Relative to Wind

A lingering, long-haul collection of writing about sailing for readers of Julietta Singh and Kyo Maclear.

In Relative to Wind, Phoebe Wang delivers a poetic rendering of her decade-long journey of learning to sail and a deep dive into what it means to be a newcomer to an old tradition. From working along-side crewmates in tempestuous conditions to becoming an avid racer and organizer to drafting a wistful love letter to a Wayfarer dinghy--while examining the loose tether between sailing and a creative life--Wang delivers a book for sailors and would-be sailors that is thoughtful and surprising at every tack.

"A thoughtful, illuminating look at life away from land."--Kirkus

These book club questions are from the author, Phoebe Wang.

Book club questions for Relative to Wind by Phoebe Wang

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

“Boat Words” explores the relationship between language, register and identity. Have you ever felt a new part of yourself open up through learning a new dialect or set of terminology? What aspects of language learning do you find most challenging or rewarding?

Nautical language may be new to readers and familiar to others. Does the way Relative to Wind present this “boat speak” in a way that is accessible to you? What words and phrases did you find most challenging and confusing, and which stayed with you? For readers who have experience on the water, how does Wang’s explanation of sailing terminology, boat parts and maneuvers differ from the ways you learned these terms?

“Becoming Crew” is about how an individual becomes part of something larger. Tell a story about experiences you’ve had being part of a team, and how you carry that sense of a group identity with you.

There are times when it’s difficult to even cross the start line, as Wang details in “Free Beer.” How does she connect the trials and rewards of yacht club racing with those of her writing career? What are times which you felt like showing up late or being delayed benefited you in the long run?

“One Hand for Yourself” asks whether we choose the position that best suits us, or if a position finds us because of our natural aptitude. Does Wang imply an answer to that question?

Wang learned more than just how to right a capsized dinghy in “Controlled Capsize.” What other life lessons came out of the four weeks of dinghy classes?

There are many different forms and types of essays in this book, from linear and narrative storytelling, to collage-like essays, to letters, to-do list and journal entries. Discuss how form serves the content in this book.

“In Pursuit” uses the structure of a set of sailing instructions, typically published by a racing organization for a sailing regatta. How do these instructions apply to the pursuit of gender equity in sports? Which instructions are practical, and which are impossible for women to follow?

“Lifelines” gives many examples of supportive masculinity in the sailing community. How do each of the male skippers and crew contrast with Wang’s father in this series of journal entries?

Relative to Wind borrows its overall structure from a manual. What are some features of manuals that Wang uses, and others that she diverges from?

Relative to Wind Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Relative to Wind discussion questions