In Stores Now!
Advanced Praise for Captain Solitude
“Who hasn’t wanted to travel by bicycle along gravel back roads, jumping into the ocean whenever the mood strikes? (Okay, maybe just RC Shaw and I.) Shaw survives his great maritime journey with stops at farmers markets, Irving gas stations, deserted beaches and a surprising number of graveyards. Describing the South Shore and the people who live there, Captain Solitude makes a strong case for why all of us should push ourselves beyond our respective comfort zones and reminds us that real self discovery is never found through a self help book or a meditation app, but in the depths of the unknown and in the unending gifts we receive from the Earth and the kindness of its people."
- Afie Jurvanen AKA Bahamas
"A raucous and engaging tale. Chasing the ghost of a vanished mariner, riding waves and downing beer, the indefatigable RC Shaw sets off on his quixotic journey aboard his trusty cargo bike, guided by little more than a Magic 8 Ball and pure gumption. Captain Solitude perfectly captures the seascapes, wry humour and rhythms of life in Nova Scotia. Bravo!"
- Will Ferguson, author of Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw and winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour
"In Captain Solitude, author and renowned surfer RC Shaw embarks on a cycling and saltwater adventure as impressive and extreme as they come, weaving a profoundly moving travelogue that will entertain, impress, inspire, and uplift. Sailors, sea lovers, and Maritimers will devour this as readily as anyone who enjoys a tale of overcoming the odds and rising up in the face of adversity. Funny, thought-provoking, entertaining, and magnetically written, this is an essential read. Get ready to ride the waves with Shaw on each line of every page."
- James Mullinger, author of Brit Happens
“Like tucking into a butter-soaked rappie pie, Captain Solitude fills you up with heart-warming dirtbag insight, salty chunks of local lore, and the Kerouacian curiosity of an open-minded road warrior. In wild reverie of the ocean and those who ply it, by hull, hand, or board, RC Shaw’s two-wheeled voyage into the unknown is a delightfully honest travelogue in search of new waves, old ghosts, and at the end of the day, a hot meal.”
- Tyler Leblanc, author of Acadian Driftwood
"Shaw’s adventure reads like his bike had a sidecar. The book puts you in it, yearning for the romance of all we lost as we gained the modern age. As cars and trains displaced horses, the engine displaced the sail. Captain Solitude champions our lineage with fried haddock, privateers, and a celebration of the hardy souls who made—and still make—Nova Scotia Bluenose country. Engrossing, lively, and seasoned with plenty of good salt."
- Kate Inglis, author of Notes for the Everlost
"Adventure has become an increasingly lost art, even though the world is riper than ever to explore. Children, work, danger and utter hassle rule. And so, when anyone gears up on a bicycle with whisky, or whiskey, books and a dream, it must be considered. Shaw's Captain Solitude not only inspires but resets addled minds. His quest to explore, to adventure, to live again is an inspiration that must be devoured. The prose is taut, the mission clean. Most importantly, though, the ideal of living bigger absolutely resounds. Now more than ever. Essential."
- Chas Smith, author of Welcome to Paradise, Now Go to Hell
Goose Lane Editions presents…
In Stores Now!
Advanced Praise for Captain Solitude