In the summer of 1895, William Waugh and his friend, known only as Doctor B., had an idea that was equal parts brilliant and bonkers. They would build their own houseboat—a floating cabin—and sail it from the heart of industrial Chicago all the way down to the sultry port of New Orleans. The Houseboat Book is the detailed, personal log of that journey.

The Story

The book starts not on the water, but in a lumber yard. We follow the duo as they design and construct the Pioneer, their 28-foot floating home, learning carpentry and boatbuilding through trial and error. Once launched, their trip becomes a slow dance with America's greatest river. They navigate locks, dodge treacherous snags (submerged trees that could rip the hull open), and get caught in storms. The pace is dictated by the current and the wind. They stop in small river towns, trading stories with locals, fishing for dinner, and observing a world in transition—where steamboats still ruled but the railroad was changing everything. It's a story of daily chores, breathtaking sunsets, mechanical breakdowns, and the simple challenge of getting from Point A to Point B when your house is your vessel.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a polished adventure tale. That's what makes it so special. Waugh writes with a dry, observant wit. You feel the mosquitoes, taste the bad coffee, and share in the triumph of fixing a broken rudder with scavenged parts. The heart of the book is in the ordinary moments: playing cards by lamplight, debating what to name a stray dog that joins them, or the quiet awe of seeing the river stretch endlessly ahead. It captures a specific slice of American life that's gone forever—the slow, community-connected travel of the pre-automobile age. You're right there with them, figuring it out.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves true-life adventures, American history from ground (or water) level, or stories about friendship and self-reliance. If you enjoy the quiet, observational style of writers like Bill Bryson or the DIY spirit of Walden, you'll find a kindred spirit in Waugh. It's a calming, fascinating escape into a journey where the destination was almost secondary to the experience of the ride itself.