The Last Run
What a great book. This is the true story about an Alaskan fishing schooner that capsizes in the Fairweather Grounds and the subsequent US Coast Guard rescue mission. Todd Lewan does an excellent job detailing the lives behind the fisherman - showing all of the good and bad in them. He spends a good amount of time describing their backgrounds, the home life, the drinking and drugs, the women, and the work.
The book kicks it up a notch as Todd details out the history of the La Conte (the schooner), it’s sordid history, and how it became Mark Morley’s boat. This is when the good fishing begins. The energy Lewan shows in his writing engulfes the reader - it places you on the boat next to the fisherman, in their thoughts and fears. The story becomes more rivetting as the storm grows and they continue to fish. Lewan then changes gears for about 20 pages while he details some history about the Coast Guard station commander. Then the best part of the book hits you - the rescue. I swear I couldn’t put the book down. For those who know me…you know I read like a snail. I ended up plowing through 150 pages in one day…and that was a work day. I read it on the train to work and back from work. I read some more that evening at home. Lewan keeps the story going with wonderful dialogue and hair-raising situations. Even more amazing - it’s a true story. The storm was absolutely crazy. For those who like fishing, helicopters, or weather - this book will not disappoint. Check out the Amazon review