The Rapture of the Deep: And Other Dive Stories You Probably Shouldn't Know

by Michael G. Zinsley

Release Date: December, 1999

Edition: Paperback

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Entertaining perspectives

I found this book to be very entertaining and somewhat informative, couldn't put it down until I was finished. There is good insight into the culture and the behavior of different peoples, but its primary objective is to entertain.....mission accomplished. Michael Zinsley did something most of us only dream about; how many of us have actually acted on the impulse to write down our funniest and most entertaining adventures for others to enjoy? Don't expect highly technical jargon about diving, there are enough books on that subject. If you've been to these destinations, you'll know what he means. If you haven't, enjoy them first through Mike's eyes instead of the travel brochures. Share the book with a friend who doesn't dive, they'll enjoy it too (if they have a sense of humor).

Dangerously inspiring... wonderfully enjoyable reading!

I've been given several copies of this book as presents so far; my friends know me well.

I'm personally undecided as to the effect this book had on me. I hesitate to say "inspiring" simply because the idea of travelling to unspoilt islands, getting paid to dive, living a beach-bum lifestyle, all of these already have a strong appeal for me. I think it was more simply addiction-satisfying; for a boy who grew up in the south pacific and lives-to-dive, sitting in land-locked Munich, this book certainly put a smile on my face. It didn't get me in the water, but it's truely the next best thing.

I saw a reviewer comparing Zinsley to Kerouac; my personal opinion might stretch to a young Michener (Tales of the South Pacific most especially) or even to Hemingway - content-wise at least, if not so much the literary style / quality.

This book is, unlike many other "books-by-divers", not just for SCUBA freaks. This will appeal to anyone who dreams of far away beaches and leaving the 9 to 5 rush.

It'S a wonderful book - at least, the stories are. It won't win literary awards, but you'll read this again, you'll give it to your friends, but be warned it might send you to your travel agent sooner than you had planned. I am looking forward to hearing more adventures from Mr Zinsley.