Laurie Gwen Shapiro has done an exquisite job of bringing to life the times and trials of that Polish stowaway 'Billy' Gawronski. Her author's note following this work, telling of the steps and luck involved in uncovering the story of the life of this stowaway is as extraordinary as the tale itself. This is a book I was not able to put down.

Every decision Billy makes, from the approach most hidden while swimming through the dark port waters in the small hours to stow away on the 'City of New York' and trying to talk his young 17 year old self into becoming a member of the crew on the first American expedition to Antarctica under the direction of Commander Byrd, to how to secure employment for himself in the height of the Depression highlight the drive and worth of William Gregory Gawronski. However you want to spell that last name. The Stowaway gives us insight into New York City in the roaring '20's, the intricacies of fielding an exploratory force into unknown territories and an environment completely hostile to mankind, to what makes the call of the sea so compelling to some souls, to New York during the Depression and the effects of World War II all around the world. This is a book I can recommend to my friends and family, of all ages and all walks of life.

I received a free electronic copy of this biographical history from Netgalley, Laurie Gwen Shapiro, and Simon Schuster in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work

The Stowaway tells the story of a young, feisty boy named Billy who attempted to join the Byrd expedition to Antarctica by stowing away on the boat in New York . But this is a true story, and Billy was captured and caught along with several others. Rather than admit defeat, he follows the boat down the coast and tries again . . . and again. Ultimately, the press coverage of his never-say-die attempts caught the eye and hearts of the country . . . and Admiral Byrd and Billy was, in a press boon, added to the crew. A very early-last-century fairy tale with feel of that time captured well in the writing. It is well researched, and would absolutely appeal to history buffs. For me, who prefers a rollicking narrative, it was bit chock-full of factoids which sometimes feels clunky to me, but overall a good read.

A fascinating read about a bit who showed away on Byrd's first expedition to Antarctica. The nonfiction reads like fiction with great flow and pacing. The author gives great background on the time period as well as Billy himself. I found it highly enjoyable and learned a great deal as well!

The Stowaway is about a young Polish boy in New York City named Billy Gawronski who had a love, as I do, of adventure tales. He takes this love to extremes by stowing away on Admiral Richard Byrd’s expedition to Antartica in 1928. The story follows Billy’s journey across the globe while simultaneously sharing the ups and downs of the expedition as a whole.

Shapiro details the traceable parts of Billy’s life before, during, and after the expedition. There are enough gaps that he never came to feel like a friend, though I admired his pluck and was eager to continue reading each time I picked up the book. I knew nothing of Byrd’s Antartica expedition before The Stowaway and am interested to research if any artifacts still exist. I’d love to see them.

I could NOT put this book down. It was so interesting, so heartfelt, and just so unbelievable. Yet, it is/was all true. I could not help but rally for Billy to keep fighting, to keep wanting adventure out of life, to keep up his "pluck". I felt that I was right there with Billy unloading a ship onto Antarctica. Overall, a wonderfully written book about a true event.
Downside...no pictures.

This is a fast paced, fascinating slice of American history. How a teenager stowed aboard Richard Byrd’s Antarctica expedition, what that expedition was like and how it effected all those involved. Readable, fun and filled with factoids I’m sure you didn’t know this book is perfect for fans of Eric Larson.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I cannot believe this is a nonfiction book! Billy lived such an exciting life! Billy was determined to join Robert Byrd's planned trip to Antarctica and leave his job working in the family business in New York City. He decided to stow away and that is just the beginning of his adventure. This book grabbed me and would not let me go! I think that it was all the more enjoyable because it is a true story!