Especially 5 stars for the edition beautifully illustrated by Eric Palmquist that is available at the Rochester Public Library. When I received this book from the library I was dismayed by its size, like a coffee table book, which made it difficult to read in the bathtub or surreptitiously at work, which let’s be honest, is where I do most of my reading. However, the illustrations and photographs taken during the voyage are fantastic and add so much to the story. There is something on nearly every page and I’ll admit to being disappointed when I’d turn a page and find a wall of text and no picture :) As to the story, it was fast-paced and covered the voyage from inception (I especially enjoyed the “getting the gang together” part) to safe arrival. I appreciated the Scandinavian habit of dramatic understatement. I was on the edge of my seat at times, laughed out loud, and learned a lot along the way. The author’s premise has since been disproven (and some of his ideas problematic today), but he treated everyone with respect and had reverence for the wisdom of the people he studied.

Very interesting true story!

Interesting but also kind of racist

Excellent and very memorable read, and I have recommended it many times over the years.
It remains particularly memorable to me because it was my first non-fiction book. I don't recall why I was in the non fiction section, maybe someone else was in narrow library aisle I had been in. But I do remember the shelf location was about level with my waist, and the title on the spine caught my eye. The jacket description fascinated me. What adventurous journey this book was for a small town tween girl.

Thor Heyerdahl is my rolemodel. The Kon-Tiki Expedition is adventure in its truest form. What can I say? I have a deep respect for ancient cultures and I truly believe they were more advanced than we think. They had no electricity or computers to destract them, so instead they were able to study the stars in the dark night (something we have lost). Also, they were just as curious as we are today, so it goes without saying that they would travel a little bit further with every passing generation - by boat or other means. Also, ancient civilizations didn't have writing systems like we do (athough the Mayas and Aztecs had very well developed books, and the Incas recorded things in their kipu - complex strings and knots), so 'legends' were the way to pass on information. Our task, therefore, is to untangle these legends to recover the truth in them. Thor Heyerdahl had many critics, but fundamentaly I believe he wanted to remind us that forgotten civilizations were as advanced as we are (in their own way) but in the end we are all just as fragile.

It's written in deceptively simple language which makes it seem like a fun children's story.

But if you really think about it the man went on a voyage across the pacific, which everyone told him would FAIL and that they all would DIE, based on a theory. Takes guts.

On top of that, the man could write well. Looking forward to reading more from him.