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Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
256 pages, 2003
Today, readers are still fascinated by Nathaniel Bowditch, an eighteenth-century nautical wonder. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, and growing up in a sailor's community of tall-masted ships from foreign ports and sailors on shore leave, Nathaniel Bowditch was a mathematical wizard and his knowledge of navigation was revolutionary for his time.
Yet Bowditch—although he may have looked slight of build—had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by “log, lead, and lookout. ” His long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work The American Practical Navigator (also known as the “Sailors? Bible?), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero.
In Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, Jean Lee Latham shows us that education is not limited to the classroom. The protagonist, Nathaniel Bowditch, teaches himself advanced mathematics and several languages, proving that with determination, anyone can learn anything at any time.
The book explores how Nathaniel faces numerous challenges, from poverty to the loss of loved ones. Despite these hardships, he never gives up. This teaches us the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Nathaniel's dream of going to Harvard may not have come true, but he didn't let that stop him. He found a different path to success, showing us that it's okay to adjust our dreams and goals as we go along.
Nathaniel's self-taught knowledge not only benefited him but also the world of maritime navigation. His book, The American Practical Navigator, saved countless lives at sea. This shows us that our individual contributions can have a significant impact on the world.
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a testament to the power of hard work. Nathaniel's dedication and commitment to his studies led him to achieve great things. This book encourages us to put in the effort and work hard towards our goals.