Fabulous Reads: ‘Seas’ the day with inspirational book

The Surfer and the Sage, Shaun Tomson & Noah benShea, Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781641706551

I was drawn to this book because of my fascination with surfing and the ocean. I’ve never surfed, and the whole idea scares me but thoroughly fascinates me at the same time! So, I admire those brave enough to ride the waves – I think they’re amazing. The other thing that drew me is that the glossy book offers snippets of advice – a lovely book to pick up every now and then, just for a boost and a little message to get you through the day or to inspire you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I’m thrilled to own it because of the beautiful photos throughout the glossy pages and the timeless snippets of wisdom found inside its gorgeous hardcover.

The book is written by Shaun Tomson who, in his younger days, was an international surfing star born in Durban, South Africa. He now talks to young people. I found his writing steeped in wisdom, authenticity and compassion. After having suffered a deep sadness due to the loss of his 15-year-old son, he seems to have developed an ability to use the stories of his life to speak to the lives of others. The sport of surfing is used as an analogy for aspects of our lives, and the analogies work brilliantly.

After each of Shaun’s snippets, Noah benShea offers an expansion on Shaun’s wisdom. He sometimes comes from a religious viewpoint, but not overly so. The religious bent is based in the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism or Islam). I didn’t find him dogmatic or evangelical, but I also didn’t always identify with the things he said because I follow a non-Abrahamic spiritual path. That didn’t detract from the value of the book, especially Shaun’s storytelling and would probably be beneficial to others. Noah did have some good ideas, too; I just personally got more from Shaun’s writing.

Overall, I was enthralled by this book and have already lent it to a friend to read. The photos of waves, surfers and beaches in major surfing areas in the world were stunning and made the reading experience extra special and immersive. They transported me into another world – a truly fascinating and exotic one. – Kathy Bosman 4/5 stars

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