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Deadliest Catch: Desperate Hours
Tales of heroics, wrecks and rescues are all captured in this unique collection of epic tales that will have fans of the show and readers alike setting sail for adventures on the frigid Bering Sea.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 12, 2022
I have not seen the TV series, but this gives you something of an idea.
It's a collection of interviews and as told to tales, and I certainly liked it - very cool !
It's a collection of interviews and as told to tales, and I certainly liked it - very cool !
January 8, 2010
I have no idea how these guys do this work. I got seasick just reading this book. But it was interesting and gave some good insights I hadn't gotten from the TV show.
September 21, 2009
I looked all over for the author/editor and finally found in tiny print on an inside page covered with credits: "Writer Dan Weeks." Writer? Not author or editor . . . But if you look on Amazon, says edited by Larry Erikson. His name is nowhere on the credit page!
Larry, or more likely, Dan has done a very good job. You pick up a book with big print that is interviews based on a television show and you don't expect much. All of the interviews were well edited. That is quite difficult. They read seamlessly and don't ramble.
The photos in the middle of this trade paperback are the highest quality photos I have seen in a book. They are in color, nice stock and very high resolution. I can't say I care because I do not read for the photos, but I know a technological advance when I see it.
Of course I am a huge fan of "Deadliest Catch." It is kind of funny that this landlocked gal knows the steps and the terminology for setting and pulling pots. So I did not expect to learn much from the book. I thought it would recapitulate the show. Not at all. I picked up new information and it was like sitting down and hearing sea stories from the captains and crew.
I now know when I go crabbing to never pack a bear shaped bottle of honey!
I did notice the Hillstands did not contribute much, but they their own book and were perhaps hesitant to participate with the competition.
I hope that the subhead Deadliest Hours indicates this is the first in a series. I would enjoy a book of interviews with the production and camera crew. This fits right into a genre I enjoy of books about people messing about on boats.
Larry, or more likely, Dan has done a very good job. You pick up a book with big print that is interviews based on a television show and you don't expect much. All of the interviews were well edited. That is quite difficult. They read seamlessly and don't ramble.
The photos in the middle of this trade paperback are the highest quality photos I have seen in a book. They are in color, nice stock and very high resolution. I can't say I care because I do not read for the photos, but I know a technological advance when I see it.
Of course I am a huge fan of "Deadliest Catch." It is kind of funny that this landlocked gal knows the steps and the terminology for setting and pulling pots. So I did not expect to learn much from the book. I thought it would recapitulate the show. Not at all. I picked up new information and it was like sitting down and hearing sea stories from the captains and crew.
I now know when I go crabbing to never pack a bear shaped bottle of honey!
I did notice the Hillstands did not contribute much, but they their own book and were perhaps hesitant to participate with the competition.
I hope that the subhead Deadliest Hours indicates this is the first in a series. I would enjoy a book of interviews with the production and camera crew. This fits right into a genre I enjoy of books about people messing about on boats.
January 4, 2010
A must, I think, for die-hard fans of the show—if they're prepared to open thier minds about the men featured on the show. This book takes a slightly different, more rounded look at the captains and many of the featured deckhands. We learn Jake Harris, for example, is a workaholic, that his father, Phil, was the guy no one thought would succeed (well, that may not be that much of a surprise, but we get the details), and that Larry Hendricks is far more than the captain of a crab boat: he's an inventive genius. If you'd like to know more than you get on the show or on After the Catch, this is a good place to start.
July 23, 2013
The men in this non-fiction book are in my mind, the truest definition of what men are...and should be. Period. Not necessarily a crab fisherman or captain, but I believe perhaps what their profession have made them become. I have had the pleasure of meeting a couple of them, and I hold them in the highest regards. If you haven't watched the show, you're definitely missing out on so much in the ways of responsibility, family, love, adventure, action, fun, hard work, life & death. This book gives a mere glimpse of these fascinating men, and some of the stories you will never forget.
June 17, 2019
It sucked me in. My wife asks me if I can this when we watch the show. I say no.
Now I’m saying Heck no.
Now I’m saying Heck no.
December 14, 2024
I use to loving watching this show so it was fun to go back and revisit the familiar faces. I enjoyed the anecdotes and small peeks into this interesting crab fishing world.
September 22, 2015
In this non fiction novel, Deadliest Catch: Desperate Hours, by Dan Weeks, unseen stories from the reality tv show are finally told and the background of some of the most famous captains drifted out. For anyone looking for a fun filled, teeth chaterring, sea sick adventure, look no further. Some bone chilling stories will just keep reeling you in every second.
Unlike a tradition novel, where there are a couple of characters seeking a challenge or following a plot, this book has many characters from deckhands, to captains, and for the most part each have their own qualities and experiences. I didn't think I would have liked this type of story organization, but overall it kept giving points of view from many different people which kept the mind flowing.
The theme I had gathered from this book would have to be desperate times calls for desperate measures. I never realized how much of a challenge crab fishing was until I read these stories.
The main idea the author was trying to get by the audience is the real undercover stories and how hard and dangerous crab fishing is, and to bring some personal backgrounds into the stories to understand more about the crews lifestyles. Some quotes that stood out and really supported my theme were from Captain Sig Hanson, " We've been hit by a couple of rogue waves. I've seen the worst ones after a storm. They're double trouble, because that's when you think everything is calm and safe and that you're in the clear." Just by watching the severe storms and waves on the show, I can totally relate to how sig explained his view on one of mother natures treacherous features.
Overall, this book worked well for me, since I enjoy non fiction novels, especially focused around fishing. This book gave me a huge understanding of how hard this job is, and how these guys will put everything on line just to make a living. I would rate the novel 4/5, there was some room for improving, in my opinion. So now just sit down, put your rain suit on, and drift out to the world of crab fishing.
Unlike a tradition novel, where there are a couple of characters seeking a challenge or following a plot, this book has many characters from deckhands, to captains, and for the most part each have their own qualities and experiences. I didn't think I would have liked this type of story organization, but overall it kept giving points of view from many different people which kept the mind flowing.
The theme I had gathered from this book would have to be desperate times calls for desperate measures. I never realized how much of a challenge crab fishing was until I read these stories.
The main idea the author was trying to get by the audience is the real undercover stories and how hard and dangerous crab fishing is, and to bring some personal backgrounds into the stories to understand more about the crews lifestyles. Some quotes that stood out and really supported my theme were from Captain Sig Hanson, " We've been hit by a couple of rogue waves. I've seen the worst ones after a storm. They're double trouble, because that's when you think everything is calm and safe and that you're in the clear." Just by watching the severe storms and waves on the show, I can totally relate to how sig explained his view on one of mother natures treacherous features.
Overall, this book worked well for me, since I enjoy non fiction novels, especially focused around fishing. This book gave me a huge understanding of how hard this job is, and how these guys will put everything on line just to make a living. I would rate the novel 4/5, there was some room for improving, in my opinion. So now just sit down, put your rain suit on, and drift out to the world of crab fishing.
May 8, 2009
Definitely aimed at the Deadliest Catch series fans, and I'm one of them. It was interesting reading the stories but I was disappointed that none of them were from Edgar.
Sig comes across as very intelligent - a student of the science of boats and fishing. Phil, Johnathan, Andy, Monte and Keith all have a lot of input and really flesh out the book.
However, if you're not into crabfishing or the show, I'd suggest you give this a pass.
Sig comes across as very intelligent - a student of the science of boats and fishing. Phil, Johnathan, Andy, Monte and Keith all have a lot of input and really flesh out the book.
However, if you're not into crabfishing or the show, I'd suggest you give this a pass.
June 25, 2009
A very nicely-done publication but suffers a bit in its age. This published in 2008. The show is still going strong in 2012, and all the seasons with their episodes and specials and After the Catch bonuses have hashed over or elaborated on many of the stories published here. Don't get me wrong; it's worth reading... it was just worth a little more in 2008.
Still, it was particularly great to read the Phil Harris and sons interviews/vignettes and reflect how they all were then.
Still, it was particularly great to read the Phil Harris and sons interviews/vignettes and reflect how they all were then.
February 22, 2021
Enjoyed this book: learning about crab fishermen, their work, work environment, relationships with crew and the highs and lows of being a fisherman.
The men spoke about the sadness of losing or hearing about the deaths of other fishermen who lost their lives at sea. That was very sad. But there were also men who narrowly escaped death.
This book taught me a lot about crab fishermen, what they do and how hard they work.
The men spoke about the sadness of losing or hearing about the deaths of other fishermen who lost their lives at sea. That was very sad. But there were also men who narrowly escaped death.
This book taught me a lot about crab fishermen, what they do and how hard they work.
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July 27, 2011Amazing! I really loved hearing all the guys talk and tell stories and its really nice to have pictures of what they do that really help to illustrate just what it might be like to live and work on the Bering Sea.
December 10, 2014
I'm already a fan of the show, so I really enjoyed this book!! I love getting the behind the scenes stories that the television show doesn't really have time for. An excellent read and a must for any Deadliest Catch fans.
July 6, 2008
Totally biased, I'm in love with all things Deadliest Catch.
July 24, 2008
Good stories by the boat crews. I would have liked it in a more traditionally written format, though.
October 27, 2008
We are big fans of the Discovery Channel series of the same name.
December 7, 2008
If you love the show, you'll love this book with all the gossip and behind the scenes information it provides!
March 1, 2010
A great way to learn about the Captains who make this show great! I highly recommend it!
March 21, 2011
almost as good as the TV show
November 14, 2010
So far, much to be desired. Way too grandiose. I see why the reliance of adjectives makes writing weaker.
August 12, 2011
love the series - book is great too -
September 24, 2015
You watch the program all the time, but until you read this book you won't know the true life of a crabber. I highly recommend this book; an easy read and full of excitement.
January 17, 2016
I am a huge fan of the show. This book is not only a behind the scenes but has background stories. Great book. I highly recommend.
May 11, 2016
Love this book!
August 15, 2017
Gripping. Fantastic.
August 3, 2011
Great book
February 2, 2013
love this book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews