Although it's an easy educational read, I don't imagine the casual reader would pick it up off the shelf. Actually, this is the training manual used for my PADI open water diver class. I like their program... 7 classes comprised of 2hrs in the classroom learning, taking weekly tests, and recaping with videos; plus 2hrs in confined water perfecting our skills. I finished the final exam last night (98% baby!!) and will complete my 4 open water boat dives in September; 60 feet limit. I'm planning to get my Advanced Diver training completed in October; 100 feet limit. Then I'll pick up some specialty training next year.. like SCUBA rescue and recovery, wreck dives, etc.. woohoo!! So if you want to read this book you may as well take the class, get certified and come vacation with us in Belize (dive trip). Enjoy!
I think this is the right version - mine was copyright 2010 though. Anyhow, this is a good, straightforward textbook on scuba diving, but there are enough typos and repeated language that considering it a "read" is unfair. But I suppose it does it's job, assuming I don't die underwater in December, right?
I am not actually enjoying this, but I'd like credit for slogging through it. It is excellent information, well-organized, and I'm learning despite myself.