Review of Reef Making

[Sandra Smith 18]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Reef Making" by David Walter.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Imagine yourself snorkeling off the Alabama coast and seeing what used to be a family station wagon, school bus, or even a shopping cart, voting machine, or helicopter now resting on the ocean floor and inhabited by sea creatures thriving in abundance! You would be experiencing up close the fascinating and almost magical structures known as artificial reefs. In a way it seems to me like some sort of strange or clandestine recycling program. How do these land-dwelling objects end up on the ocean floor? Is this legal? Is it safe for sea life? And who is involved in the deployment of these structures? Reef Making: Transforming Oceans One Artificial Reef at a Time by author David Walter gives you an inside glimpse into the world of the out-of-the-ordinary occupation known as artificial reef making.

Within the space of twenty-four chapters, from humble beginnings in 1986 to recent years, Walter’s unconventional career path constantly evolves. In order to make a living and remain in business, new uses for boats, as well as new reef materials and reef structures, must be sought out. Using a no-nonsense, simple, and obvious brand of wisdom, the author lays out firsthand experiences with new reef materials, boats, and the occasional clash with authorities, regulations, and more. With a lot of problem-solving and some creativity, the author, the industry, and the oceans are transformed.

Overall, I loved reading this book. Of its many positives, let me start with the captivating cover photo. The image draws you in with a slightly elevated view of a modest red and white vessel loaded with reef-making material and afloat on sparkling blue-green ocean waters. It is a very attractive and suitable image for the book. Throughout Reef Making, there are also many color photographs, each with its own caption. I love that the colored images are crisp, clear, and of high quality, which aids the reader in grasping Walter’s many descriptions. Everything from navigation equipment to boats to artificial reefs and more is brought into focus with these visual aids. The pictures are a nice touch that adds another dimension to the book. What makes this book even more engaging is the author’s accessible and easy-to-understand writing style. Chapters are in chronological order and dressed up with a trace of dry humor. Because it is written from firsthand experience, you can trust this account to be authentic and accurate.

I can honestly say that there is nothing to dislike. The writing is enlightening without being boring or overly detailed and complicated. Reef Making: Transforming Oceans One Artificial Reef at a Time is well written, informative, and contains a refreshing splash of humor. I would love to give this book a perfect score of 5 stars, but because it contains more than ten errors, I must deduct one star. Although the oversights did not detract from my enjoyment of the book, a little more attention to detail during the editing process would have eliminated the imperfections. Otherwise, this is a work with a professional feel, and I happily rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

I highly recommend Reef Making, especially to anyone who enjoys fishing and boating. Likewise, if you have a love for the oceans and sea creatures, or if you are simply curious about artificial reefs, you are sure to catch some knowledge and enjoyment from this fascinating book.

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Reef Making
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[The Keeper Jr]

Nice review on an interesting topic. Now I do wanna know what reef making is and how it works. It's always a great read when you have an author writing about his/her life. I will add the book to my bookshelves. Thanks for the great review!

[Sandra Smith 18]

Nice review on an interesting topic. Now I do wanna know what reef making is and how it works. It's always a great read when you have an author writing about his/her life. I will add the book to my bookshelves. Thanks for the great review!

Thanks, The Keeper Jr! It really is an interesting topic and I learned a lot reading this book. Hope you enjoy it as well!