First You Have to Row a Little Boat: Reflections on Life & Living

Richard Bode

May 2025 · Hachette+ORM

About this eBook

The national bestseller. "This brilliantly written elegy gently teaches the fundamental principles of life and how to navigate its shoals." —M. Scott Peck, MD, bestselling author of The Road Less Traveled

Now with a brand-new foreword from New York Times –bestselling author Jeffrey Zaslow

First You Have to Row a Little Boat first hit shelves in the mid-1990s and has been inspiring readers ever since. Written by a grown man looking back on his childhood, it reflects on what learning to sail taught him about life: making choices, adapting to change, and becoming his own person. The book is filled with the spiritual wisdom and thought-provoking discoveries that marked such books as Walden, The Prophet, and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. For nearly twenty years, it has enchanted and endeared sailors and non-sailors alike, but foremost, anyone who seeks large truths in small things. This refurbished edition will find a place in the hearts of a whole new generation of readers.

"What a wonderful book it is! Pure joy." —Walter Cronkite

"Even without knowing a lot about sailing, I was charmed by its wisdom and passion." —Harold S. Kushner, bestselling author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"Bode uses his great love of sailing as a metaphor for the tides of life . . . Determinedly inspirational, this book will appeal to admirers of Robert Fulghum." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Ratings and reviews

I picked up the physical copy at a salvation army store for a little under 50¢, and it was the best half dollar I've ever spent. Each chapter was a new, enjoyable story with a new life lesson. Not one of those "you have to" advice books, but it was definitely full of good and wise advice. Wish I still had my copy though, a friend borrowed it and has yet to return it.

Have read this a half dozen times. It continues to be my favorite book. Give your heart a treat and read this warm and inspiring gem.