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Summary: A terrific, eclectic collection of diving literature.
Review: Anyone who's been diving knows the frustration of trying to share the experience with non-diving frineds. Here, at last, is a collection of short pieces, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, that solves that problem.
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Summary: Seeking scuba stories? - this is a great start
Review: As a a proto-diver (certifying next month), I am hungry for any literature on Scuba. The stories here helped quench my thrist. I especially was moved by the shorter non-fiction stories in the book. A large range of stories insures you will find something you will like (as well as a couple you might not enjoy). I recommend you pick it up if your profile matches mine.
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Summary: Never mind divers; lovers of fine writing, read this!
Review: Because I've never dived, Down Time had work to do to win me over fast. Co-editor Ed Kittrell's introduction did. As absorbing as the pieces within, it invites us all to dive -- inward to ourselves, as well as reefward toward the teeming show below. The ensuing prose and poetry delivers on his promise. While variously tense, funny and reflective, its sum message hints that submersion itself -- in water, in thought, in work or play -- has always been our paradoxical ticket to higher awareness. Ultimately, Down Time's muted world screams the very mystery of breath -- above or below sea level. This anthology is a nourishing addition to the shelf of any lover of fine writing. Dive in and soar!
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Summary: For the cerebral diver...this is a great book!
Review: For the cerebral diver, this book makes it possible to re-live your best moments under water and hang on in the real world until your next dive trip. The articles selected provide both a glimpse into the history and amazing development of the dive industry and also the associated beauty of diving that we all experience. This anthology is creatively crafted and a joy to read.
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Summary: Too much down time
Review: I found several of the stories in this book to be interesting and exciting. However, too many of these short stories were BORING. I'm glad I got this book from the library and didn't spend good scuba dollars on a purchase! In my opinion this book has TOO MUCH DOWN TIME.
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Summary: Down Time
Review: I loved this book. Diverse writing styles, coupled with humor and drama make this book addictive. I thought Dave Barry's story was a crack up! Buy two because it's the kind of book you loan out to share the joy and never get back! If you like diving and diving tales, this is the book you've been waiting for.
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Summary: Down Time
Review: I loved this book. Diverse writing styles, coupled with humor and drama make this book addictive. I thought Dave Barry's story was a crack up! Buy two because it's the kind of book you loan out to share the joy and never get back! If you like diving and diving tales, this is the book you've been waiting for.
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Summary: Decent collection, not all stories fantastic
Review: I recently read this collection of stories while on a nice tropical vacation where I did a couple of dives - so was in the mood. Below, I have broken down some of the positives and negatives that I took away from this collection:
The positives: This is without a doubt a comprehensive collection of writings - in terms of the time period covered and styles of writing (humor, poetry, etc). I thought that some of the stories were really great - couldn't help but laugh at Dave Barry's description of diving. I found a few of the older pieces very interesting due to the historic perspective / context.
The negatives: Any time you take on a project to complile a collection this large across different writing styles, it should be a given that all pieces are not going to appeal to all readers. About 25% of the stories simply did not appeal to me.
Secondly, there also seemed to be a recurring "What my first dive was like" or "What it feels like when you are down there" theme. I also found this a bit tiresome after awhile. As a diver, unending explanations of how clear and blue water is, the sense of weightlessness, etc got to be a bit much. Almost drove me to the best example I could think of - a bottle of Bombay Gin.
Closing: A large enough body of work that I think that every reader will find some of the stories very worthy reading. Light enough for a good vacation or bedtime read. Worthy enough purchase - I think a good gift type of purchase for that diver's christmas fin.
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Summary: a great book for divers and non-divers alike
Review: I remember the first time I dove. I came home and tried to tell all my friends and co-workers how great it was. The problem was that I couldn't explain it... No one got it. When I read Down Time I knew that I had finally found someone or something that could illustrate the joys and highs of diving to anyone, divers and non-divers alike. There is something for everyone in here. Shark encounters, cave diving, scary stories, funny stories and delightful poems are just a sample of what lay in store for the readers of Down Time.
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Summary: A must for the bed-side diver...
Review: I started this book with a bit of concern that it might not actually be that interesting...how wrong could I be! The Kittrell's manage to captivate at ever page turned and inspire both non-divers, new divers and veteran divers alike. The range of authors and time range is massive, vivid images are formed in your mind on actually being there. A must to read and has certainly earned a proud place in my library of books... Stephan Whelan [Editor], Deeper Blue The Online Magazine for Scuba Divers
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