Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good
Review: This is the second book in as many years that was "not my type" and yet I enjoyed both immensely (the other being Into Thin Air). The research was thorough (not actually done by the author) and it read like an adventure story. At times one longed for a bit more editing, but those somewhat tedious details are a reminder that this is real life and not a concocted adventure. Real life is also about getting financing, having things go wrong, people getting annoyed with each other, etc. Nice job.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely Fascinating Non-Stop Reading
Review: Gary Kinder has told an incredible story with such depth that I was enthused and captivated from page one through the epilogue. The heartwrenching account of the shipwreck was so vivid that I felt a part of it. I was humbled by the passion and vigor that Tommy Thompson brought to the scientific community and his determination to preserve the integrity of the shipwreck recovery. Being "inside the minds" of such great thinkers as they encounterd and worked through the problems with the recovery was awesome. This book is an account of American ingenuity at its best and a must-read for anyone who values that spirit in our country.
Rating:
Summary: The writer sucks you in from the beginning, enthralling!
Review: This book is GREAT, GREAT, GREAT. You get very involved in the story of Addie and Ansel Easton, especially. You wonder from the very beginning whether Ansel will survive, the writer gets you very interested in the human dramas that went on the day the Central America sank, you almost don't care about the story of the discovery at first, then when you read about the competition between the "treasure hunters" looking for the wreck you get interested in that too, you find yourself rooting for Tommy and his gang...I could not put this book down! A great read!!!!
Rating:
Summary: History, Technology and a story of man's passion to explore
Review: This book is a must read for anyone who likes history mixed with discovery and technology. The story honors the survivors and deceased of a great tragedy, while bringing the reader up to date with an exciting and wonderful tale of exploration, innovation and human will.
Rating:
Summary: Brief background on Wm Lewis Herndon
Review: I have not purchased this book yet but I know the story and I will purchase this book. I wanted to make note of some historical interests. William Lewis Herndon explored the Amazon and wrote and illustrated a book on it (I have his book) under command of then "Lieutenant" Matthew Fontaine Maury (my ancestor) long before this sinking. W L Herndon was Matthew Fontaine Maury's cousin and brother in law. M F Maury m. Ann Hull Herndon of Virginia. These are Virginia families out of Fredericksburg, Va. (See oceanography for M F Maury since he is the founder of the science) On the White House website under first ladies, look for Ellen Herndon-Arthur. She was the only daughter of W L Herndon (& neice of M.F. Maury and he is mentioned on the White House website) who married Chester Alan Arthur who became a U.S. President. Kind regards, Maury
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, thrilling, best book I have read among so many
Review: I have read so many books over so many years and find the integrity of the story and the way it was told so refreshing. Does take some "reading between the lines" ie I'm glad I didn't work for Tommy, but congratulations never-the-less to him and the author. For those who wanted pictures I say it would have ruined the suspense to see pictures of the piles of gold coins at the bottom of the sea. The dual aspect of this story and the way the author honored the long lost passengers made this a great book. Lots of heroes. Thanks for this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Story But Not That Objective
Review: Kinder writes a solid description of the Central America and the huge effort undertaken to recover its gold. Unforunately, Tommy Thompson's quirky personality and boundless dedication to the project seem to be "gilded", and the book would have been enhanced by including more of his mistakes. For instance, one summer the search is started 2 1/2 months late. The blame is placed on a supplier, not on Tommy who micromanaged every other aspect of the project. As a follow up, in 11/98 some of the investors were trying to wrest control of the project from Tommy because of some difficulties they had with him. All in all a nice summer read. It would be neat to have a coin when they are sold to the public.
Rating: 
Summary: With a little editing, this could be a great read
Review: While I enjoyed this book, it was too drawn out and could have benefitted from some editing. There is a compelling story here, but you have to dig through loads of unnecessary personal details to get to it. The technical details of the project were fascinating, but the excrutiatingly detailed background on Tommy's life and other personal details were too much for me. When I finally did get to the good parts, however, I was completely engrossed.
Rating:
Summary: 500 Pages Wasn't Enough
Review: Amazing story! Kinder is a terrific writer, Tommy Thompson is a maverick, the sinking of the Central America is as compelling a sea story as they come. It is one of the few books that I started to read over again as soon as I finished. The narative is exciting and fast paced and not at all hampered by the discussion of deep sea technology. A great read!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Read.
Review: I would definitely recommend this book. A couple of unusual perspectives that Gary Kinder brings out are the visionary entrepreneurial methodology of Tommy Thompson and how incestuous the deep ocean exploration community is. As a scuba diver I found it fascinating to read the descriptions of the depths that were plumbed by Thompson's crew. The book was not long enough!!
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