Author's narcissism gets a bit tiresome. ( )

Entertaining and mellow reflection on navigation, the human faculty of finding our way around in our world. The heart of the story, is seeking to explain the death of an ancestor whose ship went down off the coast of Norway – the author not only visits the place, but re-enacts a similar voyage, attempting to use the same methods of navigation as were used in the past. I received a copy in the Goodreads Giveaways program.

He also models a different kind of exploration, by seeking knowledge not in a library or the Internet, but by seeking out people who possess the knowledge. His search for information takes him places like Haiti, to meet some sailors who (at least reputedly) use more traditional means of navigation; Colorado to look at the GPS control center; London, to talk with a cab driver who not only possesses, but teaches “The Knowledge” of London streets. He doesn’t look on the web for how to use a sextant, but finds someone that can give him lessons. He interviews neuroscientists that study how our brains help us find our way around, and early theories of how off-loading that work to GPS may alter how we think.

This is an enjoyable read and would be especially good read around the campfire, preferably after getting slightly lost in the woods and finding your way out again.