Once Upon a Gypsy Moon

An Improbable Voyage and One Man's Yearning for Redemption

By Michael Hurley (Hardcover Book, 2013)

Michael Hurley watched his world unravel in the wake of infidelity, divorce and failure. In August 2009, he was short of money, out of a job, and seeking to salvage a life that had foundered. Deeply in need of perspective, he took to the open seas in a 32-foot sailboat, Gypsy Moon. The story of his 2-year outward odyssey, deterred by rough weather and mechanical troubles, combines keen observation, poignant thoughts, and deeper introspection with glorious prose.

Once Upon a Gypsy Moon also presents a rare and much-needed point of view on the familiar spiritual-journey narrative. It offers a star-crossed love story wrapped inside a rollicking good sea tale, but it also has something important to say to the reader about relationships, faith and disbelief, life and death, love and marriage, and what really matters.

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- Format: Hardcover Book
- Price: $19.99 US/$21.99 CAN
- ISBN-13: 9781455529339
- On Sale Date: 04/16/2013
- Publisher: Center Street
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Formats Available: Hardcover Book, Electronic Book
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A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Michael Hurley has practiced law since 1984. He is the author of Letters from the Woods and several essays about "slices of life." He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Susan and three dogs. Together they have four children.

"Hurley spins a compelling and rather wonderful nautical yarn, full of honest humor and the sort of unexpected twists and turns that define all great adventures." ( Martin Dugard, New York Times bestselling author ).
"Hurley writes beautifully, never confusing sensitivity with sentimentality. There's never any embarrassing self-revelation, and never any whimsy, and yet he makes himself a cheerful and engaging traveling companion. But, best (and rarest) of all, he can tell a story. I genuinely want to know what happens next." ( Charles Foster, author of The Sacred Journey ).
"Poignant without being maudlin and spiritual without being sanctimonious...A striking memoir of personal discovery."
PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS WRITINGS:

"One of those books you pick up like a comfy old shirt to relax in ... Whimsical ... Elegiac ... Hurley, like Hemingway, glories in the job cleanly done."
"Like a visit to the campfire with an intelligent friend, this book will waft you into the woods and streams."
"One of the best outdoor writings released this year."
"Like all good nature writing, Hurley's reaches for the more than simple narration and description of moments with nature."
"Inspiring on a variety of levels. Just reading this book will make the reader a better person. It's a winner!"
"Pointed, personal, and poignant. A deep and passionate tale of wilderness adventures. A celebration of universal truths. Well worth reading."
"This book could prompt others to step back and rethink ways to bring more balance into their lives."
"The essays offer tranquil and touching insight into life, love, faith, and family from the vantage point of wilderness peace."
"I'm embarrassed to admit that as a long-time canoeist, I had never heard of [Hurley's] journal. Now after reading a sample of Hurley's work, I'm really sorry that I hadn't. Turns up a little gem of an insight that gives meaning to the simple pleasures of life in the woods."