438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea

I found this book to be very interesting and full of detail. It is well written which is a credit to the author's ability to get the story translated from Spanish to English or find someone able to do so. The maps and photographs added to the story! Not everyone would be able to survive being adrift at sea in a small rickety boat for over a year. It is fortunate this man had experience and talent as a fisherman and had knowledge of the sea, the moon, weather etc. I know I likely would not have survived because I would not be able to stomach eating raw fish, birds, barnacles, having to fight for every morsel and drink of water. I can't even imagine drinking my own urine or the blood of sea turtles and the endless tropical sun beating down with no land in sight, in shark filled water. The physical deprivation, as well as the tremendous mental and emotional stress of being in such circumstances and losing a young assistant who became a friend while at sea on that fateful trip would be enough to traumatize anyone. It is obvious this man has a tremendous will to live! I wish him and his daughter well!

Solid story. His flock of crippled birds he had was amazing. What a will.

Franklin does an excellent job of adding a timeline, details and interest to a fascinating story that might have otherwise been hard to stretch into a full-length book. He helps explain the mysteries behind Alvarenga's name changes (and lack of documentation) that might have led some to disbelieve his story. He also examines Alvarenga's psyche, upbringing, culture, hunting abilities, eating habits and stamina that credibly explain how he could survive such an ordeal. In addition, Franklin researched all of the rescue efforts that give due credence to the incredible tale. It was a very interesting read that was hard to put down. I liked that the book included Alvarenga's difficult journey in the months after he reached shore, and especially the parts about the couple who found him and first nourished him. I would have liked to have seen a photo of them.

It is difficult to believe that a book about a guy on a small boat in the Pacific for that long could be so interesting. It was so well written that when kept on wondering what would happen next . A really great read.

This was an interesting, surprising book in its detail of hope and survival. I can highly recommend it, and guarantee that you won't want to put it down.

This is such a fascinating story. I sent for more copies to give to others.

Amazing story of endurance, and very nice job by the author. A top survival story for anyone who appreciates the genre. Wishing the very best for Jose and his family.

Highly recommend the read! It makes you not worry about the small things in life and appreciate the simple things.

Amazing story . Shows how a positive mental attitude can determine how you survive.

Gostei do livro. Começa contando - de maneira bem humorada e leve - a história da vida pessoal de Salvador Alvarenga, que com medo de ser assassinado teve que deixar para trás tudo o que tinha - inclusive sua família - em seu país de origem, El Salvador. O aspirante a pescador viveu durante um tempo na Guatemala e depois seguiu para o México, onde sua vida finalmente começou a tomar rumo. Começou de baixo, varrendo as ruas e mostrando o seu valor para a cidade. Em pouco tempo alcançou seu objetivo de conseguir uma chance como pescador, graças ao zelo e esforço que tinha ao realizar trabalhos para pescadores locais. Louco por pescaria, por mulheres e por bebida, Alvarenga amava a sensação de estar no mar. Talvez por uma certa ingenuidade, seguia mar à dentro mesmo quando era aconselhado a não navegar devido a tempestades comuns à região de Costa Azul. Sem luxos, o salvadorenho prezava pela simplicidade e estava sempre feliz. O que o motivava era a sensação de desafiar o mar sempre que podia, sem sentir falta da terra firme. Talvez tenha sido isso o que o manteve forte durante seus 438 dias à deriva. Uma história bacana, que merece ser conhecida!

an incredible story - detailed and captivating

This is one insane story. I read it in two days sitting on the edge of my seat either crying or yelling for this man to make it through this hell!! This is truly an incredible story, one i can barely fathom surviving. Please read this book, wow.

It is not the best and not the worst I personally didn’t like it .It have so many details that are not important and it did not impress me not worth it but if you like these types of story you should try reading it