One of my favorite books we read was In the Heart of the Sea. It's the true story of the Whaleship Essex. This story is what inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick.
It's been a while since I've read the book but let me tell you what I remember.
The ship was a whaling ship (obviously) from Nantucket. Whale blubber and oil was big business back in the early 1800s. The book gives you some history about the whaling industry and also very vividly describes what it's like harvesting whale blubber. It's smelly and disgusting and do not read this book while eating.
While out looking for whales the ship is attacked by a giant white whale. This whale was pissed. I mean he didn't just run into it like oops, sorry about that. This was premeditated boat destroying. He hit the boat once and then swam back a bit so he could come at it again at full speed.
Pissed off whale vs. boat. Guess who won.
The ship is destroyed. The whale swims off like "my work here is done boys". The crew had to abandon the ship and try to survive in three small whale boats.
There's storms, there's urine drinking, cannibalism and an island gets burned down by mistake because of a prank. OOPS. Not all in that order but it all happens. I don't think I'm ruining anything by telling you not everyone dies. I mean the story couldn't have been told if everyone just disappeared at sea.
If you're into history and/or really interesting survival stories I highly recommend the book. I have not seen the movie yet but it stars Chris Hemsworth as first mate Owen Chase so at least there's eye candy. There's also whales if they're more you thing thing.
Totally looks just like the real Owen Chase!
