PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
Toby Carr (Author) Toby Carr was an architect and senior lecturer at Falmouth University, who in 2018 set off to sea kayak all 31 areas of the Shipping Forecast in order to connect with nature, find connection across the seas and deal with the death of his brother, Marcus. He kept detailed recordings, notes and photos, and shared his trip on social media. Tragically Toby passed away from liver cancer in January 2022 having successfully pitched the book about his story, Moderate Becoming Good Later. Katie Carr (Author) Katie Carr is a British author, artist, educator and coach who never imagined her first book having anything to do with sea kayaking. But when her adventurer brother Toby died in 2022 having sketched out a book, she decided to write it for him. On her year-long journey through loss, frustration, creation and storytelling, Katie was able to put into practice her training in expressive arts therapy and talked the talk on storytelling, as she had so often encouraged her graduate students to do. After many years travelling the world in business storytelling roles, Katie had always expected to write a book, just not this one. She can currently be found at home in Barcelona, wrangling two young boys or learning to kayak to finish Toby's adventure.
Heartbreaking, and utterly wonderful. A journey that had to be made, and a story that had to be told. * Alex Bescoby, adventurer and author * The sort of adventure I've often dreamed of late at night, with additional layers of poignancy and love. * Alastair Humphreys, adventurer and author * A very moving tale, in every way imaginable. * Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator * What a special book. A manifesto for living, loving and laughing full-heartedly, whatever life's storms and forecasts bring. A guide and companion for us all, whether we are embarking on voyages of our choosing or dealing with waves and storms dealt to us. * Sarah Outen, adventurer and author * Toby was a true adventurer, undaunted by rough seas or the waves his own health lashed upon him. Like the broadcast shipping forecast, this is a voyage against the clock. Toby's outrageously fearless spirit and good humour will not fail to uplift and spur you on to pursue your own adventures. * Zeb Soanes, broadcaster and author * As enduring as any ancient Scandinavian saga, this is a candidly honest tale of a risk-laden, yet existentially meaningful and powerful sea kayaking project. The descriptive and eloquent storytelling had me entranced from their first lines. I read this wonderful book often with a lump in my throat, many tears in my eyes and a racing pulse, because of the pure adventure of his inspirational physical and emotional endeavours. * Nick Ray, expedition sea kayaker and author * What a brave and tenderly written account of one man's fortitude in coming to terms with a shortened life using visits by kayak to the familiar shipping forecast sea areas as stepping stones on his final journey. * Peter Jefferson, broadcaster and author of And Now The Shipping Forecast * Courageous, uplifting and exquisitely written, Moderate Becoming Good Later is a tale of the indefatigable resilience of the human spirit, the unbreakable bond of family, the life-affirming kindness of strangers and the perpetual freedom of exploring the unknown. It's a testament to how a shared passion can break down borders - when kinship with our peers from abroad is needed more than ever. I'll never hear The Shipping Forecast the same way again. * Si Willmore, journalist, author and editor * Toby Carr's epic adventures by kayak fill with colour and life those familiar yet mysterious areas of the Shipping Forecast. Thrilling and moving in equal parts, it should inspire us all to get out into the world and embrace its beauty. * Wyl Menmuir, author * Moderate Becoming Good Later is not just the brave and revelatory account of Toby Carr's long kayak around the Shipping Forecast, it is also a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the author's emotional journey as he paddled from Fair Isle to FitzRoy, from Thames to Trafalagar. One of the most moving and affecting books I've read in a long time, it is profound, thoughtful, fascinating and, above all, beautiful. * Charlie Carroll, author of The Lip, No Fixed Abode and The Friendship Highway * Engaging, well-observed, well-written and full of life wisdom. Anyone who liked The Salt Path will love this book. * Nic Compton, photographer, sailor and author of The Shipping Forecast: A Miscellany * A mesmerising and poignant story that shares how the sea can bring together people, places and purpose. This is a must-read book not just for sea kayakers, but for anyone looking for inspiration to make the most out of life. * Doug Cooper, author of Scottish Sea Kayaking and coach *
