Hi Darlene and Neal,
I met you when you a few months ago while you gave a presentation at a "Critical Matters" conference in Victoria BC Canada. I know I have a small chance that you might remember me but you signed a copy of your book "Journey of a Hope Merchant" for my aunt and I. My bike was stolen that morning and your message really was so timely for me. I am training for a big race in June and that bike was not fancy but very valuable to me. Your compassion and positive perspective helped me through this event.
I wanted to update you on what happened and how your message helped me. No one found my bike and so I ran everyday instead of having a bike to cross train. I read your book. And then I read it again. I have continued my training and replaced my bike. I was so inspired by your story that I scrapped up enough money and convinced the bank to loan me enough for a small sail boat. People are calling me crazy. People are reminding me that I don't even know how to sail. I know, and you reminded me, that there are only solutions and that I can find the knowledge I need to learn. I think about your story a lot. When I finish my race I will learn to sail.
Although I have never had to experience discrimination like you have, I have felt ostracized and was severely bullied growing up. To this day people criticize my lifestyle, calling me a "gypsy" and laughing or telling me I'm crazy or that my dreams will never be realized. They are too big, I am too young, they are too far fetched... they say to me. I know this isn't true but it is hard to face so much negativity sometimes. After reading your book I don't feel as alone. I leave for my race in 50 days and I want to thank you.
All of the best from your fan,
Donna Carrigan
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February 2005 Bob Carp wrote...
"Neal, you have led an incredible life, and have the gift to be able to express it in words in such a way that one can not only see it, but can also feel it, and experience it emotionally. I have to tell you; I am an Ex-Marine Viet Nam Veteran and capable of masking my feelings about most things, but as I read the closing words of this manuscript, I was in tears..."
Read full review
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Fantastic Story!, November 14, 2005
Reviewer: Flying Dave (West Hartford, CT)
I read this book non-stop and I had to write a review. By way of full disclosure, I met Neal Petersen on November 3, 2005 and spent five days sailing with him on a passage from Connecticut to Bermuda. That time with him prompted the purchase and reading of this book. He is a fantastic guy with a truly inspiring story. The book recounts Neal's life story and struggle against the odds to reach his dream of racing a sail boat alone around the world. At every turn there are choices. Listen to the naysayers or pursue what appears to be an impossible dream. Throughout the story there are detractors and supporters. This book has drama, adventure, romance, and inspiration. This is a story not only about Neal's adventures sailing, but about how to live life to the fullest. I can't recommend this book highly enough!
Presenting Hope Merchant to Bermudian Premier, Alex Scott
