The Perfect Storm

The Perfect Storm

Sebastian Junger

Non Fiction

This book is for the type of reader that likes an adventure story and one that enjoys history. This book is especially special because it is a true story. This book also talks a lot about the history of fishing and fishing accidents. This book is about a group of sailors who go out on a fishing trip, on the Andrea Gail, and they end up sinking and drowning in a terrible storm. These fishermen from Gloucerster, Massachusetts were never found. The story takes place during the 1991 Perfect Storm. The Perfect Storm was a severe storm that may have only happened once in a century. These fishermen most of whom do not wish to fish for a living, but have to for money, set out on a dangerous fishing journey into the storm. Most fishing boat captains are stubborn, not wanting to give up and turn around to go home. Albert Johnston, the captain of the Andrea Gail is no different.

In a review of this book, the reviewer states that the reader will be fascinated by the lessons in meteorology and detailed ethnography of modern fishermen. For me, this was boring and not fascinating at all. If you were a guy that is interested in weather and fishing and the ocean this book would be perfect for you. But if you are not, this book could be a little bit boring in some parts. The reviewer also says what makes this book so compelling is the human drama that plays out. I agree that the suspense makes this a very good book. It makes you want to figure out what is going to happen next. I give this book a 6 because at times the book read very slowly especially during the parts of the book where the author described the lifestyle of the fishermen and various weather patterns. Other than that, this was a decent book that would be a great book for someone that enjoyed reading about meteorology, fishing and adventure.