What do you think?
The Fourth Fisherman: How Three Mexican Fishermen Who Came Back from the Dead Changed My Life and Saved My Marriage
We each came to a moment of brokenness;
what we found there was God.
And he was enough.
It was the subject of headlines around the world: Three Mexican fishermen in a small open boat without any supplies, drifting for more than nine months and 5,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Through blistering sun and threatening storms, they battle starvation, dehydration, hopelessness, and death. Their lifelines? An unwavering faith and a tattered Bible.
Thousands of miles away, Joe Kissack, a successful Hollywood executive, personified the American dream. He enjoyed the trappings of the good life: a mini mansion, sports cars, and more. He had it made. Yet the intense pressure of his driven and high-powered career sends him into a downward spiral, driving him deep into suicidal depression, insidious addictions, and alienation from his family. His lifelines? A friend and a Bible on the table between them.
Thoughtfully told with candor and humor, Kissack weaves together the incredible true voyage of fishermen adrift in the sea and his own life’s journey as a man lost in the world. It is a story that will buoy your spirit and renew your hope and faith.
what we found there was God.
And he was enough.
It was the subject of headlines around the world: Three Mexican fishermen in a small open boat without any supplies, drifting for more than nine months and 5,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Through blistering sun and threatening storms, they battle starvation, dehydration, hopelessness, and death. Their lifelines? An unwavering faith and a tattered Bible.
Thousands of miles away, Joe Kissack, a successful Hollywood executive, personified the American dream. He enjoyed the trappings of the good life: a mini mansion, sports cars, and more. He had it made. Yet the intense pressure of his driven and high-powered career sends him into a downward spiral, driving him deep into suicidal depression, insidious addictions, and alienation from his family. His lifelines? A friend and a Bible on the table between them.
Thoughtfully told with candor and humor, Kissack weaves together the incredible true voyage of fishermen adrift in the sea and his own life’s journey as a man lost in the world. It is a story that will buoy your spirit and renew your hope and faith.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 21, 2012
This is a very inspirational book, where the author describes in parallel his own story and the incredible story of three Mexican fishermen who were lost at sea for almost 10 months before being rescued. The parallel he describes is strong and can be applied to many lives, probably including mine. While the fishermen were lost at sea, they had their faith supporting them every moment of their ordeal. While the author was safe in his home and with his job, his lack of faith make him feel completely lost and delusional in his own world. He goes from a red carpet reception on an important event, to suicidal depression and addiction to prescription drugs.
And after his experience with God, the author had an unique opportunity of interacting with the three fisherman and that experience changes his life forever.
This is a very well written and touching story that deserves to be in the permanent library of any Christian person. The author divides the story in 40 short chapters and an epilogue, making the reading very easy and enjoyable. It took me approximately 7 hours to read this book.
This book was written by Joe Kissack and was published in March of 2012 by WaterBrook Multnomah Books. The publishers were kind enough to provide me a copy for reviewing through their Blogging for Books Program.
And after his experience with God, the author had an unique opportunity of interacting with the three fisherman and that experience changes his life forever.
This is a very well written and touching story that deserves to be in the permanent library of any Christian person. The author divides the story in 40 short chapters and an epilogue, making the reading very easy and enjoyable. It took me approximately 7 hours to read this book.
This book was written by Joe Kissack and was published in March of 2012 by WaterBrook Multnomah Books. The publishers were kind enough to provide me a copy for reviewing through their Blogging for Books Program.
October 7, 2010
This is a book of faith ; a story of catastrophe, redemption , and miracles. I heard the author speak the other week and have mutual friends; and it adds an extra dimension to the book .
February 19, 2022
Fair disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
This book is about two distinct stories. The first is that of several Mexican fisherman lost at sea for an incredibly long time, who survived on grit, fortitude and faith. The second story is about Joe Kissick, someone I've never heard of before who evidently made pots of money, became disillusioned, nearly destroyed himself and his family and found God, in part through the story of the Mexican fishermen.
I've been putting off writing about this book for a while because I wasn't entirely sure what to say. I found this story disjointed, and while the beginning is compelling, especially in the tale about what happened to the fisherman, the parallel story of Joe wasn't nearly so interesting or moving. In part I felt it was because Joe took such a big step back emotionally from the story. As others have pointed out in their reviews, he seemed interested enough in telling what happened in each instance, but the story became dry, a recitation of facts. The second half of the book was too much about trying to track down the fisherman and talk to them, with so much time spent on how hard it is to find and communicate with people in Mexico.
The worst part though was what he put his family through in the name of faith which felt a lot more like obsession. That he turned down movie deals when things did work out didn't feel near so noble as one would have wanted it to. I kept thinking that had the story been made, it would have brought attention to something which no one has heard of since the event, where the true story could have perhaps gained some decent momentum and done something to benefit these fishermen (and even Joe) in some way. After all, books which movies are based on often gain so much more traction after the movie is out even if the movie doesn't tell the whole story the way you wish it might have been told. But that's just my two cents worth, take it for what you will.
Overall, I didn't like this book. I slogged through in bits and pieces, but it all felt so self-serving, to the point where it felt like he was saying, "Look at what an amazing faith Joe has" when the message should have been, "Look how amazing God is." I couldn't help but think a more personal book, told simply about the fisherman, leaving Joe in the background would have been more powerful.
Sorry, to say (especially since I was given a copy of this book to review by the publisher) but I just didn't like this book and couldn't recommend it to anyone.
This book is about two distinct stories. The first is that of several Mexican fisherman lost at sea for an incredibly long time, who survived on grit, fortitude and faith. The second story is about Joe Kissick, someone I've never heard of before who evidently made pots of money, became disillusioned, nearly destroyed himself and his family and found God, in part through the story of the Mexican fishermen.
I've been putting off writing about this book for a while because I wasn't entirely sure what to say. I found this story disjointed, and while the beginning is compelling, especially in the tale about what happened to the fisherman, the parallel story of Joe wasn't nearly so interesting or moving. In part I felt it was because Joe took such a big step back emotionally from the story. As others have pointed out in their reviews, he seemed interested enough in telling what happened in each instance, but the story became dry, a recitation of facts. The second half of the book was too much about trying to track down the fisherman and talk to them, with so much time spent on how hard it is to find and communicate with people in Mexico.
The worst part though was what he put his family through in the name of faith which felt a lot more like obsession. That he turned down movie deals when things did work out didn't feel near so noble as one would have wanted it to. I kept thinking that had the story been made, it would have brought attention to something which no one has heard of since the event, where the true story could have perhaps gained some decent momentum and done something to benefit these fishermen (and even Joe) in some way. After all, books which movies are based on often gain so much more traction after the movie is out even if the movie doesn't tell the whole story the way you wish it might have been told. But that's just my two cents worth, take it for what you will.
Overall, I didn't like this book. I slogged through in bits and pieces, but it all felt so self-serving, to the point where it felt like he was saying, "Look at what an amazing faith Joe has" when the message should have been, "Look how amazing God is." I couldn't help but think a more personal book, told simply about the fisherman, leaving Joe in the background would have been more powerful.
Sorry, to say (especially since I was given a copy of this book to review by the publisher) but I just didn't like this book and couldn't recommend it to anyone.
June 12, 2013
Summary
This is the story of Kissack's life from 1997 to 2006, as well as the story of 3 Mexican fisherman that survive 9 months lost at sea. Kissack writes about how he lost control of his life, and how religion saved him. He also writes about the tale of 5 Mexican fisherman that get lost at sea, and the 3 that survived the ordeal.
Thoughts
This is supposed to be a touching tale. I didn't find it so. The way Kissack writes the first 98% of the book is more like listed facts, put into sentences, and then sealed so he wouldn't have to deal with it. Reading it, I didn't see much emotion. It was "I did this... I did that... This happened, that followed." When it came to writing about the fisherman, there was a little more emotion to the writing, but not much. It was still nearly a list of fact and like reading a long piece in the news.
When I started this book, I didn't really know what to expect beyond it to be somewhat of a memoir. That much it is. I found out about Joe Kissack, whom I'd never heard of before. I found out about his addictions, and how he runs from one addiction to another. I know about his faith in a god, though I don't know if it's Catholic, Evangelical, or some other faith he turned to. I know that he valued the story of the fisherman, and believes it's his god, putting him on trial to prove his faith.
As for the story of the fisherman, I was intrigued. I did a bit of research on the Internet to find out more about the story, but there is really not much more than what you'll find in the book. I don't think this book, nor Kissack's writing style gave enough emotion to the fishermans' tale to make it very exciting to read.
The most that it seemed like Kissack wrote with emotion in the entire book was in the last 2% of it, right before the end, when it was like an epilogue of what he and his wife were doing and how their family was healing. It's a good place to have emotion, but it makes it seem like the rest of the book was even more dull.
One more note: In the last 1/8 of the book, the author describes his trips to Mexico, what sort of things he has to go through, and repeatedly mentions how much money it costs and how worried he is that it's draining the family savings. The topic of money is mentioned quite possibly more frequently than how Kissack felt challenged to do his god's deeds. This, plus the writing style mentioned above, gave me the distinct feeling he was writing the book to pay some bills, not to get the word out about his new found faith and the story of the fisherman.
This is the story of Kissack's life from 1997 to 2006, as well as the story of 3 Mexican fisherman that survive 9 months lost at sea. Kissack writes about how he lost control of his life, and how religion saved him. He also writes about the tale of 5 Mexican fisherman that get lost at sea, and the 3 that survived the ordeal.
Thoughts
This is supposed to be a touching tale. I didn't find it so. The way Kissack writes the first 98% of the book is more like listed facts, put into sentences, and then sealed so he wouldn't have to deal with it. Reading it, I didn't see much emotion. It was "I did this... I did that... This happened, that followed." When it came to writing about the fisherman, there was a little more emotion to the writing, but not much. It was still nearly a list of fact and like reading a long piece in the news.
When I started this book, I didn't really know what to expect beyond it to be somewhat of a memoir. That much it is. I found out about Joe Kissack, whom I'd never heard of before. I found out about his addictions, and how he runs from one addiction to another. I know about his faith in a god, though I don't know if it's Catholic, Evangelical, or some other faith he turned to. I know that he valued the story of the fisherman, and believes it's his god, putting him on trial to prove his faith.
As for the story of the fisherman, I was intrigued. I did a bit of research on the Internet to find out more about the story, but there is really not much more than what you'll find in the book. I don't think this book, nor Kissack's writing style gave enough emotion to the fishermans' tale to make it very exciting to read.
The most that it seemed like Kissack wrote with emotion in the entire book was in the last 2% of it, right before the end, when it was like an epilogue of what he and his wife were doing and how their family was healing. It's a good place to have emotion, but it makes it seem like the rest of the book was even more dull.
One more note: In the last 1/8 of the book, the author describes his trips to Mexico, what sort of things he has to go through, and repeatedly mentions how much money it costs and how worried he is that it's draining the family savings. The topic of money is mentioned quite possibly more frequently than how Kissack felt challenged to do his god's deeds. This, plus the writing style mentioned above, gave me the distinct feeling he was writing the book to pay some bills, not to get the word out about his new found faith and the story of the fisherman.
July 28, 2012
THE FOURTH FISHERMAN The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
The Good: I chose this book in order to read about the Mexican fishermen who lived after spending a zillion days in their little boat out in the open sea. To the extent that the book covered these men and their families I enjoyed the book. But – this book isn’t primarily about the three fishermen who live through their amazing ordeal of being stranded in the ocean.
It’s primarily about the author, Joe Kissack, who calls himself “The Fourth Fisherman.” And that brings us to…
The Bad: I didn’t care about Joe. He tries to weave his story of being rich, feeling lost, finding God, coming to faith and finding his real home with the fishermen getting lost, finding God, coming to faith, and coming home. It didn’t work for me.
I wanted more information about the fishermen – Did they really find God? What did that look like? What were their homes like before they left on that fateful fishing trip? How did they change as a result of being lost at sea and finding God? What about the families of those who died at sea? Instead of that information, the author gives us something else. I got concerned when the surviving three fishermen’s story was over, but the book was only about half way through.
The rest of the book was about The Fourth Fisherman. I didn’t care about Joe. He wasn’t poor, he was rich. He wasn’t lost at sea, he was lost in self-absorption. Guess I should have read the title.
The Ugly. The author talks about the three fishermen and himself finding God, but what does that mean? There is talk about how much the Bible helped the guys on the boat, so I assume they weren’t finding Buddah, but it wasn’t much more specific than that. You may like that, but for me it was too vague. And then it gets ugly.
Joe believes he is led by God to do some things that make little sense. The things he “feels led” to do are hard on his finances, his wife, his kids, his employer, etc. And it all ends… empty.
I hope Joe lives to see his movie produced (about the fishermen). I think it could be a good one if he does just one thing. I hope he leaves the fourth fisherman out of it.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. They asked for honesty.
DanielCooley.com
The Good: I chose this book in order to read about the Mexican fishermen who lived after spending a zillion days in their little boat out in the open sea. To the extent that the book covered these men and their families I enjoyed the book. But – this book isn’t primarily about the three fishermen who live through their amazing ordeal of being stranded in the ocean.
It’s primarily about the author, Joe Kissack, who calls himself “The Fourth Fisherman.” And that brings us to…
The Bad: I didn’t care about Joe. He tries to weave his story of being rich, feeling lost, finding God, coming to faith and finding his real home with the fishermen getting lost, finding God, coming to faith, and coming home. It didn’t work for me.
I wanted more information about the fishermen – Did they really find God? What did that look like? What were their homes like before they left on that fateful fishing trip? How did they change as a result of being lost at sea and finding God? What about the families of those who died at sea? Instead of that information, the author gives us something else. I got concerned when the surviving three fishermen’s story was over, but the book was only about half way through.
The rest of the book was about The Fourth Fisherman. I didn’t care about Joe. He wasn’t poor, he was rich. He wasn’t lost at sea, he was lost in self-absorption. Guess I should have read the title.
The Ugly. The author talks about the three fishermen and himself finding God, but what does that mean? There is talk about how much the Bible helped the guys on the boat, so I assume they weren’t finding Buddah, but it wasn’t much more specific than that. You may like that, but for me it was too vague. And then it gets ugly.
Joe believes he is led by God to do some things that make little sense. The things he “feels led” to do are hard on his finances, his wife, his kids, his employer, etc. And it all ends… empty.
I hope Joe lives to see his movie produced (about the fishermen). I think it could be a good one if he does just one thing. I hope he leaves the fourth fisherman out of it.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. They asked for honesty.
DanielCooley.com
February 5, 2012
This remarkable story will show you how faith in God can uphold us through dire circumstances.
Joe Kissack, a man blessed with material goods galore had nothing—success and excess had emptied his soul.
Three Mexican fishermen adrift at sea in 2006 for nine months had everything—faith sustained them because they read the Bible everyday.
Both stories intertwine in this book. Kissack delves into the agony and ecstasy of walking the Hollywood red carpet, the shame imposed on him as a kid, and the stress of staying on top in a high-powered position. His life becomes out of control. His conversion and faith in God are inspiring. A shining star in the book is the reaction of his wife. Her story, unfortunately, is glossed over in favor of its impact on her husband.
Rescue. We know from the media that the Mexicans’ were picked up by a fishing boat and returned to their families. The relationship between Kissack and the Mexicans develops. Although the author relates the fishermen’s story respectfully, he keeps our attention on himself, so the “rescued-at-sea” story seems a bit self-serving.
Sometimes you have to go off the deep end to find the joy of surfacing to a fresh life. The book provides food for thought.
Waterbrook Press releases the book on March 13, 2012.
The Amazon Vine Program graciously provided the review copy.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
Joe Kissack, a man blessed with material goods galore had nothing—success and excess had emptied his soul.
Three Mexican fishermen adrift at sea in 2006 for nine months had everything—faith sustained them because they read the Bible everyday.
Both stories intertwine in this book. Kissack delves into the agony and ecstasy of walking the Hollywood red carpet, the shame imposed on him as a kid, and the stress of staying on top in a high-powered position. His life becomes out of control. His conversion and faith in God are inspiring. A shining star in the book is the reaction of his wife. Her story, unfortunately, is glossed over in favor of its impact on her husband.
Rescue. We know from the media that the Mexicans’ were picked up by a fishing boat and returned to their families. The relationship between Kissack and the Mexicans develops. Although the author relates the fishermen’s story respectfully, he keeps our attention on himself, so the “rescued-at-sea” story seems a bit self-serving.
Sometimes you have to go off the deep end to find the joy of surfacing to a fresh life. The book provides food for thought.
Waterbrook Press releases the book on March 13, 2012.
The Amazon Vine Program graciously provided the review copy.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
May 3, 2012
I had the privilege of playing a round of golf with Joe Kissack last week and he gave me a copy of this book. I can tell you, as someone who has played thousands of rounds of golf over the years with men from all walks of life, I found Joe to be one of the most humble, fun-loving & intentional men of faith I've ever met.
This book is inspiring to me because I travelled a broken path for a long time too and I was only saved through the power, grace and truth of Jesus Christ. My personal story was brought to light through his writings about his life and those of the three fisherman who survived at sea. It made me question my walk with God to make sure I'm really seeking His will for my life or if I am repeating some habits that are not sowing the seeds for the future plans that God has for me.
If your not a Christian, I believe this story of intertwined lives should be read because its fascinating, empowering, inspiring and will make you question whether or not you're truly taking responsibility for your life.
Thanks for the book Joe! I look forward to another round of golf soon!
This book is inspiring to me because I travelled a broken path for a long time too and I was only saved through the power, grace and truth of Jesus Christ. My personal story was brought to light through his writings about his life and those of the three fisherman who survived at sea. It made me question my walk with God to make sure I'm really seeking His will for my life or if I am repeating some habits that are not sowing the seeds for the future plans that God has for me.
If your not a Christian, I believe this story of intertwined lives should be read because its fascinating, empowering, inspiring and will make you question whether or not you're truly taking responsibility for your life.
Thanks for the book Joe! I look forward to another round of golf soon!
February 27, 2012
This book interweaves the faith journey of a man spiritually lost with the Mexican fishermen who were physically lost. It is an encouraging tale of losing one's self in order to find the truth in life. Also, the story of deep faith when all else had faded and it would seem hope was lost. God works miracles still today. Take some time to enjoy this engaging story of how God captured one man and held on to three others.
I can't wait for the movie!!!!
I can't wait for the movie!!!!
March 31, 2012
Once I started this book I could not put it down. Joe Kissack is an incredible storyteller and excellent writer. Both stories truly are God-moments from beginning to end, yet there really is no end because their testimonies will go on to touch countless lives in the years to come. I have no doubt Joe will go on to write additional inspirational books in the years to come! I loved, loved, loved this book!
June 16, 2013
I was captivated from the get-go, finding inspiration in the brutality and the honesty of the journey which i take nothing from. If it wasn't for the Religious dogma.
A frustrating, unfinished, preaching, painful text.
I found myself not wanting to put the book down at times, then throwing it across the room with an anger that could only be calmed with a heavy exhale from the nostrils and a small grunt.
A frustrating, unfinished, preaching, painful text.
I found myself not wanting to put the book down at times, then throwing it across the room with an anger that could only be calmed with a heavy exhale from the nostrils and a small grunt.
August 19, 2025
An enormously successful executive with Columbia TriStar Television, Joe Kissack had the good life and more. He had a successful career syndicating shows such as Seinfeld, Walker, Texas Ranger etc. Yet there was an emptiness within. Born to a hammer of a man for whom everything looked like a nail, Kissack grew up fearing and hating his own father, yet desperate for his approval.
Gradually the emptiness began to consume him, and Kissack found himself resorting to the numbing comfort provided by alcohol and prescription drugs to relieve the anxiety and depression.
Miles away in another country, but not around the same time, another situation was brewing, in which some other men would also find themselves lost and helpless.
These five fishermen sailing in a fibreglass boat had launched off a town on the west coast of Mexico. They were out on a three-day fishing expedition, but were carrying four days worth of canned food, just in case the fishing turned out to be really good, besides tools and other supplies.
While at sea, the fisherman faced a storm that was the weather equivalent of, in Kissack's words, "going twelve rounds with Mike Tyson. An angry Mike Tyson" The storm took away four days worth of canned food and some tools. A few odds and ends and Salvador's Bible were all that remained. In this condition, they drifted on for days. The lack of potable water made it difficult for them to swallow. While the others started drinking seawater and suffered the consequences of this wrong move, Salvador drank his own urine.
Later he killed a sea turtle, a task in which he received able assistance from fishermen Jesus Vidana and Lucio Rendon. The three then ate the flesh of the sea turtle in order to stay alive and drank its blood in a bid to stay hydrated. Fisherman Farsero and the owner and captain of the ship, Juan David Lorenzo, who could not bring themselves to consume raw flesh and blood and thereby adapt to the situation die very quickly of starvation.
Salvador, Jesus and Lucio meanwhile drifted for nine months, reaching roughly six thousand miles away from the point at which they started before being rescued by a Taiwanese ship crew.
The first twelve chapters alternate between the story of Kissack and that of the fishermen. From then on the chapters concentrate solely on Kissack's situation, as he seeks validation, struggling to fight against the verbal abuse that he suffered as a child. Depression and anxiety, as a result of the pressures of the job and his own unresolved issues, surface. From this point, the story of the fishermen is discussed from Kissack’s point of view.
The writing is honest and takes you into the empty turmoil of the successful TV executive who is enslaved by his own success. Parts of the book, however, are better written than others.
The Fourth Fisherman of the title refers to Kissack himself. The reference isn’t immediately obvious, and Kissack himself makes note of it only at the very end. In fact, it is the last line of the epilogue. Consequently, I went through some confusion at the beginning, since the second chapter of the book clearly speaks about five fishermen on board the boat.
Kissack attempts to draw parallels between his own situation and that of the fishermen, implying that they were both lost in different ways, and were rescued by faith. The helplessness of the fishermen, however, was an actual, real-time instance of being lost, as opposed to Kissack’s situation where he was lost in a spiritual sense.
If Kissack meant to write a book about himself, his depression and subsequent acceptance of God in his life, and his attempts to make a Hollywood film on the fishermen in the face of obstacles, it would have been better if he had not given us so many details about the Mexicans. After alternating six chapters of his own story with six chapters of that of the fishermen, I was greatly disappointed to find the focus suddenly shifting to Kissack.
The story of three men drifting on the waters for nine long months would have been a far more moving portrayal of the way in which faith can sustain humans when there is no hope. It would certainly have been a far more riveting read than one in which the low point is when Kissack’s wife’s Lexus needs to be sold.
Eventually, it is the faith that shines through. Lucio's grandmother, Panchita, believes that he is alive and never stops praying for him or setting a place for him at the dinner table. Salvador’s faith helps to ignite the faith of Jesus and Lucio. And Kissack's faith helps him to be a better man, a better husband and father.
The Fourth Fisherman is above all the story of that faith.
Gradually the emptiness began to consume him, and Kissack found himself resorting to the numbing comfort provided by alcohol and prescription drugs to relieve the anxiety and depression.
Miles away in another country, but not around the same time, another situation was brewing, in which some other men would also find themselves lost and helpless.
These five fishermen sailing in a fibreglass boat had launched off a town on the west coast of Mexico. They were out on a three-day fishing expedition, but were carrying four days worth of canned food, just in case the fishing turned out to be really good, besides tools and other supplies.
While at sea, the fisherman faced a storm that was the weather equivalent of, in Kissack's words, "going twelve rounds with Mike Tyson. An angry Mike Tyson" The storm took away four days worth of canned food and some tools. A few odds and ends and Salvador's Bible were all that remained. In this condition, they drifted on for days. The lack of potable water made it difficult for them to swallow. While the others started drinking seawater and suffered the consequences of this wrong move, Salvador drank his own urine.
Later he killed a sea turtle, a task in which he received able assistance from fishermen Jesus Vidana and Lucio Rendon. The three then ate the flesh of the sea turtle in order to stay alive and drank its blood in a bid to stay hydrated. Fisherman Farsero and the owner and captain of the ship, Juan David Lorenzo, who could not bring themselves to consume raw flesh and blood and thereby adapt to the situation die very quickly of starvation.
Salvador, Jesus and Lucio meanwhile drifted for nine months, reaching roughly six thousand miles away from the point at which they started before being rescued by a Taiwanese ship crew.
The first twelve chapters alternate between the story of Kissack and that of the fishermen. From then on the chapters concentrate solely on Kissack's situation, as he seeks validation, struggling to fight against the verbal abuse that he suffered as a child. Depression and anxiety, as a result of the pressures of the job and his own unresolved issues, surface. From this point, the story of the fishermen is discussed from Kissack’s point of view.
The writing is honest and takes you into the empty turmoil of the successful TV executive who is enslaved by his own success. Parts of the book, however, are better written than others.
The Fourth Fisherman of the title refers to Kissack himself. The reference isn’t immediately obvious, and Kissack himself makes note of it only at the very end. In fact, it is the last line of the epilogue. Consequently, I went through some confusion at the beginning, since the second chapter of the book clearly speaks about five fishermen on board the boat.
Kissack attempts to draw parallels between his own situation and that of the fishermen, implying that they were both lost in different ways, and were rescued by faith. The helplessness of the fishermen, however, was an actual, real-time instance of being lost, as opposed to Kissack’s situation where he was lost in a spiritual sense.
If Kissack meant to write a book about himself, his depression and subsequent acceptance of God in his life, and his attempts to make a Hollywood film on the fishermen in the face of obstacles, it would have been better if he had not given us so many details about the Mexicans. After alternating six chapters of his own story with six chapters of that of the fishermen, I was greatly disappointed to find the focus suddenly shifting to Kissack.
The story of three men drifting on the waters for nine long months would have been a far more moving portrayal of the way in which faith can sustain humans when there is no hope. It would certainly have been a far more riveting read than one in which the low point is when Kissack’s wife’s Lexus needs to be sold.
Eventually, it is the faith that shines through. Lucio's grandmother, Panchita, believes that he is alive and never stops praying for him or setting a place for him at the dinner table. Salvador’s faith helps to ignite the faith of Jesus and Lucio. And Kissack's faith helps him to be a better man, a better husband and father.
The Fourth Fisherman is above all the story of that faith.
May 9, 2018
Ein sehr bewegendes Buch, das leider nur 3 Sterne bekommen hat, da es einfach nicht mein Genre war.Trotzdem sehr empfehlenswert!📖😁
March 1, 2022
Excellent!
June 26, 2013
In The Fourth Fisherman, Joe Kissack has written about the journey of five fishermen who vanished on an expedition on the western Mexico coast. Senor Juan, Salvador Ordonez, Lucio Rendon, Jesus Vidana, and Farsero left the coast on board a boat called a panga. When they were out at to sea, a storm began to come and they lost their cimbra, which is a fishing line that costs more than three thousand dollars. Senor Juan emphasized that they must keep searching for the cimbra and they ultimately ran out of gas and the engine sputtered and died. They were alone and lost at sea for about nine months before they were rescued. Salvador had one Bible on the boat that they all read and mediated on while they were lost. The book gets very graphic on all that they had to do in order to survive and find food. Two of the fisherman unfortunately didn’t make it and died. The book covered two stories that was intertwined together to display God’s divine power, the fisherman story and Joe Kissack personal story.
Joe Kissack had to endure through a difficult childhood and deal with a hard to please father. His father was an alcoholic and he loved to drink. His father would also use a paddle to punish him when he acted up and misbehaved. He was told as a child to bend over and hold his ankles while he was being hit by a paddle. This messaged conveyed to him to never mess up and to always perform perfectly. Joe tried to be strong enough and he was very competitive in sports to succeed. He strived to be a linebacker in order to make his father happy. He had a lot of angry and he wanted to hit someone back for the pain he felt inside his soul. He got the position of a quarterback on the football team and his dad reminded him that he wasn’t any good at football. As he became older, Joe became his dad’s drinking buddy and he used alcohol to escape the pain of his childhood. He realized that he felt better temporary because of the effects of alcohol. Joe Kissack became driven to succeed and he took a job in licensing the rights of television programs to broadcast stations. He kept climbing the ladder and he became rich and he purchased anything that his heart desired. Eventually the price of money and success came crashing down when he entered a deep depression and he began to take medicine and drink alcohol to relief the torment he felt inside. His wife, Carmen and his two beautiful girls were affected in ways he hasn’t perceived. He also revealed how he came to know Christ and how his life has dramatically changed.
Another favorite piece of the book was the story about how his wife told him that they were expecting their first child. He arrived at the hotel and he saw a teddy bear with a ribbon attached to two balloons one pink and one blue. Then he read the card and it said, “We are in the pink…or… the blue. Love, Carmen.” (Page 38). I thought this was a really neat way to tell your spouse that they are doing to be a dad! Future wife, wherever you are at, please take note, I would truly love a kind genuine big reveal surprise.
I would recommend this glorious book on the fishermen to anyone who loves inspirational stories that contains a message of hope in a God that protects and guides his chosen people. I enjoyed reading about the fishermen lost at sea and they encouraged me in my faith in God to always hold to the expectation that God will deliver me in whatever battles that I may be facing. I believed that Joe Kissack did an incredible job at combining both of the individual stories into a much greater concept of how God increased their faith. I immensely loved the transparency that Joe Kissack shared in his own life and how he thought that being successful would cause his father to declare and say to him that he was proud of him. Joe’s story taught me that many men struggle with working hard to achieve greatness and to accomplish work in order to feel better about themselves. Most of us men long to hear from our dad that he is proud of them. This pointed out to me that whenever I became a father that I must step up my game and proclaim to them that I’m proud of them. Joe also imparted in me the importance of spending quality time with my children and not be so concerned about climbing the ladder of fame. This book had a number of tangible reminders that God was present in the fishermen lives as well as, Joe Kissask. If you’re looking for a book that has the potential to encourage you in your walk in God and one that will at the same time instigate you into a deeper relationship with Christ, then this is the book you need to read!
“I received this copy of The Fourth Fisherman for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.
Joe Kissack had to endure through a difficult childhood and deal with a hard to please father. His father was an alcoholic and he loved to drink. His father would also use a paddle to punish him when he acted up and misbehaved. He was told as a child to bend over and hold his ankles while he was being hit by a paddle. This messaged conveyed to him to never mess up and to always perform perfectly. Joe tried to be strong enough and he was very competitive in sports to succeed. He strived to be a linebacker in order to make his father happy. He had a lot of angry and he wanted to hit someone back for the pain he felt inside his soul. He got the position of a quarterback on the football team and his dad reminded him that he wasn’t any good at football. As he became older, Joe became his dad’s drinking buddy and he used alcohol to escape the pain of his childhood. He realized that he felt better temporary because of the effects of alcohol. Joe Kissack became driven to succeed and he took a job in licensing the rights of television programs to broadcast stations. He kept climbing the ladder and he became rich and he purchased anything that his heart desired. Eventually the price of money and success came crashing down when he entered a deep depression and he began to take medicine and drink alcohol to relief the torment he felt inside. His wife, Carmen and his two beautiful girls were affected in ways he hasn’t perceived. He also revealed how he came to know Christ and how his life has dramatically changed.
Another favorite piece of the book was the story about how his wife told him that they were expecting their first child. He arrived at the hotel and he saw a teddy bear with a ribbon attached to two balloons one pink and one blue. Then he read the card and it said, “We are in the pink…or… the blue. Love, Carmen.” (Page 38). I thought this was a really neat way to tell your spouse that they are doing to be a dad! Future wife, wherever you are at, please take note, I would truly love a kind genuine big reveal surprise.
I would recommend this glorious book on the fishermen to anyone who loves inspirational stories that contains a message of hope in a God that protects and guides his chosen people. I enjoyed reading about the fishermen lost at sea and they encouraged me in my faith in God to always hold to the expectation that God will deliver me in whatever battles that I may be facing. I believed that Joe Kissack did an incredible job at combining both of the individual stories into a much greater concept of how God increased their faith. I immensely loved the transparency that Joe Kissack shared in his own life and how he thought that being successful would cause his father to declare and say to him that he was proud of him. Joe’s story taught me that many men struggle with working hard to achieve greatness and to accomplish work in order to feel better about themselves. Most of us men long to hear from our dad that he is proud of them. This pointed out to me that whenever I became a father that I must step up my game and proclaim to them that I’m proud of them. Joe also imparted in me the importance of spending quality time with my children and not be so concerned about climbing the ladder of fame. This book had a number of tangible reminders that God was present in the fishermen lives as well as, Joe Kissask. If you’re looking for a book that has the potential to encourage you in your walk in God and one that will at the same time instigate you into a deeper relationship with Christ, then this is the book you need to read!
“I received this copy of The Fourth Fisherman for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.
May 1, 2023
Great story about the fishermen. Not so enjoyable reading about the author's neglect of his wife's needs.
July 13, 2012
The Fourth Fisherman takes the story of three Mexican fisherman stranded at sea and infuses into the tale a fourth fisherman, Joe Kissack. When Joe is told about the survival of these three fishermen – Jesus, Salvador, and Lucio, he is drawn to their story. Drifting on the ocean for over nine months strikes a chord with him, and he begins to realize how much he has drifted in his own life. While tracking down the survivors, Joe discovers some hard truths about himself. Talking with these men, and knowing their faith in God was integral to their survival, Joe decides their story is one the world needs to hear. As he begins to build on this idea, he encounters others who are interested in hearing not only the story of the fisherman, but of his own personal struggle and how he found contentment in Christ.
I have mixed feelings about this book…part of me loved the story, but another part felt the stories were very different, or at least that’s the way it read; I just couldn’t connect the two stories together. Plus I felt that there wasn’t enough information about the survivors after they were rescued. It seemed once these three men made it home, their tale was over when in reality I’m sure there was a BIG adjustment period before they were able to continue their life (or maybe not, but the reader is never given that information). From this point forward, the book’s main focus is on Joe and his drive to see this story developed into a movie.
The book’s format began with changing chapters; one chapter about the fishermen, the next about Joe, but once the fishermen were rescued that format changed and most chapters thereafter were about Joe with little mention of Jesue, Salvador, and Lucio. Because of this change in format, I think the story suffered a little as the reader never really finds out the ending to the fishermen’s story besides them being rescued and returned home. This brings me to another point; if the intent of the book was to talk about Joe’s personal struggles, then it should have been written differently – without the changing chapters. Instead all chapters should have been focused on Joe, with references to the fisherman and how their struggle affected him and his life. Or, if the main focus of the book was really about the fishermen and how their faith saw them through, then I think the parts about the author should have been limited. As is, I think the book is a book about Joe Kissack and his life more than the fishermen.
Personally I think those who pick up this book because of their interest in the stranded fishermen are going to be disappointed. This book is not a memoir of the fishermen’s journey; although you do get to know a little about them and the months they were at sea. This book is more about Mr. Kissack and how the story of the fishermen brought to light some areas in his life that needed attention – mainly his marriage.
Overall I enjoyed reading The Fourth Fisherman, although it wasn’t what I had originally expected. The author writes as one would speak, which made the book easy to read. I thought both stories were interesting, but again, the stories fit together awkwardly in the book. Even though the book didn’t blend well for me, I do think Joe Kissack has a heart to see this story shared. His desire for people to be touched by the faith of the fishermen seems to be a true one, and I hope he succeeds in getting this story told. His personal story is also an encouraging one that I believe will touch people.
This book is geared towards the adult reader. If you are married, this might be a book of interest since the majority of the book is focused on Joe’s marriage. Likewise, if you are interested in the fishermen then you will enjoy the parts focused around them.
I have mixed feelings about this book…part of me loved the story, but another part felt the stories were very different, or at least that’s the way it read; I just couldn’t connect the two stories together. Plus I felt that there wasn’t enough information about the survivors after they were rescued. It seemed once these three men made it home, their tale was over when in reality I’m sure there was a BIG adjustment period before they were able to continue their life (or maybe not, but the reader is never given that information). From this point forward, the book’s main focus is on Joe and his drive to see this story developed into a movie.
The book’s format began with changing chapters; one chapter about the fishermen, the next about Joe, but once the fishermen were rescued that format changed and most chapters thereafter were about Joe with little mention of Jesue, Salvador, and Lucio. Because of this change in format, I think the story suffered a little as the reader never really finds out the ending to the fishermen’s story besides them being rescued and returned home. This brings me to another point; if the intent of the book was to talk about Joe’s personal struggles, then it should have been written differently – without the changing chapters. Instead all chapters should have been focused on Joe, with references to the fisherman and how their struggle affected him and his life. Or, if the main focus of the book was really about the fishermen and how their faith saw them through, then I think the parts about the author should have been limited. As is, I think the book is a book about Joe Kissack and his life more than the fishermen.
Personally I think those who pick up this book because of their interest in the stranded fishermen are going to be disappointed. This book is not a memoir of the fishermen’s journey; although you do get to know a little about them and the months they were at sea. This book is more about Mr. Kissack and how the story of the fishermen brought to light some areas in his life that needed attention – mainly his marriage.
Overall I enjoyed reading The Fourth Fisherman, although it wasn’t what I had originally expected. The author writes as one would speak, which made the book easy to read. I thought both stories were interesting, but again, the stories fit together awkwardly in the book. Even though the book didn’t blend well for me, I do think Joe Kissack has a heart to see this story shared. His desire for people to be touched by the faith of the fishermen seems to be a true one, and I hope he succeeds in getting this story told. His personal story is also an encouraging one that I believe will touch people.
This book is geared towards the adult reader. If you are married, this might be a book of interest since the majority of the book is focused on Joe’s marriage. Likewise, if you are interested in the fishermen then you will enjoy the parts focused around them.
August 12, 2012
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. But I knew that it was about a man and his marriage, and, somehow, how a group of fishermen had saved his marriage. Two seemingly unrelated incidents, and two incidents that I am still not quite sure complement each other.
When I began reading this book, I think I expected something between a Nicholas Sparks book and Moby Dick... But it fell short on both ends and pleasantly surprised me in the middle.
Joe Kissack had it all, a fancy house, expensive car, enviable job. He had it all, but something grave was lacking. A part of him always understood this, and he sought to fill the hole inside him with more stuff and more accomplishments. Eventually, alcohol, and then drugs filled that hole. It’s not an uncommon scenario: raised under a tough father, the man wants to please his father and so becomes an overachiever, until he finally realizes that nothing fills this hole and he needs help.
But for Joe Kissack, help arrived in the story of five fisherman who disappeared from the Mexican coast. It was a news story that went largely unnoticed in America, overshadowed by the confession of John Mark Karr to having killed JonBenet Ramsey. Kissack, however, followed a different story, a story about survival in the midst of overwhelming odds, a story of five men drifting in the ocean who had only each other, a boat and a Bible.
The story of the three surviving fishermen, Jesús, Salvador, and Lucio, does not parallel Joe Kissack’s much. The telling of their stories, narrated in alternating bits and pieces, is at times frustrating and other times slow. Although both stories are interesting, I found the fishermen’s story more so, and was disappointed that the fishermen’s story was not featured more prevalently past the first twelve chapters.
For some Christian readers that suffer from depression and drug and alcohol abuse, Kissack’s dramatic salvation and easy abandonment of such demons could be challenging to read about. Although it is stated once that most Christians do not have a transformation like Kissack experienced, the story is more focused on the amazing aspects of his salvation. I do not mean to make light of God’s ability to change lives, and though this story is about that ability as much as about the fishermen, for some readers, this may not be an inspiring read, but one that leaves them unhappy with their ongoing battle with depression or drugs and alcohol.
The Fourth Fisherman was a book that I am glad I read. It was interesting and kept my attention throughout, but I would have liked to see more substance with the fishermen and how their ordeal changed their lives. That part of the story is glossed over and the brief epilogue is too brief, in my opinion. Despite my reservations, I enjoyed the read. Kissack has written an inspiring book, one that could encourage men and women to accept some harsh realities about themselves and get help, whether from God or from counseling.
*I was given this book to review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing.
http://tantusamorscribendi.blogspot.c...
When I began reading this book, I think I expected something between a Nicholas Sparks book and Moby Dick... But it fell short on both ends and pleasantly surprised me in the middle.
Joe Kissack had it all, a fancy house, expensive car, enviable job. He had it all, but something grave was lacking. A part of him always understood this, and he sought to fill the hole inside him with more stuff and more accomplishments. Eventually, alcohol, and then drugs filled that hole. It’s not an uncommon scenario: raised under a tough father, the man wants to please his father and so becomes an overachiever, until he finally realizes that nothing fills this hole and he needs help.
But for Joe Kissack, help arrived in the story of five fisherman who disappeared from the Mexican coast. It was a news story that went largely unnoticed in America, overshadowed by the confession of John Mark Karr to having killed JonBenet Ramsey. Kissack, however, followed a different story, a story about survival in the midst of overwhelming odds, a story of five men drifting in the ocean who had only each other, a boat and a Bible.
The story of the three surviving fishermen, Jesús, Salvador, and Lucio, does not parallel Joe Kissack’s much. The telling of their stories, narrated in alternating bits and pieces, is at times frustrating and other times slow. Although both stories are interesting, I found the fishermen’s story more so, and was disappointed that the fishermen’s story was not featured more prevalently past the first twelve chapters.
For some Christian readers that suffer from depression and drug and alcohol abuse, Kissack’s dramatic salvation and easy abandonment of such demons could be challenging to read about. Although it is stated once that most Christians do not have a transformation like Kissack experienced, the story is more focused on the amazing aspects of his salvation. I do not mean to make light of God’s ability to change lives, and though this story is about that ability as much as about the fishermen, for some readers, this may not be an inspiring read, but one that leaves them unhappy with their ongoing battle with depression or drugs and alcohol.
The Fourth Fisherman was a book that I am glad I read. It was interesting and kept my attention throughout, but I would have liked to see more substance with the fishermen and how their ordeal changed their lives. That part of the story is glossed over and the brief epilogue is too brief, in my opinion. Despite my reservations, I enjoyed the read. Kissack has written an inspiring book, one that could encourage men and women to accept some harsh realities about themselves and get help, whether from God or from counseling.
*I was given this book to review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing.
http://tantusamorscribendi.blogspot.c...
October 20, 2012
"It was the subject of headlines around the world: Three Mexican fishermen in a small open boat without any supplies, drifting for more than nine months and 5,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Through blistering sun and threatening storms, they battle starvation, dehydration, hopelessness, and death. Their lifelines? An unwavering faith and a tattered Bible.
Thousands of miles away, Joe Kissack, a successful Hollywood executive, personified the American dream. He enjoyed the trappings of the good life: a mini mansion, sports cars, and more. He had it made. Yet the intense pressure of his driven and high-powered career sends him into a downward spiral, driving him deep into suicidal depression, insidious addictions, and alienation from his family. His lifelines? A friend and a Bible on the table between them."
This was such an inspiring book to read. At first I was not too sure about it basically because the title did not really catch my attention, but after I started reading it I was hooked! I adored how Joe wove the 2 stories together. One of the fisherman: Salvador Ordonez, Jesus Vidana and Lucio Rendon,lost at sea, but with a strong faith on God and one of a man lost in his own mind and learning to rely on God through all of life's twists and turns. I personally had never heard of the 3 fisherman before I read this book. Then I had to google and see exactly who and what was being referenced. Honestly though I didn't even end up needing to do that much leg work. Joe did such a fabulous job of telling the journey of the fisherman that you felt as though you were part of the experience. You fall in love with these brave souls who knew nothing of each other until that fateful night when their lives would be woven together forever. I enjoyed reading about the author’s conversion experience, how he was mentored and discipled and brought to Christ. The book was humbling, funny and so true of most Christian walks. We want to lean on God, we think we are leaning on God, only to find out we had no clue just how much God was working in our lives from so many different angles. While this is very much a faith-based book, you do not need to be a person of faith to enjoy Kissack’s book.The book moves quickly and is an interesting read, filled with candor, hope, survival and extreme faith. More importantly it is a story of Gods sovereignty and love for us and acknowledging He is in control at all times, so all glory should go to Him. There are some pretty descriptive stories mainly surrounding the fisherman's survival on turtle blood, urine and raw meat that would be inappropriate for younger readers. To some extent, it’s an unfinished work, Kissack never did get the fisherman’s story turned into a movie, although he’s still trying. But the journey has resulted in changed lives, which may have just been the point all along.
Thousands of miles away, Joe Kissack, a successful Hollywood executive, personified the American dream. He enjoyed the trappings of the good life: a mini mansion, sports cars, and more. He had it made. Yet the intense pressure of his driven and high-powered career sends him into a downward spiral, driving him deep into suicidal depression, insidious addictions, and alienation from his family. His lifelines? A friend and a Bible on the table between them."
This was such an inspiring book to read. At first I was not too sure about it basically because the title did not really catch my attention, but after I started reading it I was hooked! I adored how Joe wove the 2 stories together. One of the fisherman: Salvador Ordonez, Jesus Vidana and Lucio Rendon,lost at sea, but with a strong faith on God and one of a man lost in his own mind and learning to rely on God through all of life's twists and turns. I personally had never heard of the 3 fisherman before I read this book. Then I had to google and see exactly who and what was being referenced. Honestly though I didn't even end up needing to do that much leg work. Joe did such a fabulous job of telling the journey of the fisherman that you felt as though you were part of the experience. You fall in love with these brave souls who knew nothing of each other until that fateful night when their lives would be woven together forever. I enjoyed reading about the author’s conversion experience, how he was mentored and discipled and brought to Christ. The book was humbling, funny and so true of most Christian walks. We want to lean on God, we think we are leaning on God, only to find out we had no clue just how much God was working in our lives from so many different angles. While this is very much a faith-based book, you do not need to be a person of faith to enjoy Kissack’s book.The book moves quickly and is an interesting read, filled with candor, hope, survival and extreme faith. More importantly it is a story of Gods sovereignty and love for us and acknowledging He is in control at all times, so all glory should go to Him. There are some pretty descriptive stories mainly surrounding the fisherman's survival on turtle blood, urine and raw meat that would be inappropriate for younger readers. To some extent, it’s an unfinished work, Kissack never did get the fisherman’s story turned into a movie, although he’s still trying. But the journey has resulted in changed lives, which may have just been the point all along.
August 14, 2012
I vaguely remember a news story from several years ago about some Mexican fishermen being rescued at sea. Seems like they'd been found far away from home and after a lengthy absence. This rings a bell, but I couldn't have told you any specifics until I read Joe Kissack's book The Fourth Fisherman: How Three Mexican Fishermen Who Came Back From the Dead Changed My Life and Saved My Marriage.
Joe's story opens in 1997, almost ten years before the fishermen would be rescued, as he walks the red carpet in Hollywood at the Emmys. A television executive, Kissack had syndicated shows like "Mad About You," "Walker, Texas Ranger," and a little show about nothing called "Seinfeld." Looking at Joe Kissack, everyone saw success.
Everyone except Joe.
A small-town boy who'd been beaten by his father, Kissack tells his story of hard work, true love, and endless attempts to win his father's approval, interspersing it with the story of five fishermen from San Blas, Mexico, who set out on a routine fishing trip, but get caught in a storm that washes them out to sea.
Both stories, though completely unrelated, caught me up in their differing struggles. As Kissack finds himself battling depression with alcohol, then an ever-increasing supply of prescription drugs, he sees his career success starting to spin away from his control. The fishermen, on the other hand, could not spare the luxury of giving in to depression; as days, then weeks, passed, they had to remain vigilant in their search for food and water, and they had to guard their hope.
Intertwining the stories helped drive both narratives forward. Each time I thought I'd have to put the book down, unable to continue reading about the fishermen's ten-month ordeal, a chapter would end, and Joe's story would provide a less-brutal picture, in comparison, of his life. As Joe's chapter would draw to a close, my response would start to approach a slow boil as I read of the substance abuse, the ambition, the unawareness of how his family perceived him. Moving back to the fishermen's plight, and their growing faith, helped keep the focus off of Joe killing everything good with pills. As I started to wonder how Red Carpet Guy would ever meet up with Stranded Fishermen, their stories began to dovetail in such well-fitted ways that I want to leave them for you to discover.
Reading of the fishermen's rescue and Joe's ultimate personal involvement in their story swallowed up a good chunk of two fine summer days. I closed The Fourth Fisherman moved, thankful for God's hand at work in lives that seem hopelessly lost, in more ways than one.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this review, but the opinions here are mine.
Joe's story opens in 1997, almost ten years before the fishermen would be rescued, as he walks the red carpet in Hollywood at the Emmys. A television executive, Kissack had syndicated shows like "Mad About You," "Walker, Texas Ranger," and a little show about nothing called "Seinfeld." Looking at Joe Kissack, everyone saw success.
Everyone except Joe.
A small-town boy who'd been beaten by his father, Kissack tells his story of hard work, true love, and endless attempts to win his father's approval, interspersing it with the story of five fishermen from San Blas, Mexico, who set out on a routine fishing trip, but get caught in a storm that washes them out to sea.
Both stories, though completely unrelated, caught me up in their differing struggles. As Kissack finds himself battling depression with alcohol, then an ever-increasing supply of prescription drugs, he sees his career success starting to spin away from his control. The fishermen, on the other hand, could not spare the luxury of giving in to depression; as days, then weeks, passed, they had to remain vigilant in their search for food and water, and they had to guard their hope.
Intertwining the stories helped drive both narratives forward. Each time I thought I'd have to put the book down, unable to continue reading about the fishermen's ten-month ordeal, a chapter would end, and Joe's story would provide a less-brutal picture, in comparison, of his life. As Joe's chapter would draw to a close, my response would start to approach a slow boil as I read of the substance abuse, the ambition, the unawareness of how his family perceived him. Moving back to the fishermen's plight, and their growing faith, helped keep the focus off of Joe killing everything good with pills. As I started to wonder how Red Carpet Guy would ever meet up with Stranded Fishermen, their stories began to dovetail in such well-fitted ways that I want to leave them for you to discover.
Reading of the fishermen's rescue and Joe's ultimate personal involvement in their story swallowed up a good chunk of two fine summer days. I closed The Fourth Fisherman moved, thankful for God's hand at work in lives that seem hopelessly lost, in more ways than one.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this review, but the opinions here are mine.
April 22, 2013
An Unfinished Story
Three men who were stranded on a fishing boat in Mexico resurface across the ocean nine months later. Meanwhile, Joe Kissack, a young man in the United States who spent his younger years earning a fortune comes face to face with his spiritual bankruptcy and begins to collect the pieces of his life. This book tells the story of how these four men eventually meet and how the events leading up to their meeting became a catalyst for transformation in Joe’s relationships. While the book invites the reader to trace the journey of each man with an expectant curiosity, it seems that the best of the story remains yet unwritten.
While three men return home to finish a life they nearly lost, another man sets out to find them. Determined to be the one to tell their story, Joe found his story etched on their faces- he saw in them a shared brokenness. It was after he stepped out of the culture that insulated his self centeredness that he finally saw another man’s need for God as vividly as his own.
As a man, Joe Kissack’s greatest strength is also most likely his greatest weakness: he does not quit. We read the account of a man who today rightfully boasts about his love for his family, and about his enduring desire to begin the journey home to childhood and claim the love of his father. Driven by an insatiable desire for success at a young age, Joe reaped the rewards that are available by hard work. Unfortunately, his ambition also narrowed his vision to the point that he lost sight of everyone, including himself.
Now, Joe is learning to take the focused lens off “self” and I hope he continues to follow that path. I want this story to be finished one day- but that will happen not when the movie of this story is made, as Joe hopes it will; the story will be complete when God has finished His work in these men’s hearts.
I am not sure how much the finished account will look like this book. Perhaps it will be very similar; however, once the chaff of “self” is removed, will the story that remains be a survivors’ tale of three fishermen who are home despite all odds? Will the story be about the redemption of a man who was at the edge of self indulgence, and has begun to wrestle with God and trace his steps back out of his selfishness? Or are there threads running through these accounts which, when pulled, simply show the glory of a sovereign God who redeems all things through Jesus Christ?
This man is certainly wrestling with God. And when God is ultimately victorious, I eager await whichever story surfaces- on that day Joe will be telling the story as a man who has wrestled with God and with men, and has prevailed.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Three men who were stranded on a fishing boat in Mexico resurface across the ocean nine months later. Meanwhile, Joe Kissack, a young man in the United States who spent his younger years earning a fortune comes face to face with his spiritual bankruptcy and begins to collect the pieces of his life. This book tells the story of how these four men eventually meet and how the events leading up to their meeting became a catalyst for transformation in Joe’s relationships. While the book invites the reader to trace the journey of each man with an expectant curiosity, it seems that the best of the story remains yet unwritten.
While three men return home to finish a life they nearly lost, another man sets out to find them. Determined to be the one to tell their story, Joe found his story etched on their faces- he saw in them a shared brokenness. It was after he stepped out of the culture that insulated his self centeredness that he finally saw another man’s need for God as vividly as his own.
As a man, Joe Kissack’s greatest strength is also most likely his greatest weakness: he does not quit. We read the account of a man who today rightfully boasts about his love for his family, and about his enduring desire to begin the journey home to childhood and claim the love of his father. Driven by an insatiable desire for success at a young age, Joe reaped the rewards that are available by hard work. Unfortunately, his ambition also narrowed his vision to the point that he lost sight of everyone, including himself.
Now, Joe is learning to take the focused lens off “self” and I hope he continues to follow that path. I want this story to be finished one day- but that will happen not when the movie of this story is made, as Joe hopes it will; the story will be complete when God has finished His work in these men’s hearts.
I am not sure how much the finished account will look like this book. Perhaps it will be very similar; however, once the chaff of “self” is removed, will the story that remains be a survivors’ tale of three fishermen who are home despite all odds? Will the story be about the redemption of a man who was at the edge of self indulgence, and has begun to wrestle with God and trace his steps back out of his selfishness? Or are there threads running through these accounts which, when pulled, simply show the glory of a sovereign God who redeems all things through Jesus Christ?
This man is certainly wrestling with God. And when God is ultimately victorious, I eager await whichever story surfaces- on that day Joe will be telling the story as a man who has wrestled with God and with men, and has prevailed.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
April 25, 2013
Five fishermen set out in a small boat for a few days' fishing trip. They run out of fuel and are carried out across the ocean. Two of the fishermen don't make it, but three survive the nine months and are heralded as a miracle when they are rescued thousands of miles from home.
Joe Kissak has it all--or so he thinks. In the race to get ahead, he actually starts a downward spiral to nearly losing everything through drugs and alcohol before "finding God".
I have to admit, I was very disappointed in this book. I was expecting a book on the fishermen's story--with God as the "fourth fisherman", and maybe a couple of chapters or so relating how the story affected the author. It was so very not what I was expecting! Out of forty chapters (not counting the epilogue), only SIX were about the fishermen's story. They were mentioned some later in the book, but very little. The book was mainly focused on the author and his story and the two really didn't seem to relate. Everything was about Joe Kissack and, frankly, he struck me as a very self-centered man. Nearly half the book is about his struggle to connect with the men and get them to sign the papers giving him the rights to their story so he could make a movie out of it--which still has yet to me done.
This story was supposedly about faith, but the "faith" talked about was very vague. Joe's "salvation" experience had nothing to do with the salvation of the Bible: no repentance, no trusting in Christ and his death, burial and resurrection--just a feeling of peace. "Christianity" is reduced to anyone who talks about God, and nothing of his family's view of God or religion is even mentioned that I noticed.
I really, really wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, it left me frustrated and annoyed wanting the fullness of the fishermen's story and not so much of Joe.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2...
http://www.thefourthfisherman.com/
Joe Kissak has it all--or so he thinks. In the race to get ahead, he actually starts a downward spiral to nearly losing everything through drugs and alcohol before "finding God".
I have to admit, I was very disappointed in this book. I was expecting a book on the fishermen's story--with God as the "fourth fisherman", and maybe a couple of chapters or so relating how the story affected the author. It was so very not what I was expecting! Out of forty chapters (not counting the epilogue), only SIX were about the fishermen's story. They were mentioned some later in the book, but very little. The book was mainly focused on the author and his story and the two really didn't seem to relate. Everything was about Joe Kissack and, frankly, he struck me as a very self-centered man. Nearly half the book is about his struggle to connect with the men and get them to sign the papers giving him the rights to their story so he could make a movie out of it--which still has yet to me done.
This story was supposedly about faith, but the "faith" talked about was very vague. Joe's "salvation" experience had nothing to do with the salvation of the Bible: no repentance, no trusting in Christ and his death, burial and resurrection--just a feeling of peace. "Christianity" is reduced to anyone who talks about God, and nothing of his family's view of God or religion is even mentioned that I noticed.
I really, really wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, it left me frustrated and annoyed wanting the fullness of the fishermen's story and not so much of Joe.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2...
http://www.thefourthfisherman.com/
October 2, 2012
Joe Kissack was at the top of his profession, living in the nice house with the nice car and beautiful family. From the outside, it looked like he had achieved the dream life. But on the inside he was dying, suffering from depression and substance abuse and on the verge of self destruction.
Five fishermen set out from a small town on the Pacific Ocean in Mexico. After a storm they end up with no fuel, drifting aimlessly in the vast ocean. Two of them die and the other three are nearing the end as well.
This book tells the stories of both Joe and the three surviving fisherman. It does so, at least for the first half, by switching between the two stories chapter-by-chapter. Eventually the two stories come together and we learn how, as the title says, the fisherman saved Joe's life and marriage.
It is an easy to read, entertaining and inspiring story. The problem is, it is two stories and neither really gets enough space. I found myself desiring to learn more about these fisherman. Joe's own story takes up more of the book and it would be easy to not be sympathetic to him due to his wealth. But his story succeeds in showing the different sorts of deaths humans may die prior to our literal end. Yet even though he tells more of his own story, I found myself wanting more.
Another problem with the book is that, probably due to its brevity, it offers shallow theological answers. Yes, it is inspiring that God saved both Joe and these fisherman. But that begs the question, what about all the others who desperately prayed for God's help and did not receive it? Joe's conversion story is practically a Damascus Road experience. How come God doesn't do that for more people? It is not that such questions do not have answers, and I realize answering them is not the purpose of this book, but I feel the astute, or cynical, reader will ask them.
Check it out for a quick, good and inspiring story.
I received this book for free from the publisher, Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of reviewing as a part of the Blogging for Books program.
Five fishermen set out from a small town on the Pacific Ocean in Mexico. After a storm they end up with no fuel, drifting aimlessly in the vast ocean. Two of them die and the other three are nearing the end as well.
This book tells the stories of both Joe and the three surviving fisherman. It does so, at least for the first half, by switching between the two stories chapter-by-chapter. Eventually the two stories come together and we learn how, as the title says, the fisherman saved Joe's life and marriage.
It is an easy to read, entertaining and inspiring story. The problem is, it is two stories and neither really gets enough space. I found myself desiring to learn more about these fisherman. Joe's own story takes up more of the book and it would be easy to not be sympathetic to him due to his wealth. But his story succeeds in showing the different sorts of deaths humans may die prior to our literal end. Yet even though he tells more of his own story, I found myself wanting more.
Another problem with the book is that, probably due to its brevity, it offers shallow theological answers. Yes, it is inspiring that God saved both Joe and these fisherman. But that begs the question, what about all the others who desperately prayed for God's help and did not receive it? Joe's conversion story is practically a Damascus Road experience. How come God doesn't do that for more people? It is not that such questions do not have answers, and I realize answering them is not the purpose of this book, but I feel the astute, or cynical, reader will ask them.
Check it out for a quick, good and inspiring story.
I received this book for free from the publisher, Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of reviewing as a part of the Blogging for Books program.
August 15, 2012
Summary: Joe Kissack tells two stories. The first is his rise to the top in the television industry. He moves from smalltown guy to Hollywood Big Cheese. But success has it's price and Joe finds that alcohol soothes his own self doubts. As he pushes himself harder he eventually graduates to prescription drug abuse. Though he has every material want, his life is slowly slipping away. It's only an encounter with God that offers him any hope...
Story two is a well known miracle of 3 Mexican fisherman who spent 9 months stranded at sea in a small fishing boat. Using their skills and the few tools they have with them and motivated by the Word of God. They survive this trying ordeal.
These two stories are on a collision course and God is the fuel for their journeys.
My thought: I really enjoyed the book, although I had a hard time getting started with it. The two story lines seemed so unrelated, I couldn't understand how it would all come together. I found Joe's fall from the top stereotypical almost, but yet I think a lot of people could see a little bit our their own fears of failure in parts of Joe's story. Joe really submitted to God in his life, and the worldly outcomes were not always "successful". Losing money and jobs seems like it's a bad thing, but recovery of what is truly important is the best thing.
I loved the fisherman. Their resourcefulness and faith was truly astounding. Each of them seemed to fill a different roll on the boat and together they were a dream team for this type of situation. Through it all, it changed them, and yet it seemed to strengthen who they were and who God called them to be.
Recommend: Highly to those who feel like they are stuck in a rut in their lives and need to start believing in God to see those places where changes become miracles.
Story two is a well known miracle of 3 Mexican fisherman who spent 9 months stranded at sea in a small fishing boat. Using their skills and the few tools they have with them and motivated by the Word of God. They survive this trying ordeal.
These two stories are on a collision course and God is the fuel for their journeys.
My thought: I really enjoyed the book, although I had a hard time getting started with it. The two story lines seemed so unrelated, I couldn't understand how it would all come together. I found Joe's fall from the top stereotypical almost, but yet I think a lot of people could see a little bit our their own fears of failure in parts of Joe's story. Joe really submitted to God in his life, and the worldly outcomes were not always "successful". Losing money and jobs seems like it's a bad thing, but recovery of what is truly important is the best thing.
I loved the fisherman. Their resourcefulness and faith was truly astounding. Each of them seemed to fill a different roll on the boat and together they were a dream team for this type of situation. Through it all, it changed them, and yet it seemed to strengthen who they were and who God called them to be.
Recommend: Highly to those who feel like they are stuck in a rut in their lives and need to start believing in God to see those places where changes become miracles.
May 14, 2012
Book Review - The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack
It's been a while since I read something so inspirational that it brought tears to my eyes. But that's exactly what happened as I was finishing The Fourth Fisherman, by Joe Kissack.
In 2006, something happened that went largely unnoticed by the American media. Three Mexican fishermen were rescued near the coast of Australia, after being adrift at sea for over nine months. Embarking on a three day fishing trip off the western coast of Mexico, five men had no idea what was in store for them. Three of them made it. Two did not.
Unknown to these fishermen, TV executive Joe Kissack was falling deeper and deeper into a morass of his own making: work problems, alcohol, drugs, marriage and family struggles all contributing.
In The Fourth Fisherman, Kissack interweaves these two stories, telling each on it's own, until the point where two world's collide.
Written in a back and forth fashion, jumping from one narrative to the other for much of the book, The Fourth Fisherman isn't so much about these two stories as it is about a third story: God's story. As Kissack discovers that fact, everything starts to click. And the results are simply miraculous.
The things that happen, and they way that they unfold are truly inspirational. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I read most of it in one evening, finishing it the next day.
And I loved every bit of it.
I highly recommend that you pick up a copy and read it today. You'll be glad that you did.
In your life, where do you most need to see God's hand moving right now? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
It's been a while since I read something so inspirational that it brought tears to my eyes. But that's exactly what happened as I was finishing The Fourth Fisherman, by Joe Kissack.
In 2006, something happened that went largely unnoticed by the American media. Three Mexican fishermen were rescued near the coast of Australia, after being adrift at sea for over nine months. Embarking on a three day fishing trip off the western coast of Mexico, five men had no idea what was in store for them. Three of them made it. Two did not.
Unknown to these fishermen, TV executive Joe Kissack was falling deeper and deeper into a morass of his own making: work problems, alcohol, drugs, marriage and family struggles all contributing.
In The Fourth Fisherman, Kissack interweaves these two stories, telling each on it's own, until the point where two world's collide.
Written in a back and forth fashion, jumping from one narrative to the other for much of the book, The Fourth Fisherman isn't so much about these two stories as it is about a third story: God's story. As Kissack discovers that fact, everything starts to click. And the results are simply miraculous.
The things that happen, and they way that they unfold are truly inspirational. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I read most of it in one evening, finishing it the next day.
And I loved every bit of it.
I highly recommend that you pick up a copy and read it today. You'll be glad that you did.
In your life, where do you most need to see God's hand moving right now? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
August 20, 2012
I don’t recall hearing about the lost and rescued fishermen in 2006. Articles on Christian Today and MSNBC tell the news at the time — three Mexican fishermen rescued after 10 months at sea. The Christian Today articles site the survivors’ faith in God as what sustained them and gave them hope during this hopeless time. But former television executive Joe Kissack heard and saw something more. He saw an amazing story of faith and survival and second chances, and he was drawn to tell it.
Kissack writes in The Fourth Fisherman about the fishermen’s story — how they started as a crew of five, how the ship got lost, how the other crewmen died and how the three survivors survived. But interwoven in the story is Kissack’s own story of faith and second chances. Not from a boat tossed in the stormy sea but from his own life tossed about by Kissack’s own poor choices. The stories are woven together because while vastily different in physical happenings, the stories mirror each other in matters of faith and hope.
The Fourth Fisherman is an interesting story of survival with details about the on-sea ordeal, including catching sharks and drinking turtles’ blood, but more than that are the themes of extreme faith and God’s sovereignty and His ability and desire to use anything and everything to the glory of Him.
Kissack never did get the fisherman’s story turned into a movie, although he’s still trying. But the journey of them and him has resulted in changed lives, which may have just been the point all along.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Kissack writes in The Fourth Fisherman about the fishermen’s story — how they started as a crew of five, how the ship got lost, how the other crewmen died and how the three survivors survived. But interwoven in the story is Kissack’s own story of faith and second chances. Not from a boat tossed in the stormy sea but from his own life tossed about by Kissack’s own poor choices. The stories are woven together because while vastily different in physical happenings, the stories mirror each other in matters of faith and hope.
The Fourth Fisherman is an interesting story of survival with details about the on-sea ordeal, including catching sharks and drinking turtles’ blood, but more than that are the themes of extreme faith and God’s sovereignty and His ability and desire to use anything and everything to the glory of Him.
Kissack never did get the fisherman’s story turned into a movie, although he’s still trying. But the journey of them and him has resulted in changed lives, which may have just been the point all along.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
July 2, 2012
I recently finished a book called: The Fourth Fisherman: How Three Mexican Fishermen Who Came Back from the Dead Changed My Life and Saved My Marriage by Joe Kissack. The book tells the story of five Mexican fisherman who are lost at sea for almost a year. The book concurrently tells the story of Joe, the author, and his struggle with substance abuse, fame, and fortune. The author attempts to tie in the fisherman, his mental illness, his marriage, and his career into one book.
Before I delve into my critique of the book, I'd like to point out that the author is very sincere in his writing. He truly believes that God told him to tell the story of these fishermen and I don't want to diminish that belief. I will say, though, that this book was very hard to read because it jumped all over the place. It took me much too long to see how the two stories intertwined. The story line switched from telling the story of a Hollywood guy back to telling the story of poor fishermen without any connection. Without giving too much of the plot away, the ending was not satisfying at all. None of the goals were accomplished and I finished the book feeling worried about the author's financial future. The best part of the book was reading about how the fisherman survived and about their faith in God. The quality of the writing was not the best, either. I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Before I delve into my critique of the book, I'd like to point out that the author is very sincere in his writing. He truly believes that God told him to tell the story of these fishermen and I don't want to diminish that belief. I will say, though, that this book was very hard to read because it jumped all over the place. It took me much too long to see how the two stories intertwined. The story line switched from telling the story of a Hollywood guy back to telling the story of poor fishermen without any connection. Without giving too much of the plot away, the ending was not satisfying at all. None of the goals were accomplished and I finished the book feeling worried about the author's financial future. The best part of the book was reading about how the fisherman survived and about their faith in God. The quality of the writing was not the best, either. I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
July 6, 2013
Admittedly, I am not a terribly religious person. Still, I chose this book because it looked interesting and the story of the lost fisherman captivated my sense of adventure and curiosity.
If you are looking for a deeply religious experience, this book may not be right for you. However, if you are looking for an interesting book with a lot of truth from the author, this would be one I could recommend. The story the author tells of his rise to success and eventual fall from grace is touching. The way he interweaves the tale of the Mexican fisherman into his was very well handled and appeared rather seamless.
This is a book that makes you stop and think about how lucky you are to have the things you do, and was good for a reality check. I needed one. I was surprised though, by how little mention of repentance and actual development of a relationship with God was covered in this book. Perhaps I just don't read enough religious text to recognise it.
Either way, this book is worthy of a read. The stories of the author and the fisherman were exciting and for the most part, I thought this book had a nice flow. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Why not give it a try? I did and was pleasantly surprised.
This review is based off of an ARC from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group which I received in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.
If you are looking for a deeply religious experience, this book may not be right for you. However, if you are looking for an interesting book with a lot of truth from the author, this would be one I could recommend. The story the author tells of his rise to success and eventual fall from grace is touching. The way he interweaves the tale of the Mexican fisherman into his was very well handled and appeared rather seamless.
This is a book that makes you stop and think about how lucky you are to have the things you do, and was good for a reality check. I needed one. I was surprised though, by how little mention of repentance and actual development of a relationship with God was covered in this book. Perhaps I just don't read enough religious text to recognise it.
Either way, this book is worthy of a read. The stories of the author and the fisherman were exciting and for the most part, I thought this book had a nice flow. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Why not give it a try? I did and was pleasantly surprised.
This review is based off of an ARC from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group which I received in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.
July 8, 2013
Mia @ The Chronicles of Chaos sent me The Fourth Fisherman for the Books 'n' Bloggers Swap @ Chaotic Goddess Swaps. I don't normally read memoirs, but I really enjoyed this one. Mia said that there are some things that can only be explained by God, and in the case of the events depicted in this book, I couldn't agree more.
In The Fourth Fisherman, Joe Kissack weaves his story with the story of the Mexican fisherman who miraculously survive in a tiny boat for more than nine months in the Pacific Ocean. The real story of the fisherman's survival and faith become an allegory to the struggles Kissack faces as he almost dies from substance abuse and practically loses everything. During his recovery, Kissack's priorities drastically change, and he commits his life to a higher purpose. He becomes obsessed with the story of the fisherman's survival and faith in the midst of dire circumstances. Kissack's obsession with the Mexican fishermen takes him to Mexico where he meets them and secures the rights to share the story of their faith to the world. The book hasn't been made into a movie yet, but I hope it does because it's a great story. Kissack seems very honest in his portrayal of his life, both before and after his friend shares his faith with him. But Jesus and the fisherman aren't the only heroes in this book. Joe's wife, Carmen, is a superstar, and I would love to have a friend like her!
In The Fourth Fisherman, Joe Kissack weaves his story with the story of the Mexican fisherman who miraculously survive in a tiny boat for more than nine months in the Pacific Ocean. The real story of the fisherman's survival and faith become an allegory to the struggles Kissack faces as he almost dies from substance abuse and practically loses everything. During his recovery, Kissack's priorities drastically change, and he commits his life to a higher purpose. He becomes obsessed with the story of the fisherman's survival and faith in the midst of dire circumstances. Kissack's obsession with the Mexican fishermen takes him to Mexico where he meets them and secures the rights to share the story of their faith to the world. The book hasn't been made into a movie yet, but I hope it does because it's a great story. Kissack seems very honest in his portrayal of his life, both before and after his friend shares his faith with him. But Jesus and the fisherman aren't the only heroes in this book. Joe's wife, Carmen, is a superstar, and I would love to have a friend like her!
October 1, 2012
I had no idea who Joe Kissack was, but I assumed he had some significance as a men’s ministry leader of some sort. And at the mention of the phrase “stand in the gap,” I was inclined to think it had something to do with Promise Keepers, but apparently not. Actually, none of this really matters, because, Joe is a motivational speaker who has a compelling story and that’s what this book is all about.
Joe’s story is a shared story and, as I’m sure he’d describe it, it’s God’s story. It’s a story of redemption, deliverance, and recovery. Having spent the better part of his life striving for acceptance by successfully acquiring possessions, the cost eventually caught up with him. His shared story includes three fisherman who spent the better part of a year adrift in the Pacific, struggling to survive long enough to find their rescue. As I said, there is redemption, but it wasn’t without hitting rock bottom. There is deliverance, but it’s didn’t come without persistence and hard lessons along the way. There is recovery, but it’s been a slow and difficult process, filled with numerous setbacks and unforeseen challenges. It’s Joe’s story and it’s the story of three poor fishermen, but ultimately it’s the story of God working in lives and circumstance to bring about His glory.
- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (11/7/12)
Joe’s story is a shared story and, as I’m sure he’d describe it, it’s God’s story. It’s a story of redemption, deliverance, and recovery. Having spent the better part of his life striving for acceptance by successfully acquiring possessions, the cost eventually caught up with him. His shared story includes three fisherman who spent the better part of a year adrift in the Pacific, struggling to survive long enough to find their rescue. As I said, there is redemption, but it wasn’t without hitting rock bottom. There is deliverance, but it’s didn’t come without persistence and hard lessons along the way. There is recovery, but it’s been a slow and difficult process, filled with numerous setbacks and unforeseen challenges. It’s Joe’s story and it’s the story of three poor fishermen, but ultimately it’s the story of God working in lives and circumstance to bring about His glory.
- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (11/7/12)
March 5, 2012
Five fisherman went for a three-day expedition off of Mexico's Pacific Coast. Nine months later, three of them were rescued near Australia. They had survived the ordeal with little more than a shark knife and a Bible. Joe Kissack tells their story in The Fourth Fisherman: How Three Mexican Fishermen Who Came Back from the Dead Changed My life and Saved My Marriage, intertwining his own faith journey with their tale.
Both stories in this book are quite interesting. Unfortunately, I would have liked to see more of the fishermen's story. The first few chapters alternate the stories, but the rest of the book focuses almost solely on Kissack, and his efforts to tell the fishermen's story. Also, I would have liked some dates to the elements in Kissack's story and maybe some reference to his age at various points.
All in all, however, the book is very moving. I started out to read four or five chapters a day, but, after I got half-way through the book, I found myself laying aside all other reading.
The book has 40 brief chapters and an epilogue. This set up makes it well suited as readings for lent or, more appropriately from Easter Sunday until Ascension Day.
I recommend this book for Christians and those looking into the Christian faith or searching for God.
Both stories in this book are quite interesting. Unfortunately, I would have liked to see more of the fishermen's story. The first few chapters alternate the stories, but the rest of the book focuses almost solely on Kissack, and his efforts to tell the fishermen's story. Also, I would have liked some dates to the elements in Kissack's story and maybe some reference to his age at various points.
All in all, however, the book is very moving. I started out to read four or five chapters a day, but, after I got half-way through the book, I found myself laying aside all other reading.
The book has 40 brief chapters and an epilogue. This set up makes it well suited as readings for lent or, more appropriately from Easter Sunday until Ascension Day.
I recommend this book for Christians and those looking into the Christian faith or searching for God.
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