Rating: 
Summary: A note from Mike
Review: I was reading through the reviews here and noticed that although most people are really enjoying my book, a few were taken aback. I'd like to mention a couple things so that someone who may not appreciate the book won't end up buying it. (Please read the summaryin the editorial review section posted on this web page). A few people mentioned that the book is not about diving and/or involves drinking. I would like to make it clear that the book is a travelogue about the lifestyle of dive instructors in resort locations, not a text on scuba. If books with "Fear and Loathing" in the title don't appeal to you, you may not be making the best choice with this purchase. To all others who praised the book, (and sent encouraging e-mail), thank you very much. Getting positive comments helps make the whole project worthwhile.
Rating: 
Summary: Dangerously inspiring... wonderfully enjoyable reading!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Dangerously inspiring... wonderfully enjoyable reading!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Highly enjoyable read
Review: If you are one of those people tired of the 9-5 and beyond office grind, and dream of doing something more exotic with your life, this book will make you green with envy. Zinsley's book captures the spirit of diving, travel, and in particular Asian island life, though he delves into the Caribbean and Australia as well. He covers what it is like to live the bohemian life of a dive instructor in some of Asia's most famous diving and sun locales. Like listening to a buddy with really good stories, Zinsley's book is a funny and enjoyable read. I would especially recommend it to people keen on travel, diving, or anyone who merely wishes to do so.
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Summary: Zinsley Should Write "Exotic Diving for Idiots!"
Review: It's true, read a few pages and you can't put this book down. I am a travel and thrill junky myself, so I could be biased. Even though I've never been diving, Zinsley transported me to some of the most exotic locales on the earth. He also entertained along the way. If there's a little romance and a smattering of debauchery involved, it adds a little spice. To the reviewers below who were critical, well, the guy is a professional dive instructor whose first effort shows an author with a brain and some writing ability. Personally, I would like to see more from Zinsley - he would be my pick to write "Exotic Diving for Idiots."
Rating:
Summary: Good read on your next dive trip
Review: Mike carefully crafts a "day in the life" of living on a tropical island on the dive instructor budget in a very easy to read format. This is not an instruction manual; it is about the daily life and (mis)adventures in and out of the water. The book is really a perfect read for those that like a light "travel adventure"/"personal account" read down the lines of PJ O'Rourke, with not a lot of hidden political messages. Suggestion - if you like diving, this is the great travel companion.
Rating:
Summary: Good read on your next dive trip
Review: Mike carefully crafts a "day in the life" of living on a tropical island on the dive instructor budget in a very easy to read format. This is not an instruction manual; it is about the daily life and (mis)adventures in and out of the water. The book is really a perfect read for those that like a light "travel adventure"/"personal account" read down the lines of PJ O'Rourke, with not a lot of hidden political messages. Suggestion - if you like diving, this is the great travel companion.
Rating:
Summary: Good read on your next dive trip
Review: Mike carefully crafts a "day in the life" of living on a tropical island on the dive instructor budget in a very easy to read format. This is not an instruction manual; it is about the daily life and (mis)adventures in and out of the water. The book is really a perfect read for those that like a light "travel adventure"/"personal account" read down the lines of PJ O'Rourke, with not a lot of hidden political messages. Suggestion - if you like diving, this is the great travel companion.
Rating:
Summary: Rapture of the Deep & Other Dive Stories by Michael Zinsley
Review: Mike Zinsley's first book is fascinating, well written,and opens up a deep and wide world to divers and non-swimmers as well.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely brilliant!
Review: The first thing I did after reading this book was to look for others by the same author. Beautiful descriptions of coral reefs in some of the most spectacular places in the world, exciting dive stories, unbelievable situations, even social analysis and all written with M. Zinsley's great sense of humour. I could not put it down! Definitely a MUST for any diver!
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