Imagine kayaking 1,600 km solo for sixty-six days along a treacherous coastline, living off dried foods and seafood. Facing fierce storms and frigid waters, 24-year-old Norwell took this epic journey over two summers, carrying 15 kg of books! This is an exceptionally captivating, poetic and artistic travelogue, infused with stunning watercolour images and sketches of coastal maps and landscapes, with scientific descriptions of local berries, insects, fish, invertebrates, and seaweeds. His introspective thoughts reveal mature wisdom: “Solitude cultivates authenticity . . . Busy cities create busy minds . . . How do we cultivate an intimate human ecosystem?” Part educational/interpretive, part literary/artistic masterpiece, this book is a must-have for all secondary school libraries. Norwell, a geography graduate, is an author, illustrator, and world traveller.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Brief mention of masturbation and pornography.
Other End Matter: Appendix: endnotes, poetry, travel statistics, Pacific Northwest crossword, note about creating the book, Davidism dictionary, extensive acknowledgements
Images: Colour photographs, Colour illustrations, b&w illustrations, watercolour maps and illustrations
Bibliography: Yes
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

David Norwell is an author, illustrator, and world traveller. He holds a BSc in Geography from the University of Victoria, and has worked for six seasons conducting biological and geological surveys In BC, Alberta, and the Yukon. His passion is communicating science in a way that accesses the human heart. David has visited thirty-three countries, sailed across the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, trekked over the Himalayas with a kitten, and hitchhiked over two hundred rides. He is dedicated to understanding the human experience and sharing his findings. When not working on books, he is volunteering at schools, studying Buddhism, and practising meditation.

David Norwell's profile page

“One of the most uniquely told adventure tales I’ve ever read. A beautiful book.”
—Kevin Callan, award-winning author of Another Bend in the River: The Happy Camper’s Memoir

“David Norwell's A Complex Coast is a smorgasbord for the senses. Beautiful watercolour paintings combined with thoughtful musings bring the West Coast to life. As someone who has travelled some of the same waters, it was a particular treat for me to savour Norwell's work. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who loves the ocean, is interested in adventure, or just enjoys evocative art. A must read!”
—Colin Angus, award-winning author of Beyond the Horizon: The Great Race to Finish the First Human-Powered Circumnavigation of the Planet

"David Norwell has painted an intimately personal portrait of a journey as much about personal growth as the voyage itself. Through art, observations, and natural science, he shares his youthful evolution of spirit in the indomitable setting of the Pacific Northwest coast. What a perfect place to blend those elements and create something much larger."
—John Kimantas, author of the Wild Coast series