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Grand Portage
After earning his PhD in nuclear physics, Tyler Chambers invents the pool noodle. He enjoys his expensive toys, lush mansion, and life of comfort, but something is missing.
A chance meeting with fellow billionaires sparks his imagination and he sets forth on a new venture. He will buy a nuclear aircraft carrier, sail it through the Great Lakes, drag it across Northern Minnesota to an Indian reservation, and hook it up to the power grid. With this bold publicity stunt, he hopes to reinvigorate the nuclear energy debate in this country.
Intrepid visionaries see into the future and trudge forward. They are the builders of societies and the makers of progress. But sometimes they get sidetracked and lull into comfort.
Along the way Tyler encounters an echelon of obstacles from angry energy companies to zealous environmentalists, and even his own nuclear physicist peers. The government wants to shut him down, his own wife thinks he’s crazy, and he’s running out of money.
But Tyler also learns that people love getting behind a man with a vision. In this adventure we learn of leadership, ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds, and what it is to take people with you. Who will you take with when your inspiration comes?
A chance meeting with fellow billionaires sparks his imagination and he sets forth on a new venture. He will buy a nuclear aircraft carrier, sail it through the Great Lakes, drag it across Northern Minnesota to an Indian reservation, and hook it up to the power grid. With this bold publicity stunt, he hopes to reinvigorate the nuclear energy debate in this country.
Intrepid visionaries see into the future and trudge forward. They are the builders of societies and the makers of progress. But sometimes they get sidetracked and lull into comfort.
Along the way Tyler encounters an echelon of obstacles from angry energy companies to zealous environmentalists, and even his own nuclear physicist peers. The government wants to shut him down, his own wife thinks he’s crazy, and he’s running out of money.
But Tyler also learns that people love getting behind a man with a vision. In this adventure we learn of leadership, ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds, and what it is to take people with you. Who will you take with when your inspiration comes?
- GenresFiction
257 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2019
48 people are currently reading
2881 people want to read
About the author
Scott Seeger
3 books69 followersStory transcends normal communication. We forget information that is dumped into our minds by a lecture but remember every detail of an engaging storyteller.
A good book should do more than just entertain for a few hours, it should change your latitude.
I challenge people's beliefs with my writing. If you come away from my stories with a new perspective, I've done my job as a storyteller.
A good book should do more than just entertain for a few hours, it should change your latitude.
I challenge people's beliefs with my writing. If you come away from my stories with a new perspective, I've done my job as a storyteller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 5, 2019
This turned out to be an interesting read!
The main character, Tyler, is a nuclear physicist who appears to have it all: a beautiful wife and child, expensive toys, and a mansion to live in. The problem is that he's bored and feels incomplete. After meeting some big wig entrepreneurs, Tyler takes a chance on an amazing idea which ends up inviting new struggles and enemies. Will he have the strength and courage to pull through?
This story is unique, well written, and has well-fleshed out characters. It's a compelling story of perseverance that just might change your perspective on nuclear energy. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish it at first because I normally don't read stories like this. It was difficult getting into it, but it picks up and the end is very satisfying. I'll be watching out for other books by this author.
4****
I'd like to thank the author and Goodreads for sharing this book with me. I won this in a giveaway and this is my own, honest review of the book.
The main character, Tyler, is a nuclear physicist who appears to have it all: a beautiful wife and child, expensive toys, and a mansion to live in. The problem is that he's bored and feels incomplete. After meeting some big wig entrepreneurs, Tyler takes a chance on an amazing idea which ends up inviting new struggles and enemies. Will he have the strength and courage to pull through?
This story is unique, well written, and has well-fleshed out characters. It's a compelling story of perseverance that just might change your perspective on nuclear energy. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish it at first because I normally don't read stories like this. It was difficult getting into it, but it picks up and the end is very satisfying. I'll be watching out for other books by this author.
4****
I'd like to thank the author and Goodreads for sharing this book with me. I won this in a giveaway and this is my own, honest review of the book.
January 6, 2020
1.5 stars
I fail to see how other reviewers are so impressed with this book (also, I think many of them didn't actually read the book because their synopsis is not what happened).
It starts off slow and clunky. Chapter 1 felt like it came out of left field and established Tyler as an oblivious, insecure, immature, weakling who doesn't stand up for himself and is desperate for other's approval. Chapter 1 felt completely disconnected from Chapter 2. The slightly condescending working-wife who seemed to control the purse strings suddenly let go of all oversight - whereas Tyler needed approval to buy a 12 mil yacht, he *doesn't* need approval to buy a nuclear aircraft carrier?!? Or sell "their" company??
Some of the dialogue seems weird (like why would the mud run organizer misunderstand "agenda"? Why would a Native American tell a pro-Earth sympathizer to call people "dirt worshipers?").
And I immensely disliked Tyler (although less so by the end). Things like, "Tyler was proud of his quick math skills that saved the day. He'd garnered their attention and respect!" didn't help. Is he a child?! I doubt solving one math problem impresses billionaires. Then he gives a short speech about trailblazing and the billionaires are inspired? C'mon.
I was really bothered by the scene with Chief Yellowfeather, who describes people of his tribe as brainless, hopeless, uneducated people uninterested in working or going to college. What a stereotypical white person assessment of Native Americans! My state has many tribes, and ALL of their chiefs work incredibly hard to promote their tribe, promote opportunities for their tribe, and promote more accurate representations of their tribes. I can't think of a single tribal leader who would say something like this.
Overall, this book is in desperate need of a strong editor who can tighten up the writing, strengthen the flow, increase the consistency of the characters, and point out the difference between a semicolon and a comma (not to mention when to use *that* and when to use *who*). The plot isn't terrible, but the story definitely needs work. (Side note: the ending seemed a little convenient.)
Inconsistencies:
- The writing. So much the writing!! Sometimes it was decent and flowed well, and sometimes it was like the author wrote whatever popped in his head and didn't clean it up later.
- The quickly-changing characters! Gah! Tyler, Lotus, Norring, but mostly the wife...
- Time. Sometimes the author informs the reader about gaps in time and sometimes he doesn't. It's a little confusing.
- Mr. and Mister, Dr. and Doctor. I know it means the same thing, but pick a way to spell it and stick with it.
- pg. 222: "You two know each other?" Yeah, they met in your office almost 100 pages ago.
Mistakes:
- pg. 18: $1,000,0095,035.00 has a comma in the wrong place or an extra digit.
- Tesla was founded in July 2003, by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Elon Musk joined during Series A funding in Feb 2004 land was allowed to retroactively call himself a founder. Eberhard and Tarpenning named Tesla after Nicola Tesla; Musk had zero input on the name. A quick Google search provided that info.
- pg. 148: vain, not vane. Why, not way.
- pg. 206: here, not her.
- pg. 211: morning, not moring.
- pg. 223: nonsense, not non-sense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
I fail to see how other reviewers are so impressed with this book (also, I think many of them didn't actually read the book because their synopsis is not what happened).
It starts off slow and clunky. Chapter 1 felt like it came out of left field and established Tyler as an oblivious, insecure, immature, weakling who doesn't stand up for himself and is desperate for other's approval. Chapter 1 felt completely disconnected from Chapter 2. The slightly condescending working-wife who seemed to control the purse strings suddenly let go of all oversight - whereas Tyler needed approval to buy a 12 mil yacht, he *doesn't* need approval to buy a nuclear aircraft carrier?!? Or sell "their" company??
Some of the dialogue seems weird (like why would the mud run organizer misunderstand "agenda"? Why would a Native American tell a pro-Earth sympathizer to call people "dirt worshipers?").
And I immensely disliked Tyler (although less so by the end). Things like, "Tyler was proud of his quick math skills that saved the day. He'd garnered their attention and respect!" didn't help. Is he a child?! I doubt solving one math problem impresses billionaires. Then he gives a short speech about trailblazing and the billionaires are inspired? C'mon.
I was really bothered by the scene with Chief Yellowfeather, who describes people of his tribe as brainless, hopeless, uneducated people uninterested in working or going to college. What a stereotypical white person assessment of Native Americans! My state has many tribes, and ALL of their chiefs work incredibly hard to promote their tribe, promote opportunities for their tribe, and promote more accurate representations of their tribes. I can't think of a single tribal leader who would say something like this.
Overall, this book is in desperate need of a strong editor who can tighten up the writing, strengthen the flow, increase the consistency of the characters, and point out the difference between a semicolon and a comma (not to mention when to use *that* and when to use *who*). The plot isn't terrible, but the story definitely needs work. (Side note: the ending seemed a little convenient.)
Inconsistencies:
- The writing. So much the writing!! Sometimes it was decent and flowed well, and sometimes it was like the author wrote whatever popped in his head and didn't clean it up later.
- The quickly-changing characters! Gah! Tyler, Lotus, Norring, but mostly the wife...
- Time. Sometimes the author informs the reader about gaps in time and sometimes he doesn't. It's a little confusing.
- Mr. and Mister, Dr. and Doctor. I know it means the same thing, but pick a way to spell it and stick with it.
- pg. 222: "You two know each other?" Yeah, they met in your office almost 100 pages ago.
Mistakes:
- pg. 18: $1,000,0095,035.00 has a comma in the wrong place or an extra digit.
- Tesla was founded in July 2003, by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Elon Musk joined during Series A funding in Feb 2004 land was allowed to retroactively call himself a founder. Eberhard and Tarpenning named Tesla after Nicola Tesla; Musk had zero input on the name. A quick Google search provided that info.
- pg. 148: vain, not vane. Why, not way.
- pg. 206: here, not her.
- pg. 211: morning, not moring.
- pg. 223: nonsense, not non-sense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
Read
November 21, 2020Not as ambitious as his genius deserves, Tyler prefers a life of comfort over a life of making the impossible a reality. However, an impulsive decision and its aftermath are like a slap on Tyler’s face. He stops running, gives up on a life of intellectual mediocrity and plunges into a challenge that’s most unlike him.
The vision that garners different reactions and immense opposition. A group of old friends stand by Tyler and ensure he doesn’t give up on his new mission. Don't want to give the story away so pick up this great book and enter into a thrilling episode. You will want to keep turning the pages as fast as you can to find out what happens next.
The vision that garners different reactions and immense opposition. A group of old friends stand by Tyler and ensure he doesn’t give up on his new mission. Don't want to give the story away so pick up this great book and enter into a thrilling episode. You will want to keep turning the pages as fast as you can to find out what happens next.
February 7, 2021
I obtained a copy of the book through a Goodreads giveaway.
The description for this book was one that sounded intriguing. Bringing a nuclear power plant aboard a Russian aircraft carrier to a reservation in Northern Minnesota was a strange plotline, but one that had the potential to highlight energy and environmental justice issues. The reality of the book was less fulfilling.
Let's start off with the HUGE plotline issues. First, a private citizen can just buy a decommissioned aircraft carrier from Russia. Second, a boat that is a minimum of 827 feet in length (the actual dimensions are not stated in the book) can travel undetected by the US government from Europe and through the St Lawrence Seaway/Great Lakes all the way to Minnesota. Third, that the boat can even get to Minnesota by water since it is larger than the locks at the Welland Canal (between Lakes Erie and Ontario).
Next, the main character in the story, Tyler, comes off (especially at the beginning of the book) as a spoiled, entitled, but bored rich person. Spending everything he has and keeping his wife totally in the dark, he goes on his quixotic adventure, planning for everything (except for reality) as he tweaks his nose at the Federal Government dragging a 40000 ton boat half way across the Land of a Thousand Lakes under the help of diplomatic immunity for a foreign national ship using outdated portaging laws.
Then, there's the "it would never happen" scene of environmentalists willingly going on a (what turns into) a round the world trip to see how nuclear is the only solution to our power needs and maintain a livable environment (unless they go to a wind or solar farm - which they don't).
I won't go into the rich people club he's dragged into, because it's name dropping to fill a sizeable number of pages. He doesn't use them for much support. Actually, for all of his wealth and status, he is rather insecure and maybe, this story would have worked a little bit better with a friend (he seemed to not have any) that he could confide in.
Overall, the writing in Grand Portage was really uneven but got better towards the end of the book. Considering that this was a Goodreads giveaway, I hate to leave a not-glowing review, but it took a lot of effort to get through the first 60 or so pages. It took way too long for me to realize that Tyler was actually an idealist (in a way, similar to the environmentalists) who was looking for a way to kick start the nuclear industry and allow him to return to his first career. Missing a hint by one of the other characters earlier in the story, I didn't realize it until the very end of the book.
The description for this book was one that sounded intriguing. Bringing a nuclear power plant aboard a Russian aircraft carrier to a reservation in Northern Minnesota was a strange plotline, but one that had the potential to highlight energy and environmental justice issues. The reality of the book was less fulfilling.
Let's start off with the HUGE plotline issues. First, a private citizen can just buy a decommissioned aircraft carrier from Russia. Second, a boat that is a minimum of 827 feet in length (the actual dimensions are not stated in the book) can travel undetected by the US government from Europe and through the St Lawrence Seaway/Great Lakes all the way to Minnesota. Third, that the boat can even get to Minnesota by water since it is larger than the locks at the Welland Canal (between Lakes Erie and Ontario).
Next, the main character in the story, Tyler, comes off (especially at the beginning of the book) as a spoiled, entitled, but bored rich person. Spending everything he has and keeping his wife totally in the dark, he goes on his quixotic adventure, planning for everything (except for reality) as he tweaks his nose at the Federal Government dragging a 40000 ton boat half way across the Land of a Thousand Lakes under the help of diplomatic immunity for a foreign national ship using outdated portaging laws.
Then, there's the "it would never happen" scene of environmentalists willingly going on a (what turns into) a round the world trip to see how nuclear is the only solution to our power needs and maintain a livable environment (unless they go to a wind or solar farm - which they don't).
I won't go into the rich people club he's dragged into, because it's name dropping to fill a sizeable number of pages. He doesn't use them for much support. Actually, for all of his wealth and status, he is rather insecure and maybe, this story would have worked a little bit better with a friend (he seemed to not have any) that he could confide in.
Overall, the writing in Grand Portage was really uneven but got better towards the end of the book. Considering that this was a Goodreads giveaway, I hate to leave a not-glowing review, but it took a lot of effort to get through the first 60 or so pages. It took way too long for me to realize that Tyler was actually an idealist (in a way, similar to the environmentalists) who was looking for a way to kick start the nuclear industry and allow him to return to his first career. Missing a hint by one of the other characters earlier in the story, I didn't realize it until the very end of the book.
February 12, 2021
There is an interesting idea hidden in this story but it gets lost along the way. The story kept shifting, the characters don't pop, and it's very slow at times.
The description sounds good: "buy a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Sail her through the Great Lakes, then drag it across Minnesota."
I mean sounds different. But somehow it seems to get lost along the way. We never got to see them buy the aircraft carrier which would have been fun.
The main character talks to real live people like Richard Branson, Elon Musk ec. Somehow that just didn't click for me.
Meanwhile, no one notices a massive nuclear powered aircraft carrier in the water until the Onion writes an article about it..?
The other thing that takes you out of the story is that his wife does not let him buy a yacht but he can buy an aircraft carrier? Yeah, I doubt it.
Like I said I just could not seem to get into the story
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
The description sounds good: "buy a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Sail her through the Great Lakes, then drag it across Minnesota."
I mean sounds different. But somehow it seems to get lost along the way. We never got to see them buy the aircraft carrier which would have been fun.
The main character talks to real live people like Richard Branson, Elon Musk ec. Somehow that just didn't click for me.
Meanwhile, no one notices a massive nuclear powered aircraft carrier in the water until the Onion writes an article about it..?
The other thing that takes you out of the story is that his wife does not let him buy a yacht but he can buy an aircraft carrier? Yeah, I doubt it.
Like I said I just could not seem to get into the story
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
January 2, 2021
I didn’t know what to expect when I began this novel (which I won through Goodreads). The plot is very unique. The subject matter is approached with both insight and humor. The author has crafted a great cast of characters. I found this novel to be a balanced blend of fact and fiction. This was a very enjoyable and informative read.
December 27, 2020
I got this book in a goodreads giveaway and I’m glad I did. This is not the normal type of book I read. I’m more into fantasy and science fiction. Still I liked the character of Tyler. He reminds of a game we used to play what would you do if you were rich (I would have a house on a compound with lots of dogs). He wants to do something different and in the process help others. His wife does get on my nerves (she redeems herself later). But at the same time she had her points he decided to do all of this without even talking to her. There is some learning of nuclear power in here but I honestly don’t know what it actual facts. The ending did seem to end a bit abruptly still I enjoyed the read. It’s not perfect and it won’t be a classic but it’s worth the read. Give the author a chance.
January 22, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. As a former part of the navy nuclear power program, there were several concerns I had that were not addressed. They tended to hang in the back of my mind and overshadow everything. The first chapter kind of set the wrong tone for the book, but it settled in after that. The characters were well developed and the story flowed well. Overall, a decent read and entertaining for the most part.
November 22, 2020
Didn't care for it. Didn't like the mistakes in it
December 18, 2020
An enjoyable read. It grew on me as I read further into it. Quite a yarn from a fellow who doesn't like dogs or people.
February 3, 2021
Copy received via giveaway.
"I challenge people's beliefs with my writing. If you come away from my stories with a new perspective, I've done my job as a storyteller." -Scott Seeger's Goodreads bio.
I know people will quote books in reviews, but I find this one more enlightening and important from my perspective. Allow me to explain, using the notes I took while updating progress in reading.
Page 46: So, he has a party with Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and some guy that helped make PayPal? Why does this feel like a worse version of Richard Castle's poker game he had with James Patterson, Stephen J. Cannell, Dennis Lehane, and Michael Connelly?
Page 68: So he can't buy a yacht unless his wife signs off but he can sell off his company without her consent?
Page 89: 80-some pages in and only now introducing a daughter?
Page 100-101 (ran out of characters so I needed to update twice): So does he have a PhD? Did he still do his dissertation after he left for New York? How does someone go from nuclear physics doctorate to businessman inventing the pool noodle? Why did he ever need to be a businessman? Why not have him be a nuclear physicist with friends in high places that would help him get a cruiser?
Also, how do you even get a naval ship into Minnesota without any government noticing? Only way I can think of getting there at all is up through the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Canada, through the Erie Canal, past the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, through the locks in Sault Ste. Marie, and THEN get to Minnesota. Even as incompetent as Trump was, SOMEONE would've noticed before it came close to hitting land.
Page 105: Again, his wife has the right to refuse buying anything but not selling their stock?
Between here and my last update, there were several updates that had little to do with the content of the book, including text size, the word "layer" being used when talking about a Bond villian lair, the use of Trump, why Kanye was mentioned until seeing that a DJ was playing his music, and various thoughts on Gershwin's Porgy & Bess - which I was listening to as I was reading. No point in going in depth here. Let's skip to the last update.
Page 216: If you're going to write a book advocating nuclear power, maybe make the thesis statement somewhere in the first few chapters rather than 50 pages from the end.
And here's the big issue. You have this idea of being an advocate for something, but then you bury it in over 200 pages of bloated prose and mediocre dialogue. By the time you get to the point, the only thing that's being challenged is my patience, with my mind wandering off on other thoughts. And I'm not the only one feeling that way, as you can see by the several DNFs that have appeared in the review section.
Honestly, if you re-worked this into a short story, it wouldn't be too bad. Instead of a ludicrous stunt that never would've made it to New York, let alone Minnesota, how about a lobbyist that keeps getting confronted by protesters. One day, he's had enough and takes them on the sight seeing tour to confront what they're afraid of. As the excursion goes on, the dialogue goes from jumpy to question actions of the lobbyist to practical debate. In the end, it would be left open ended as to whether the protesters changed their minds - mostly because they aren't important, the reader is.
Overall, Grand Portage tries to be too grand for its own good. Slimmed down with the thesis the author wished to present a clearer focus, it could've done well. But as is, I can't recommend having anyone plow through so much fluff to get to the point of it all.
"I challenge people's beliefs with my writing. If you come away from my stories with a new perspective, I've done my job as a storyteller." -Scott Seeger's Goodreads bio.
I know people will quote books in reviews, but I find this one more enlightening and important from my perspective. Allow me to explain, using the notes I took while updating progress in reading.
Page 46: So, he has a party with Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and some guy that helped make PayPal? Why does this feel like a worse version of Richard Castle's poker game he had with James Patterson, Stephen J. Cannell, Dennis Lehane, and Michael Connelly?
Page 68: So he can't buy a yacht unless his wife signs off but he can sell off his company without her consent?
Page 89: 80-some pages in and only now introducing a daughter?
Page 100-101 (ran out of characters so I needed to update twice): So does he have a PhD? Did he still do his dissertation after he left for New York? How does someone go from nuclear physics doctorate to businessman inventing the pool noodle? Why did he ever need to be a businessman? Why not have him be a nuclear physicist with friends in high places that would help him get a cruiser?
Also, how do you even get a naval ship into Minnesota without any government noticing? Only way I can think of getting there at all is up through the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Canada, through the Erie Canal, past the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, through the locks in Sault Ste. Marie, and THEN get to Minnesota. Even as incompetent as Trump was, SOMEONE would've noticed before it came close to hitting land.
Page 105: Again, his wife has the right to refuse buying anything but not selling their stock?
Between here and my last update, there were several updates that had little to do with the content of the book, including text size, the word "layer" being used when talking about a Bond villian lair, the use of Trump, why Kanye was mentioned until seeing that a DJ was playing his music, and various thoughts on Gershwin's Porgy & Bess - which I was listening to as I was reading. No point in going in depth here. Let's skip to the last update.
Page 216: If you're going to write a book advocating nuclear power, maybe make the thesis statement somewhere in the first few chapters rather than 50 pages from the end.
And here's the big issue. You have this idea of being an advocate for something, but then you bury it in over 200 pages of bloated prose and mediocre dialogue. By the time you get to the point, the only thing that's being challenged is my patience, with my mind wandering off on other thoughts. And I'm not the only one feeling that way, as you can see by the several DNFs that have appeared in the review section.
Honestly, if you re-worked this into a short story, it wouldn't be too bad. Instead of a ludicrous stunt that never would've made it to New York, let alone Minnesota, how about a lobbyist that keeps getting confronted by protesters. One day, he's had enough and takes them on the sight seeing tour to confront what they're afraid of. As the excursion goes on, the dialogue goes from jumpy to question actions of the lobbyist to practical debate. In the end, it would be left open ended as to whether the protesters changed their minds - mostly because they aren't important, the reader is.
Overall, Grand Portage tries to be too grand for its own good. Slimmed down with the thesis the author wished to present a clearer focus, it could've done well. But as is, I can't recommend having anyone plow through so much fluff to get to the point of it all.
January 4, 2021
I won a giveaway for the novel "Grand Portage" and I was very glad to read it. It's very different from the kind of adventure fiction that I typically read. One of the reasons that I found it so engaging was some of the characters are actually real. The camaraderie of a group of leading technological innovators, although set in a fictitious world was fun. Once you know who they are, it's easy to imagine them interacting, discussing business strategies over wings & beer.
If readers have an engineering or Navy background or worked in those fields it might be easier to visualize what a herculean enterprise is being attempted. I can't imagine a film without lots of CGI.
I appreciated the humor throughout especially since the book is a world survey of debates for and against the use of nuclear energy. The following From chapter 7:
"While we respect Canada's right to defend itself, we must defend our borders and not allow imbalance along Northern Minnesota and the Dakotas.
We appreciate the timber, maple syrup, and stand-up comedy passing through customs daily and the United States guarantees the flow of automobiles, farm equipment, and Big Macs. However, we cannot look past the aggressive movements through Manitoba's soy fields".
There are a lot of high profile companies mentioned with notorious histories regarding chemicals that environmentalist will not be fond of.
"My buddy from Dupont helped our engineer design it. It's made of next-generation Kevlar".
I loved how the titans of industry, bored of their affluence get together to chow down on wings, served by an English butler, named Rogers!
Gentlemen we have a Jamaican jerk which Mr. Branson was gracious enough to provide the base for. We also have barbequed with a homemade sauce in the traditional Tennessee style provided by Mr. Musk. And lastly a Creole-based sauce ..."
There are other moments between Tyler, the risk-taker of the story, and his interactions with the young environmentalist protestors, which all resolve with a party on the deck of a nuclear aircraft carrier.
If readers have an engineering or Navy background or worked in those fields it might be easier to visualize what a herculean enterprise is being attempted. I can't imagine a film without lots of CGI.
I appreciated the humor throughout especially since the book is a world survey of debates for and against the use of nuclear energy. The following From chapter 7:
"While we respect Canada's right to defend itself, we must defend our borders and not allow imbalance along Northern Minnesota and the Dakotas.
We appreciate the timber, maple syrup, and stand-up comedy passing through customs daily and the United States guarantees the flow of automobiles, farm equipment, and Big Macs. However, we cannot look past the aggressive movements through Manitoba's soy fields".
There are a lot of high profile companies mentioned with notorious histories regarding chemicals that environmentalist will not be fond of.
"My buddy from Dupont helped our engineer design it. It's made of next-generation Kevlar".
I loved how the titans of industry, bored of their affluence get together to chow down on wings, served by an English butler, named Rogers!
Gentlemen we have a Jamaican jerk which Mr. Branson was gracious enough to provide the base for. We also have barbequed with a homemade sauce in the traditional Tennessee style provided by Mr. Musk. And lastly a Creole-based sauce ..."
There are other moments between Tyler, the risk-taker of the story, and his interactions with the young environmentalist protestors, which all resolve with a party on the deck of a nuclear aircraft carrier.
July 26, 2019
I was awarded this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair review, for which I am very grateful.
What an amazing story! A vast, grand idea, executed very well. First, buy a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Wow! Great start. Sail her through the Great Lakes, then drag it across Minnesota. Amazing idea. Discovered the ability to do this is very real, perhaps not on such a vast scale. Even has a name, portage. And the ship is considered to be under way while being dragged. Who knew?
Fend off all government attempts to shut the operation down. More great stuff. Set the carrier up on an Indian reservation, and independent nation where the United States Government can't reach it, and hook the reactor up to supply power to the grid. A grand scheme!
The science provided is real and accurate. Some perhaps hasn't been invented yet (didn't research it), but is quite plausible. The socioeconomic aspects perhaps less so, but I'm far less an expert on those so I'm not so sure about that. Along the way, the reader will learn a number of truths about nuclear energy that may shock and amaze the average reader, shaking up everything we think we know about it.
Highly recommend.
I'm very happy I was able to read this inspiring book.
What an amazing story! A vast, grand idea, executed very well. First, buy a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Wow! Great start. Sail her through the Great Lakes, then drag it across Minnesota. Amazing idea. Discovered the ability to do this is very real, perhaps not on such a vast scale. Even has a name, portage. And the ship is considered to be under way while being dragged. Who knew?
Fend off all government attempts to shut the operation down. More great stuff. Set the carrier up on an Indian reservation, and independent nation where the United States Government can't reach it, and hook the reactor up to supply power to the grid. A grand scheme!
The science provided is real and accurate. Some perhaps hasn't been invented yet (didn't research it), but is quite plausible. The socioeconomic aspects perhaps less so, but I'm far less an expert on those so I'm not so sure about that. Along the way, the reader will learn a number of truths about nuclear energy that may shock and amaze the average reader, shaking up everything we think we know about it.
Highly recommend.
I'm very happy I was able to read this inspiring book.
January 16, 2021
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would! The author took a fascinating idea and wrote a coherent, interesting and convincing story around it with rather likable characters! I thought all the billionaire tech dialogue would be cringey but to my surprise, most of it could pass for plausible! I don't know the Paypal founder at all but Elon Musk's characterization is most likely on the fantasy side; he's a lot more volatile and bonkers in real life if you follow news about him.
I liked the pro-nuclear power stance and I would add that all the renewable sources of energy--solar, hydro, wind--actually use quite a significant amount of dirty energy to even become viable. How else do you create solar panels, wind mills and all the other pieces of equipment...carbon! So I wish this was a point that could've been mentioned.
Overall, it had an enthralling plot and I very much enjoyed the description of the wing sauces. Mmmm...The only reason I'm taking off one star is for the lack of editing. Almost every line of dialogue is missing the appropriate commas, and I also found missing quotes and some spelling errors.
Oh, and I very much liked the About the Author section. He does not like dogs or people and lives alone? Short, to the point and very relatable!
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would! The author took a fascinating idea and wrote a coherent, interesting and convincing story around it with rather likable characters! I thought all the billionaire tech dialogue would be cringey but to my surprise, most of it could pass for plausible! I don't know the Paypal founder at all but Elon Musk's characterization is most likely on the fantasy side; he's a lot more volatile and bonkers in real life if you follow news about him.
I liked the pro-nuclear power stance and I would add that all the renewable sources of energy--solar, hydro, wind--actually use quite a significant amount of dirty energy to even become viable. How else do you create solar panels, wind mills and all the other pieces of equipment...carbon! So I wish this was a point that could've been mentioned.
Overall, it had an enthralling plot and I very much enjoyed the description of the wing sauces. Mmmm...The only reason I'm taking off one star is for the lack of editing. Almost every line of dialogue is missing the appropriate commas, and I also found missing quotes and some spelling errors.
Oh, and I very much liked the About the Author section. He does not like dogs or people and lives alone? Short, to the point and very relatable!
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December 27, 2020I found "Grand Portage" to be a mixed bag. I wasn't sure if it was an adventure, a thriller, or a love story. Perhaps it was a bit of all three. It definitely was a social/ecological/economic commentary. While I didn't care for the name dropping, I did understand the value of it, though perhaps fictional characters with a little background development would have worked as well. The writing style had an easy flow and the characters stayed in character - which was refreshing and reassuring. (Seeger was able to have his characters grow and change views without changing their core values. Not many of the authors I've read lately have managed to do this.) There was a bit of stereotypical type casting, but it served to point out the contrast as characters developed and evolved. Also, I liked the topic, and while the genre was different from my normal selection, I found that Seeger made it easy for me, as the reader, to fall into his "mixed bag."
I want to thank Scott Seeger and Goodreads for the free copy and for the opportunity to read "Grand Portage." I learned a lot about a lot of things. (And for those of you who read this book, be sure to read the "About the Author." It's absolutely refreshing in it's honesty and conciseness.
I want to thank Scott Seeger and Goodreads for the free copy and for the opportunity to read "Grand Portage." I learned a lot about a lot of things. (And for those of you who read this book, be sure to read the "About the Author." It's absolutely refreshing in it's honesty and conciseness.
December 9, 2020
Have you ever had a really crazy idea that you wished you could put into reality? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit and talk with some of the men who are the visionaries of our time, people like Elon Musk? Is your spouse your favorite partner in adventure? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you!
I wasn't sure if I would really like this book since it is far from the things I ordinarily read. Also, I've had bad experiences with self-published books in the past (from authors who can't even write to books that appear to have had no editing). I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this author's writing even though the main parts of the plot were things I don't know much about. There were a few typos, but overall the book had few errors to detract from the ease of reading.
My favorite scenes were those with the billionaires - who wouldn't love to talk to these guys, let alone become friends with them. There is even some evolution of the relationship between Tyler and his wife Rachael, so the book isn't all bout the nuclear stuff.
If you have a chance to read this, don't pass it up.
I wasn't sure if I would really like this book since it is far from the things I ordinarily read. Also, I've had bad experiences with self-published books in the past (from authors who can't even write to books that appear to have had no editing). I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this author's writing even though the main parts of the plot were things I don't know much about. There were a few typos, but overall the book had few errors to detract from the ease of reading.
My favorite scenes were those with the billionaires - who wouldn't love to talk to these guys, let alone become friends with them. There is even some evolution of the relationship between Tyler and his wife Rachael, so the book isn't all bout the nuclear stuff.
If you have a chance to read this, don't pass it up.
March 10, 2021
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to stay engaged in this story as it is so different than my normal read. It was refreshing, fun, educational and I actually enjoyed it immensely. I was especially taken with the concept, portaging an aircraft carrier across land to Minnesota to provide nuclear power to an Indian reservation. Imagine portaging the carrier on rolling logs as conceived by Tyler, who invented the swimming pool noodle. What fun!
Added to this story was his relationship with his wife, his partner in philanthropic works that was nearly destroyed as he spent all their money on this untried dream without consulting her. She came around to joining him in his enthusiasm, using her talents as a strong negotiator to deal with both government and private individual adversaries so that the grand portage ended successfully to completion and serving the Indian nation.
On the downside, there were many spelling and grammatical errors that slowed down the flow of the story. A final proof read would have given it the polish needed to garner another star.
Added to this story was his relationship with his wife, his partner in philanthropic works that was nearly destroyed as he spent all their money on this untried dream without consulting her. She came around to joining him in his enthusiasm, using her talents as a strong negotiator to deal with both government and private individual adversaries so that the grand portage ended successfully to completion and serving the Indian nation.
On the downside, there were many spelling and grammatical errors that slowed down the flow of the story. A final proof read would have given it the polish needed to garner another star.
April 1, 2021
With the main character a former Nuclear Physicist, I was a little intimidated by what I assumed would be a highly difficult book to read and a bother of a character to keep up with. Yet, I persevered, and glad that I did.
Tyler, wealthy, smart, huge mansion, collector of ridiculously expensive exotic cars, husband to the woman he adores...and gave up his lifes' ambition for, is feeling not so motivated by the choices he made. The choice being the wife sans the Nuclear Physicist title and job. And that would be okay if maybe Tyler didn't feel so "less than" her most times and the dreams and goals that she pursues while he sits around buying more exotic cars. With nuclear power on his mind and the motivation to help others in need, Tyler has to make a change. The interesting, and sometimes funny, part of this book is reading to see if this all comes to fruition. It's a little more complicated than that....but I don't want to give anything away.
Great read. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to the good people of Goodreads and to the author Scott Seeger for my copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
Tyler, wealthy, smart, huge mansion, collector of ridiculously expensive exotic cars, husband to the woman he adores...and gave up his lifes' ambition for, is feeling not so motivated by the choices he made. The choice being the wife sans the Nuclear Physicist title and job. And that would be okay if maybe Tyler didn't feel so "less than" her most times and the dreams and goals that she pursues while he sits around buying more exotic cars. With nuclear power on his mind and the motivation to help others in need, Tyler has to make a change. The interesting, and sometimes funny, part of this book is reading to see if this all comes to fruition. It's a little more complicated than that....but I don't want to give anything away.
Great read. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to the good people of Goodreads and to the author Scott Seeger for my copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
January 7, 2021
This was an interesting, if somewhat eclectic novel about a millionaire who has too much time on his hands and too little to do with it, so he sets forth on a new venture. My impression of the book was that as it progressed, it devolved into minutiae about the lives of the rich and famous, with not enough details about the adventure that was promised to be at the core of the book. However, ironically, as the first chapter unfolds, the reader is left feeling that important “backdrop” details about his relationship with his wife, her philanthropic charitable work involving their joint wealth, and other pertinent facts are missing. This would be an interesting read for someone very interested in nuclear physics, or someone who has a sense of the fantastical possibilities that do still exist for those who are adventurous (with plenty of money to support their adventure!!). Overall, this book was an entertaining read that took me out of my normal genre interest, and I appreciate the chance to read it! The cover art is superb!
November 27, 2020
Interesting read, with a very creative premise - but some flaws in characterization, pacing and writing hold it back. Also quite far-fetched at times, but I don't mind a little fantasy in my fiction.
Tyler - a self-made, if unappreciated, genius billionaire - decides to haul a nuclear aircraft carrier into Minnesota, creating all sorts of trouble for himself in the process. Still plenty of opportunities for Tyler to throw his considerable, if diminished, wealth around though.
What this book lacked for me was heart - though Tyler's motivations were clear, I feel like I never quite got to know him. And other characters were mostly there to serve a purpose in his scheme. Even Tyler's wife suffers from a last-minute change of heart to ensure the happy ending.
Worth the read if you're interested in the plot, and won't mind the sometimes clunky delivery. But don't expect a character story or much in the way of scientific detail.
Tyler - a self-made, if unappreciated, genius billionaire - decides to haul a nuclear aircraft carrier into Minnesota, creating all sorts of trouble for himself in the process. Still plenty of opportunities for Tyler to throw his considerable, if diminished, wealth around though.
What this book lacked for me was heart - though Tyler's motivations were clear, I feel like I never quite got to know him. And other characters were mostly there to serve a purpose in his scheme. Even Tyler's wife suffers from a last-minute change of heart to ensure the happy ending.
Worth the read if you're interested in the plot, and won't mind the sometimes clunky delivery. But don't expect a character story or much in the way of scientific detail.
January 3, 2021
I received an ARC of this novel in return for a fair and honest review. This is a unique story, and I found it to be very difficult to categorize. The plot was innovative, and the assorted characters were interesting. The main character, Tyler, had achieved success in life but was unfulfilled. A new idea, a challenge that appeared unsurmountable, along with the emotional support of equally successful billionaires, jump-started his life in ways that surprised him. Potentially sacrificing a great deal of his amassed fortune, as well as the wife who was with him and who had helped to build it, seemed like a reckless decision. Although many aspects of his wealth were not things that I could relate to, I admired his single-minded focus and his desperate search for something to fill the emptiness that he felt. Finding a sense of purpose that transcends the ordinary is certainly important for all of us, and Tyler approached this problem in ways that met his needs. This novel made me thinks about my own goals and how my current choices impact my future success or failure. In the short interview with the author on this book, his motive for writing was to cause readers to think, and he achieved this in "Grand Portage."
November 22, 2021
This book was so-so for me. I appreciated the strategic nuclear plant portage across northern Minnesota far more than I did the main character, Tyler. The plan to work with the Russians on indigenous lands to circumvent U.S. regulations was interesting. His dissatisfaction with his life out of the spotlight while his wife was in it seemed petty. Likewise, Tyler’s becoming reinvigorated to push nuclear power boundaries after meeting other interesting billionaires seemed trite. What should’ve seemed the most unrealistic (the portage itself) was overshadowed by Tyler’s strange relationships with other characters— most notably, “instructing” the protestors to convert them by showing them the error of their ways. Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book via a Goodreads giveaway.
January 1, 2020
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway so thank you Scott Seeger for this read! This was an interesting book and although it is set in the present, I don't think this would be something that would happen. I think of all the books that I've read about someone with a vision, this is the book that was the most ambitious. However, I would have liked this book a lot more if there were smoother transitions between events because I feel like the plot line jumped a lot. This book got better as it progressed, but one thing that I did not like was that Tyler was horrible to Rachel at the beginning of the novel. I just didn't get why he was being so heartless. But overall, this was a great read!
January 10, 2021
Here's a story of a man who has everything, success, too much money, no self confidence, and a life of boredom. Who lays everything he has on a gigantic dream, to bring nuclear energy back to the forefront in America. You will ride with him as he drags overland a giant nuclear powered Russian aircraft carrier, from the great lakes, across minnesota to an Indian reservation. His ingenuity, the people he hired for this epic journey, and his dream will see him through until he has lost nearly everything he has, his company, his money, his family, until because of one moment, when he has reached rock bottom, he again reaches for the stars and succeeds. This is a wonderful take of riches to rags to riches. Read it, you won't regret it.
December 1, 2020
This is one of the most thought-provoking, engaging, and--yes!--entertaining books I've read in awhile. I found the MC believable, a genius suddenly pushed out of indolency and perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the experience. He discovers, as many do, that his own insecurities may be the biggest stumbling block to achieving great things. This book was well-written with good pacing and an exciting storyline. It is ultimately a love letter to those things that drive human progress: imagination, innovation, aspiration, and energy.
Disclaimer: I recieved a copy of the book from the author in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I recieved a copy of the book from the author in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2021
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Chapter 1 has a real disconnect from Chapter 2, and Chapter 1 really leaves you with an intense dislike for Tyler. It would have been a lot better had the book just started with Chapter 2. That being said, it's got a fun and interesting premise, and it was a relatively quick read. There's a lot of wish fulfillment going on here, but once you get past that, you're good - the longer you read, the better the story gets. It's got a definite "debut novel" feel to it, but the writing style is enjoyable. It's a little hodge podge, but that's not a bad thing at all. I'd be interested to see how this author develops over the course of his career.
January 28, 2021
Scott, let me start off by saying you need to hire a proofreader or an outside editor. It appears that you are self publishing, but you really need to employ an outside person to make sure your work is done proper besides that of spellcheck. I counted 5 errors, not including comma improprieties, that even included the misuse of Pray instead of Prey (pg 199) and including Michael Douglas into the West Wing universe (which I set you a message about) that should never have happened.
Besides the Grammar Nazi references, I liked what I read. The storyline was fresh and something unlike anything I've sampled before. The inclusion of entrepreneurs and leading inventive personalities was a fresh and enlightening experience. The book was an enjoyable experience. For those who share a naval military experience, this should be something to be enjoyed and extremely refreshing with the new age nuclear opinion.
I look forward to your next literary adventure!
Besides the Grammar Nazi references, I liked what I read. The storyline was fresh and something unlike anything I've sampled before. The inclusion of entrepreneurs and leading inventive personalities was a fresh and enlightening experience. The book was an enjoyable experience. For those who share a naval military experience, this should be something to be enjoyed and extremely refreshing with the new age nuclear opinion.
I look forward to your next literary adventure!
November 16, 2019
I received this book from the Goodreads Giveaway and was happy to get to read this book.
This book is a fairly good read. It's about a group of billionaires who have devised a plan to purchase a nuclear carrier and transport it along the Great Lakes and across Minnesota to an Indian Reservation. It will supply nuclear power to the reservation.
Problems are encountered but the group always finds a way around them. I learned some information about nuclear energy in this book.
I truly hope you read this book also.
This book is a fairly good read. It's about a group of billionaires who have devised a plan to purchase a nuclear carrier and transport it along the Great Lakes and across Minnesota to an Indian Reservation. It will supply nuclear power to the reservation.
Problems are encountered but the group always finds a way around them. I learned some information about nuclear energy in this book.
I truly hope you read this book also.
November 21, 2020
Rich Tyler wanted a new adventure and wanted to get away from his "pool noodle" fame. I really enjoyed the early portion of this book of Tyler discussing ideas as a part of an almost secret brotherhood. It started to build his character, but I wished this had extended more into the second half of the book. This book did a good job at discussing the engineering and environmental issues surrounding nuclear energy without dragging you into the details or getting too political. A good fictional story that scrapes the surface of some real life issues.
November 27, 2020
The inventor of the pool noodle – enjoying his life but he knows something is missing. Having a PhD in nuclear physics, he proceeds to buy a Russian Nuclear Sub without telling his wife, his business’ – just goes on a venture and uses it to get electricity to an Indian Reservation in Minneapolis. At ties I chuckled – his idea sounds unlikely but hey dumber things have been done and work. A group of high end entrepreneurs get a hold of him, encourage him to do it. In the process of almost losing everything, he gets it done! Was an interesting, fun read.
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