Novel Research: Sharks, Marine Biology, and the Ocean

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 04 Apr 2015, 13:31

Hi! I'm currently writing my first novel; a write-what-you-know type of book. But this is not what this topic is about.

In 2016,I'll be working on a novel about sharks. Can anyone provide me with a recommendation for novels (fiction & non-fiction) covering what there is to know about sharks, marine biology, and anything that has the Ocean as its theme so that I can use it as research material? If you do, please leave a reply. I'll be eternally grateful.

d0dridge · Post by **d0dridge** » 04 Apr 2015, 15:26

I have two favourite non-fiction marine books. 'Stung!' is a recent book by Lisa-Ann Gershwin which explores the state of the ocean and what impact pollution and changing temperatures is having upon it, with particular reference to Jellyfish blooms.

'The Jaws of Death' by Xavier Maniguet is possibly a slightly more controversial choice but it studies the biology and nature of sharks, why they attack and historical case studies going back decades of deaths attributed to sharks. It isn't a 'blame game' book and it is well written.

Some of the books and blogs written by the cameramen working on producing documentaries like 'The Blue Planet' are extremely interesting and entertaining!

Gravy · Post by **Gravy** » 06 Apr 2015, 01:16

Leon Durham wrote:In 2016,I'll be working on a novel about sharks. Can anyone provide me with a recommendation for novels (fiction & non-fiction) covering what there is to know about sharks, marine biology, and anything that has the Ocean as its theme so that I can use it as research material? If you do, please leave a reply. I'll be eternally grateful.

I highly suggest a good field guide to sharks, or one specifically focused on whatever species you intend to spotlight.
Sharks are so often misinterpreted...when they're focused on at all.
Like Jaws being written about a great white when the true story that inspired it was actually a bullshark.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 08 Apr 2015, 21:26

This is really, really funny, because my name is Meg, but I think there's a novel out there called Meg about a killer shark.

If that doesn't yield any fruit (I haven't read it), then I'd maybe go to your local university bookstore and ask if they have a textbook or something. Heck, maybe you could even take a marine biology class, or look into those continuing education offerings or such.

I took AP marine biology in ninth grade and worked really hard for that D. Not my subject.

Hm... I know that there's a lot of info about scuba diving in Bury Me Deep by Pike. Sorry I can't think of more!