The family tensions seemed very appropriate and understandable, and being a mom I appreciated Jean's concerns and the stress she was feeling. I've been on a 40 ft boat for 10 days with 4 people, and couldn't wait to get off at the end. I also understood John's adventurous spirit, and loved the boating descriptions, having owned a 25 ft sailboat for many years. There is nothing like the free feeling of sailing on the open ocean. I found the Julia Ann story interesting, but the best part was the first part that Jean wrote. It was extremely compelling, with the narrative about the trip weaving back and forth through the details of the accident. The kids were both real, and real heroes. What an amazing story, and it was all true!

A gripping book from the first page. I couldn't put Black Wave down! I so appreciate the realness and transparency Silverwood's shared in the retelling of their adventure. Thanks so much!

I would not take four children to sea in a catamaran. I would not climb Mt. Everest or marry a man with 17 wives. That's why I read adventure stories. I liked this book for the extreme drama of a wreck at sea, the gut-wrenching spectacle of a mother coming to terms with the fact that she has jeopardized her children, and because it is an examination of a marriage and family bonds within a highly compressed arena. As we know from Tolkien, the group must leave home on a quest, be exposed to danger, and come out the other side all grown up. This book satisfies those requirements with beautiful descriptions of ocean nights and exotic ports to boot.

I can't believe all the great reviews on this...maybe these people read the book and it is different from the experience of listening to the CD. Jean and John not only put their own lives at risk but risked the lives of their three children (who had very little choice in the matter) to boot! I felt bad that the teenage son was unable to be with his friends at home in CA and instead was dragged around the world...exposed to violent seas and dangerous PIRATES all because his mom and dad apparently were bored with their lives (and marriage it seems) and needed to put some "zest" in it. I am sure they will make a movie out of it...but I will pass on it!

Couldn't put this one down. It is written from two points of view, that bring the reader to the same conclusion. As a sailor, I find the narrative extremely interesting, and well written from an experienced wind sailor's perspective. Not to give away the later part of the story, I found it chilling, and poignant. The government employees involved deserve kudos from the sailing community as a whole for the timely and courageous responses. This fine story gives an excellent insight into those of us who voyage in our own boats, or live aboard boats as our life style. I thoroughly recommend Black Wave to sailors and non-sailors alike.

John and Jean Silverwood decide to put their busy daily lives aside and take their four children on a round the world adventure at sea. The Silverwoods feel as though the fast pace of life in San Diego has pulled the family in too many directions. They purchase the Emerald Jane and set of on an once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Ben (14), Amelia (12), Jack (7), and Camille (3). Using the sea and new ports as a school and hoping to satiate John's seemingly endless need for adrenalin, the Silverwoods also have to manage worries about pirates, unfriendly ports, balky generators and whatever the sea throws at them. The close quarters of the catamaran make clashes inevitable as Ben, missing his friends and diversions in California becomes sullen, Jean worries and John slips into old habits and the dream voyage threatens to become a battle of wills. However, the beauty of the sea, the sea life, new ports, discovering new friends and discovering new strengths within themselves, the Silverwoods keep on their journey until the unthinkable happens. The Emerald Jane hits a reef and the family`s survival depends on the lessons learned at sea.



This is an engrossing book that kept me hooked right till the end of the first portion. The portion about the Julia Ann and her crew and fate, not as interesting. I also had bit of a hard time with Jean's excusing John's behaviors (selfishness?) and putting herself down in comparison. That said, this is as much a tale of a family's growth as a tale of a journey

Even though it is apparent from the picture of the handsome, healthy Silverwoods on the back cover, that the family lives and through their harrowing shipwreak, the book is so riviting a read, that I couldn't put it down until everyone was home safe in California. Jean's interesting method of flashbacks and forwards, helped me to understand the state of mind of each of the family members which made for an uncomfortably but thrillingly close identification during the worst of the crisis. Her willingness to make her own and the family's foibles visible to the reader made it easy to know and accept them as the vulnerable people they are in spite of their decision to undertake this adventure in the first place, which for most of us, is way out of our sphere of comfort. John's impressionistic style and his research on their counterpart ship, many years earlier, punctuated their experience with a universality and timelessness that might otherwise not be noticed. It is always great to have a book that keeps you awake!

I have followed the adventure of the Silverwood Family through personally knowing them and reading in the San Diego Union & Readers Digest. When I heard their book had been published, I bought it immediately. Jean did a superb job in describing the details of the family and the whole voyage. I read it cover to cover without stopping.

The first part of the book weaves the background of the family with the beginning of the nightmare, when the Silverwoods hit the reef off Scilly Island. Moving back between each storyline was smooth as Jean described the hours she helplessly stood by watching her husband die a slow and agonizing death, first pinned under the mast, then waiting for help, not knowing if it would ever come. I kept thinking why don't they just use their cell phone, something we all have, then remembered they were all alone in a remote part of this beautiful world we live in. It made me think how fortunate we all are for the technological advances we take for granted every day. The Silverwoods describe taking the best possible precautions, yet one tiny error ended catastrophically. It just proves that taking those precautions for something that probably won't happen can end up saving your life. Brava, Jean!
The remarkable way Ben stepped quickly into his father's shoes as family caretaker is a trait I can only hope my own children would exhibit if needed.
The Silverwood's story has the makings of a great movie - from the family drama to being chased by pirates in the Carribbean. John's near death and survival is just the happy ending movie-goers hope for in an adventure like this.
John's story seemed a bit strange at first, since he talked mostly about the Julia Ann, a vessal that hit the reef around 1855. While I felt he bared his heart and his love for Jean, he quickly covered it up by talking about the Julia Ann. I did get it, though. His love for his wife and family kept him alive against all odds.

I loved this book...read it in 2 days! I loved Jean's descriptions, they were so real that I felt I was there on the boat with them, exploring the islands as well as sharing their seasickness! What a great adventure and learning experience for their children. Yes, they got in trouble towards the end of their journey, but as John says in the book, you don't live until you really LIVE! This is a book not to miss!

This book is a gem! Gripping acounts told my both Jean and John introduce you to each of their children on such an intimate level and bring you along on their journey. I felt like I was with them throughout the book and I hope people around the world will appreciate this incredible story of strength, faith, and love.

The authors present the story of adventure and crises in an honest and compelling fashion. The identity of each of the family members is written so as to provide an asymmetrical perspective of their joy, hardships, and terror while on the journey. The back story of the family is woven into the narrative in a way that facilitates seamless transitions between the voyage and situations throughout their lives. The external threats--to include open sea thugs and uncharted reefs--create the conditions for an epic tale that ultimately leads to the renewal of a family's relationship with each other and with God. For anyone who loves a great adventure story that is well-told, this book is a must read.

I found the writing vivid and at times poetic. The contrast of writing style and perspective between Jean and John contributes to the reader's imagery and understanding. I enjoyed reading about each new port and island along the way. The candid impressions and experiences of each family member to the different locales added to the richness of the story. Cudos to the family for surviving and staying together through it all. Great summer read!

An epic story of hopes, dreams, and the nightmare of survival when things go bad that cannot be forgotten. The device of seeing events through Jeanne then John's eyes forces you to realize athough it's a story of a family, each is an individual with their own vision. All of us dream (I suspect) of chucking all the things we feel we cannot exist without and that trap us in our formatted existences, but this family did it all, and like a phoenix burning in the flames rose and were reborn, stronger and with more behind them than they can imagine.
The description of this family's trials bring to mind the old commercials listing one by one the cost for specific items, then describing a certain unique experience as "priceless". Every moment described, the good, the bad, the losses, and the miracles of survival fit that category "priceless".
Cheers!! for the Silverwood family for taking the jump, surviving and for letting us live through their eyes the candid tale of their amazing real-life adventures. This book is a vividly described experience. It forces me to relook at what is possible to do with life, if you just decide to do it.
A Movie, I'll buy tickets now!

As a San Diego native I knew the story and the fantastic ending and still could not stop reading. I too am the mother of four children and cannot imagine attempting such a trip. Jean's account of their extraordinary family and adventure was perfect. Not only do you become part of the Emerald Jean family through her great writing but you relate to their strengths, emotions and troubles as a family to your own life. I found myself living the story with my husband and children and wondering if we all could have been so strong and loving. John's storytelling is not only educational it's laced with some fun humor and emotion. Truly a must read not only for adults but for young adults who could learn a lot from these amazing children. Would love to hug Camille and have cookies and milk with her! The movie will be great!!!!!

This book was great from page one to the last final word.

I read it all in less than two days because I could not put it down. The perspective from the wife was absolutely a must read for any woman that is considering living on a boat or cruising the world with their mate and children. Hard to believe she is not an accomplished author of many books. The way she weaved the tragic end of the voyage in clear detail with the total two year journey throughout her part of the book was masterful. She was open and genuine in sharing her most personal thoughts.

As for the husband's part, I really enjoyed the history of a previous wreck that parralleled their's on the same reef 150 years ago. It gives the historical context that transfers a feeling of timelessness to the sea and sailing. The man has a heart as big as the Pacific. These six people are everyday heros to all who dream of adventure and being brave enough to save those they truly love.

In the end, the experience for them as a family was something that cannot be duplicated or would anyone want to go through that ordeal. Still, the joy of seeing the kids both live real life outside of our comfortble California life style and then raise to the occation when called upon was very inspiring. My two sons have it on their summer reading list next. Definitly 5 STARS!!!!!

After not being to put this book down, I realize what a boring life i have led. This is a must read for any landlubber or sailor alike.

This is an amazing story and I highly recommend reading this book - You will truly feel for this family. I couldn't put the book down!

What an experience! I felt like I was the 7th passenger on board! Its in 2 parts..first part written by the mom describing the tragic shipwreck in graphic detail to the adventures they went through as a family on their fascinating travels from port to port, beach to beach and out at sea. It goes back and forth with you on the edge of your seat waiting to hear what comes next. The descriptive and wonderful adventures of all of the kids and how they lived onboard. The second part written by the dad compares their ordeal with an ancient shipwreck in the same place with similar experiences....eerie at times.

Overall a great read and I could not put it down! KR from San Diego, CA

Overall Black Wave is a quick, good read. I love all things ocean and enjoyed reading this book. For those who aren't in love with the sea itself, the story of the Silverwood family is even more fascinating than the deep and will hold your attention, keeping you reading, to the last page.

Jean begins the narrative by sharing some simple details of what was happening aboard the Emerald Jane the night of their shipwreck but before the wreck had occurred. I expected the story to continue on this vein while getting to know the Silverwoods, but instead the coral reef interrupted the introductions as thoroughly as it had the Silverwoods' voyage. I liked the way Jean jumped right into the telling of the wreck, switched back to the story that brought them to that point, but would soon to return to the reef. The two stories are seamlessly joined through Jean's storytelling.

I was surprised by John's input in part II of the book, though I was pleased to hear from him. He added the history of the coral reef they had hit and explained some of the finer details of sailing that had brought the Emerald Jane to be on the reef instead of in deeper water. Part II sometimes had the feeling of having been added as an afterthought, but John's perspective on the trip was important to a more thorough understanding of the family's journey at sea as well as their personal one.

I was already aware of the Silverwood's dream/adventure/tragedy/trimuph from reading the articles in the San Diego newspaper, but I wanted more. This book delivers! It provides so much more depth, details, and understanding regarding this courageous family's course of events on the Emerald Jane. You get to know all the family members, experience the beautiful ports of call, race against pirates with them, explore the underwater world, feel the despair they felt when the ship went aground, and finally struggle with them for their survival. Additionally, you get to learn of the erie similarities between what they experienced and that of another ship and their crew some 150 years earlier. My only regret with this book is that it is such a quick and engrossing read that you are at the end of the book before you ready. I'm sure so much more could have been written, but what they give you is a great read. I can't wait for a movie version!

I see John Silverwood, forever rooted to a magical moment in time; forever sailing beneath the canopy of a billion stars, forever the ancient mariner under the glorious banner of Heaven. This story takes the reader on a thrilling trip away from the 21st century, and eventually to the very outer limits of courage and nerve. The Silverwoods craft an emotional tale of real life adventure and transformation, almost beyond the limit of physical endurance. At once, equal parts historical drama, a real world study of the modern American family, and breath-taking, high seas adventure. This seemless narrative, easily transports the reader out into a warm Polynesian wind under the endless blanket of the Milky Way; a classic story alternating between the peaceful tranquility of island life, and heart-in-the-throat suspense.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down.
I admire those who think outside the box, and love that their dream was important enough to them to see it through!
They new this is what they wanted to do.....and they did it.
Makes one stop and think about the dreams for their own family.
This could be a great movie!!!

Now whether it is true or not, the character I would really like to hear from is the Silverwood's younger son. I hope his parents will encourage him to talk into a recorder or write it down now so that when he is a bit older he can give us what may be the deepest understanding of all six of them. And I am dying to know where he will go as his life moves on. I also didn't feel the marriage problems as explained frequently by the Mrs. were really resolved by her husband. He drags in a story of a similar wreck from 150 years ago and gives very little of himself to the reader.

But do buy it and enjoy yourself and I think you will see what I did: the first part is a movie script in the making and the second part should have been used to fill in more blanks that go unanswered. Why was Ben a difficult kid and their daughter seems lovely but her mother almost makes her into a valley girl at points and I don't think that is fair. But Jack will make you want to kick off your shoes and run to the nearest patch of un-concreted earth to explore as he did the tiny beauty of the huge whole.

Amazing story of survival. If you ever dream of taking your family out of the monotony of everyday life and wish to see them learn and grow in new ways - get this book. Drama and suspense - I couldn't put it down. Would make a great movie!

A magnificently written tale. I got it in the mail after work, and had finished reading it by bedtime. You know that all the family members survived, so it's not any mystery that keeps you turning the pages. It's lots of things. A very accurate description of each moment that engage all your senses. Insightful descriptions of each "character", mostly done by describing their actions. Adventuresome little "marine biologist" Jack is my favorite. All the different ways each of them enjoy living on Earth, as well as how they deal with life. Straightforward and honest. Exciting - besides the final crash, there's storms and pirates and lots of sea creatures. Along the way it was humorous: "If we were going to die, we were going to die with our flip-flops on." (Not meant as a humorous statement, given the coral and the will to DO something, but humorous in spite of all that.) And educational, learning about what it's actually like to 'sail around the world' and learning about another ship that crashed on the same coral reef in the 1800's. It not only got my adrenaline going, but restored my spirits and my faith in human nature.

Jean Silverwood narrates a heartbreaking account of the family catamaran
running aground and being torn to pieces on an invisible coral reef in the South Pacific, shattering not only their beloved boat, but many of the dreams that went with it.

She also details the battles her husband had with alcohol and her own doubts about the trip itself.

But, in the end, their courage and humanity shine through: they survive to return home, her husband undergoes more surgery on his leg and they survive the Great Firestorm of 2007 in San Diego.

I can't think of a more moving account of how an average American family coped with catastrophe and disaster at sea.

The ocean can be harsh and unforgiving of mistakes, but she also helps you find yourself and reservoirs of courage you never knew you had, in moments of peril.

This is a book written from the heart, an experience of adventure, a passage through troughs and crests in a thing called life. A powerful story of how ones dreams and perseverance can manifest through hard work, faith moved into action. How the ending of the story is joy, thankfulness and peace in the midst of controversy and storm.A renewed relationship with their creator,family,friends and marriage!
I never forget the day I was running on Sunday and spoke to a family member. An emergency signal had been sent out, we chuckled it was probably Jack pretending to be a pirate. Only Sunday evening I was speaking to the French physicians regarding the condition of John and Jean and consoling their older son Ben. Calling the family in the states to interpret the French language, making arrangements for the transition of John to a San Diego Hospital. This is a true, thrilling story of adventure which leaves you reading through the night as you cannot put the book down or me, well, deciding to read one chapter at a time savoring another well written book.
Jeanne Stryker, MD

If you've ever extended yourself, spent time outdoors or been exposed to the many elements of nature, you know this story could easily be about you. It grips you right at the start as you sense the tearing of the hulls and rushing and pounding of the ocean destroying everything and probably everyone they care about in a matter of minutes. The interweaving of the travels and exploration with the horror of the destruction of boat and flesh keeps you hanging on and waiting for the next piece of news. This is a great story of human bonds, nature and endurance.

If you're looking for the perfect summer read, you won't do much better than this tale of a successful San Diego real estate developer who lives out a lifelong dream by taking his perfect SoCal family of six on a sailing trip around the world, which turns into a nightmare when they run aground on a Pacific reef 350 miles due west of Tahiti, costing him his leg in the process. This first-person diary account reveals the Silverwood family dynamic on board their beloved Emerald Jane, warts and all, from John's own battles with alcoholism to Jean's control issues to the various adjustments of the kids--16-year-old Ben's longing for his friends back home and eventual emergence as a hero, 13-year-old Amelia's blossoming into a self-confident artist, 9-year-old Jack's fascination with ocean life and 5-year-old Camille's angelic innocence. There is something here that anyone with a family can relate to about escaping the rat race of modern life and taking to the high seas, anchoring in exotic ports from Bora Bora and Raiatea to Grenada and the Galapagos, crossing the Equator, sailing through the Panama Canal, being chased by pirates and surviving hurricanes with waves several stories high. The first 150 pages, narrated by Jean, describe the family's day-to-day duties, home-schooling the kids and how each one adapted to the journey, as she keeps coming back to the narrative's singular event--the wreck of the Emerald Jane on a reef in the middle of the night and the boat's giant mast pinning John's leg underneath. It's an amazing tale, with the last quarter including John's ruminations, which have him questioning his judgment and dealing with his own guilt by channeling an accident that took place 150 years ago on the very same reef that ripped apart his own sailboat. The Julia Ann, a vessel on its way from Australia to San Francisco in 1855, carrying coals from Newcastle in New South Wales, along with a group of Mormon missionaries bound for Utah, suffered a similar fate as the Emerald Jane. The story is a tribute to the family's gung-ho spirit of living to the fullest, and dealing with the consequences...as a family. "If real life catches you by the heel sometimes, it is worth it," John concludes. "Life is short anyway, so it may as well be beautiful." Not just a travelogue or a primer on sailing around the world, Black Wave is the story of a family that circled the ocean, only to find what they were looking for was right in front of them all along.