Cork Boat (Abridged)

by John Pollack Narrated by John Pollack

Overview

In the late 1990s John Pollack was working as a Washington speechwriter when, frustrated by the cynicism and hypocrisy on Capitol Hill, he quit his job to pursue a boyhood dream: to build a boat made entirely of wine corks and take it on an epic journey.

Cork Boat tells the story of Pollack's improbable quest. Overcoming one obstacle after another, he convinces skeptical bartenders to save their corks, corrals a brilliant but disorganized partner, and eventually cajoles more than one hundred volunteers who help build the boat until their fingers bleed. Ultimately, Pollack completes his vessel of 165,321 corks and sets sail on a fantastic voyage down the Douro River in Portugal, where the Cork Boat becomes a national sensation.

In recounting these adventures, Pollack skillfully meanders through fascinating arcana, from the cork wars to the history of rubber bands (some 15,000 of which help hold his boat together). He also offers an insider's look at the White House, where he was a Presidential speechwriter and enlisted navy stewards to save corks for the boat.

Written with unusual grace and disarming humor, Cork Boat is a buoyant tale of whimsy, adventure, and the power of imagination.

Editorial Reviews

JUN/JUL 04 - AudioFile

John Pollack chronicles his efforts to carry out a childhood dream--to build a boat made of corks. He describes all aspects of the boat’s construction: how he got his partner to join him, how he collected corks from local restaurants and friends, how he got sponsorship from Cork Supply USA, and how the boat was built in a garage. The boat is a symbol of hope and accomplishment for all who dare to reach for their dreams. Pollack's narrative is heartfelt and amusing. Filled with feeling, it lets listeners be part of his greatest accomplishment and makes them unable to resist cheering him on. J.F.M. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

JUN/JUL 04 - AudioFile

John Pollack chronicles his efforts to carry out a childhood dream--to build a boat made of corks. He describes all aspects of the boat’s construction: how he got his partner to join him, how he collected corks from local restaurants and friends, how he got sponsorship from Cork Supply USA, and how the boat was built in a garage. The boat is a symbol of hope and accomplishment for all who dare to reach for their dreams. Pollack's narrative is heartfelt and amusing. Filled with feeling, it lets listeners be part of his greatest accomplishment and makes them unable to resist cheering him on. J.F.M. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172076909
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	01/06/2004
Edition description:	Abridged

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