Boat Girl

A Memoir of Youth, Love, and Fiberglass

By: Melanie Neale

Narrated by: Lia Frederick

Boat Girl is the heartbreaking memoir of growing up aboard a sailboat. Throughout the 1980's and 90's, Melanie's family lived aboard a 47-foot sailboat, spending their summers along the US East Coast and their winters in the Bahamas. But the cruising life was not all fun in the sun. The family had to work hard to pay for their way of life. They dodged hurricanes, overzealous federal agents and bullying land-kids. And they endured a boatload of family drama. As her father published articles about how living on a boat brings families together, Melanie secretly struggled with an eating disorder, the alienation of being a boat kid, and confusion over her developing sexuality. As an adult, she lived aboard her own 28-foot sailboat and had several relationships trying to find someone who wasn't intimidated by her stubborn independence and free-spirited lifestyle. Boat Girl weaves all this together into a story about a girl who, once all is said and done, simply wants her own boat and her own life. Melanie paints a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations of family life aboard a sailboat without drowning the listener in the technical details of sailing. Boat Girl strikes a perfect balance between a coming of age story and a sea tale, enjoyable for boaters and land-lovers alike.

©2012 Beating Windward Press LLC (P)2014 Melanie McLendon

A Great Personal Story

Would you listen to Boat Girl again? Why?

No. Once is enough

Any additional comments?

An interesting story about a girl growing up on a boat. The story is well written in a humorous light style & I enjoyed listening to it very much. I am also a boat person & can relate to many of the authors experiences. The author is obviously an accomplished writer and the narrator also did a very nice job.

Great glimpse into the live-aboard life

Narrator good- though she does talk fast, which took a second to get used to. This was just the book for my son, 15yo and currently enamoured of the idea of getting a boat to fix up, to read. Well written and honest.

I relate..live aboard 1999 W. coast 39ft Columbia

From the Neverending Story: why don't you do what you dream...I can't.. I have to keep my feet on the ground...where's Tinkerbell when you need her..-Lulu

a remarkable story of a remarkable lady.

masterfully written from an honest heart and open mind. I have great admiration and respect