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Not Without Hope
A former college football star shares the harrowing story of the headline-making boating accident that left three of his friends dead, including two NFL players, a tragedy that he was only able to survive by clinging to the boat's propeller as he bobbed in the chilly waters of the Atlantic.
246 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
March 30, 2010
While I definitely feel for the families involved in this tragedy - I did not like this book at all. The book was poorly written and the author (Nick Schuyler) came across as somewhat concieted and shallow. For example: he's just lost 3 friends and looks down at his ab muscles after he's been rescued and thinks to himself - "damn, pretty good" and goes on to say how "shredded" he looked! Ugh - he completely turned me off. I understand that he is young and fitness obsessed but there's a point where it becomes ridiculous. While I do appreciate that it took determination to survive - it did seem to me that he bragged about himself throughout the book and at times it came across that he let his friends do a majority of the work . This may or may not be true - however, it did come across that way in the book. I'm glad that I did not buy this book - won it in the giveaways. I don't recommend it.
November 23, 2016
A tragic and haunting story that will leave you to draw your own conclusion because there's only 1 man who knows what really happened, and this is his story. A worst nightmare scenario. I personally loved the book and read it after watching him appear on NBC. Would recommend to anyone...
February 22, 2012
This book tells the story of 4 men who go on a guy's fishing trip. One of the men was getting ready to leave for NFL training camp (2 were on NFL teams and all had at least played in college) and this was going to be their last time together for the foreseeable future. What should have been a great day of relaxation turns into 2 days of terror after a series of bad luck and bad decision making ends in their boat being overturned 70 miles off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. Four men leave on the boat and only makes it home alive after he watches helplessly as all of his friends succumb to hypothermia, dehydration and exposure.
I have read several "survival" type books such as "Icebound" and "Alive" and it's sad that you generally always know how the story will end. Although I have no idea what any of these people have gone through, these stories draw me in as the writers generally paint such a vivid picture of their suffering and their sheer will to survive.
At times I felt so sorry for this gentleman (Nick Schuyler) and at other times, I was absolutely disgusted by him. Did he really need to tell the reader about blowing snot rockets in the water? Was it absolutely necessary to inform the reader about the scabs all over his genitals (in disgusting slang terms that even the Coast Guard had to ask him to clarify). Did he have to talk about his genitals for about 50% of the book and talk about how much he worked out (he is a personal trainer and it shows, a lot) the other 50%?
When Schuyler is rescued (after 2 days of dehydration, hypothermia and starvation) and looks down at his abs, here are his comments in the book...
"I could see every single muscle in my stomach. I was shredded. I looked like I had worked my abs for five hours a day for five weeks...not bad, I thought to myself."
...I lost most of my empathy for him. Then a few pages later he thanks his agent, PR team and production company. Three others died and it can be assumed their families might read this book. I think these things were tactless and I think a competent editor would have probably agreed. I'll admit, these things made me angry for the victims' families. I don't think it's necessarily Schuyler's fault, he doesn't claim to be a writer. But if one writes....
I think the real problem with this story (and what kept it from getting at least 3 or 4 stars from me) was simply the total lack of editing. I believe a good editor can turn anyone into at least a decent writer. This is a fascinating story and even though there was a published author listed as writing this book as well, there were far too many grammatical errors to ignore and this book was obviously not written with the idea of engaging a wide audience in mind. I think many will not like this book and I would definitely not recommend it for anyone who gets offended easily (or not so easily) or for children. I think this book makes Schuyler look like equal parts hero and equal parts meathead. And that is just sad, for both Schuyler and the victims' families.
I have read several "survival" type books such as "Icebound" and "Alive" and it's sad that you generally always know how the story will end. Although I have no idea what any of these people have gone through, these stories draw me in as the writers generally paint such a vivid picture of their suffering and their sheer will to survive.
At times I felt so sorry for this gentleman (Nick Schuyler) and at other times, I was absolutely disgusted by him. Did he really need to tell the reader about blowing snot rockets in the water? Was it absolutely necessary to inform the reader about the scabs all over his genitals (in disgusting slang terms that even the Coast Guard had to ask him to clarify). Did he have to talk about his genitals for about 50% of the book and talk about how much he worked out (he is a personal trainer and it shows, a lot) the other 50%?
When Schuyler is rescued (after 2 days of dehydration, hypothermia and starvation) and looks down at his abs, here are his comments in the book...
"I could see every single muscle in my stomach. I was shredded. I looked like I had worked my abs for five hours a day for five weeks...not bad, I thought to myself."
...I lost most of my empathy for him. Then a few pages later he thanks his agent, PR team and production company. Three others died and it can be assumed their families might read this book. I think these things were tactless and I think a competent editor would have probably agreed. I'll admit, these things made me angry for the victims' families. I don't think it's necessarily Schuyler's fault, he doesn't claim to be a writer. But if one writes....
I think the real problem with this story (and what kept it from getting at least 3 or 4 stars from me) was simply the total lack of editing. I believe a good editor can turn anyone into at least a decent writer. This is a fascinating story and even though there was a published author listed as writing this book as well, there were far too many grammatical errors to ignore and this book was obviously not written with the idea of engaging a wide audience in mind. I think many will not like this book and I would definitely not recommend it for anyone who gets offended easily (or not so easily) or for children. I think this book makes Schuyler look like equal parts hero and equal parts meathead. And that is just sad, for both Schuyler and the victims' families.
April 22, 2010
When individuals fall into the ocean--particularly a stormy ocean-- they are at risk of swallowing large amounts of seawater. The saltwater can lead to a poisonous imbalance in the blood, leaching of water from cells, and eventually to delirium, seizures, heart attack, and ultimately, to death from dehydration.
A second grave danger is hypothermia, which comes about when body temperature drops below 95 degrees. In this condition, blood vessels to the extremities constrict, rerouting blood to the core to protect vital organs. Shivering sets in. Hands get clumsy. Speech slurs. Irrational and confrontational behaviors occur.
Ironically, the younger and fitter a person is, the more susceptible he or she is to hypothermia, since body fat provides insulation from the cold and muscle does not. So a young, lean, individual may die sooner than an older, flabby one.
This book tells the story of how four athletes-Nick Schuyler, Will Bleakley, Marquis Cooper, and Corey Smith—the last two, professional football players-- overturned a fishing boat and found themselves in a desperate fight for survival amidst stormy seas, mountainous waves, and extreme weather conditions.
Deteriorating weather, inexperience, unpreparedness, and a critical error in judgment put the men on course for disaster. Perhaps worst of all, the boat was not equipped with an emergency-position radio beacon (EPIRB), they were 70 miles off the Florida coast, and no one, not friends, not family, not the Coast Guard—knew quite where they were.
Clinging to the overturned boat, hypothermia took the men cruelly, one by one, until only Mr. Schuyler remained alive. clinging for his life to the overturned boat while being pounded by stormy waters. Miraculously, he was found after 46 hours in the water and pulled to safety by the Coast Guard, but as the only one of four friends remaining alive, he soon found himself with a severe case of survivor’s guilt. ‘Not Without Hope’ is not eloquently written, but it makes for a gripping , sad, and powerful story—a story of young men and the sea.
A second grave danger is hypothermia, which comes about when body temperature drops below 95 degrees. In this condition, blood vessels to the extremities constrict, rerouting blood to the core to protect vital organs. Shivering sets in. Hands get clumsy. Speech slurs. Irrational and confrontational behaviors occur.
Ironically, the younger and fitter a person is, the more susceptible he or she is to hypothermia, since body fat provides insulation from the cold and muscle does not. So a young, lean, individual may die sooner than an older, flabby one.
This book tells the story of how four athletes-Nick Schuyler, Will Bleakley, Marquis Cooper, and Corey Smith—the last two, professional football players-- overturned a fishing boat and found themselves in a desperate fight for survival amidst stormy seas, mountainous waves, and extreme weather conditions.
Deteriorating weather, inexperience, unpreparedness, and a critical error in judgment put the men on course for disaster. Perhaps worst of all, the boat was not equipped with an emergency-position radio beacon (EPIRB), they were 70 miles off the Florida coast, and no one, not friends, not family, not the Coast Guard—knew quite where they were.
Clinging to the overturned boat, hypothermia took the men cruelly, one by one, until only Mr. Schuyler remained alive. clinging for his life to the overturned boat while being pounded by stormy waters. Miraculously, he was found after 46 hours in the water and pulled to safety by the Coast Guard, but as the only one of four friends remaining alive, he soon found himself with a severe case of survivor’s guilt. ‘Not Without Hope’ is not eloquently written, but it makes for a gripping , sad, and powerful story—a story of young men and the sea.
November 19, 2018
This book was so sad, I felt myself crying a little at the end.
There are many twists and turns, and the book itself is thrilling. It can be a little scary, but that comes with the realisticness of it. It puts you into perspective about how lucky we are, and how everyone is as a society. I think it is worth a read hands down, much more interesting than I expected.
There are many twists and turns, and the book itself is thrilling. It can be a little scary, but that comes with the realisticness of it. It puts you into perspective about how lucky we are, and how everyone is as a society. I think it is worth a read hands down, much more interesting than I expected.
September 25, 2019
Tragic story. Went to high school with Marquis Cooper and kept thinking about how senseless the whole accident was and how it could have gone so differently with proper knowledge of boats and the open water. So sad
January 13, 2024
This was such a tragedy. I'm sad. I don't recall more of this story when it happened. My heart goes out to all the families and the 4 guys. Wow. It's just an incredible story.
February 21, 2017
good, fast read. Interesting account from the lone survivor of this tragedy.
October 14, 2010
Wow! A simple error can cost you your life. I thought a lot about this book after I read it. It explained a lot of things I didn't understand (Like how DID they flip?) and cleared up a lot of rumors (Like Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith took off their life vests and swam away.) about what happened to each of them.
It is amazing what happens to the mind and body when exposed to those kinds of elements.
I am sorry for the families of Marquis Cooper, Corey Smith and Will Bleakley, but I am glad that at least one of them survived to tell their story. Marquis Cooper's wife (and probably some other family) are upset that Nick Schuyler told this story or didn't agree with the way he told it. It doesn't paint a positive light on some, but especially Nick Schuyler. I think he was very honest about some things. His fear and unwillingness to swim under the boat.
He said that he was approached by whoever and told the book was going to get written with or without him. Given that choice, I understand why he did it and I am glad he did. There were a lot of rumors and misinformation out there. I think it was a story that should have been told regardless.
I am glad Nick is alive and he shouldn't feel guilty.
It is amazing what happens to the mind and body when exposed to those kinds of elements.
I am sorry for the families of Marquis Cooper, Corey Smith and Will Bleakley, but I am glad that at least one of them survived to tell their story. Marquis Cooper's wife (and probably some other family) are upset that Nick Schuyler told this story or didn't agree with the way he told it. It doesn't paint a positive light on some, but especially Nick Schuyler. I think he was very honest about some things. His fear and unwillingness to swim under the boat.
He said that he was approached by whoever and told the book was going to get written with or without him. Given that choice, I understand why he did it and I am glad he did. There were a lot of rumors and misinformation out there. I think it was a story that should have been told regardless.
I am glad Nick is alive and he shouldn't feel guilty.
July 10, 2016
This book utterly broke my heart. No matter how hard I tried I could not help feeling the hurt of Nick Schuyler, but more-so I related to his mother. I literally sobbed with her for her fear and her relief. Make no mistake I cried for him too. This book describes the tragedy of the loss of 3 very young men and the one survivor that lived to tell the story. Nick and his friends fought for their survival and though by his own admission he feels a great deal of survivor's remorse I must say I find him to be an inspirational individual. The recovery was a greater ordeal than the accident, that takes not just raw strength but courage.
I would recommend this book to individuals who enjoy true accounts and survival stories. I think it would appeal to individuals who enjoyed, "My Story" by Elizabeth Smart, or even "Life After Death" by Damien Echols. If I were giving this book a TV rating it would have to be PG simply because if you have a sensitive individuals you could find they sob as I did, but I could see this story causing a little phobia for younger readers.
This is a very well written story that is sad and tragic. It has a strong message of faith and endurance. I highly recommend it.
I would recommend this book to individuals who enjoy true accounts and survival stories. I think it would appeal to individuals who enjoyed, "My Story" by Elizabeth Smart, or even "Life After Death" by Damien Echols. If I were giving this book a TV rating it would have to be PG simply because if you have a sensitive individuals you could find they sob as I did, but I could see this story causing a little phobia for younger readers.
This is a very well written story that is sad and tragic. It has a strong message of faith and endurance. I highly recommend it.
April 28, 2010
This was a GoodReads Giveaway for me...and in a way I am sort of glad I didn't pay bookstore/kindle prices for it.
You can't help but feel horrible & proud at the same time for Nick for the ordeal he and his friends went thru. Yet at the same time the book is just an overwhelming emotional cleansing for the author. There isn't enough information to really write a book with so the story tends to be extremely repeaticious.
I am glad read the book but even more so I hope writing it helped Nick put some of his demons to rest peacefully. Survivor guilt/post traumatic stress are impossible to understand to their full degree unless you experience them first hand. Good luck with your life Nick, be proud of yourself and your efforts to save your friends. I hope that you create a college fund for Delaney....make a donation to the Coast Guard...and something that helps you memorialize your friends with the money you get from this book. Not once while reading it did I get the idea you wrote it for profit. Shame on those who think otherswise!
You can't help but feel horrible & proud at the same time for Nick for the ordeal he and his friends went thru. Yet at the same time the book is just an overwhelming emotional cleansing for the author. There isn't enough information to really write a book with so the story tends to be extremely repeaticious.
I am glad read the book but even more so I hope writing it helped Nick put some of his demons to rest peacefully. Survivor guilt/post traumatic stress are impossible to understand to their full degree unless you experience them first hand. Good luck with your life Nick, be proud of yourself and your efforts to save your friends. I hope that you create a college fund for Delaney....make a donation to the Coast Guard...and something that helps you memorialize your friends with the money you get from this book. Not once while reading it did I get the idea you wrote it for profit. Shame on those who think otherswise!
August 12, 2010
Genre: Non-fiction/Biography
"Not Without Hope" is the personal account of Nick Schuyler, a personal trainer who lives in Florida, and the haunting experience of losing friends while floating adrift in the Gulf of Mexico.
I remember hearing about this story on ESPN because two of the people involved in the incident were professional football players. The story was broadcast all over the news, and many believed that the four people aboard had been lost at sea. Miraculously, one man survived. "Not Without Hope" details the struggles the four friends faced, and the horrors of hypothermia, dehydration, and death.
I thought that "Not Without Hope" provided the reader with a good sense of what it would be like being stranded out at sea, however, Schuyler's writing was oftentimes very juvenile. Although his recount of the events were horrific, Schuyler's "immature vocabulary" would sometimes pull me away from the seriousness of the situation. I'm not saying that Schuyler is immature in any way, just the writing style didn't fit the content as I would have liked it.
"Not Without Hope" is the personal account of Nick Schuyler, a personal trainer who lives in Florida, and the haunting experience of losing friends while floating adrift in the Gulf of Mexico.
I remember hearing about this story on ESPN because two of the people involved in the incident were professional football players. The story was broadcast all over the news, and many believed that the four people aboard had been lost at sea. Miraculously, one man survived. "Not Without Hope" details the struggles the four friends faced, and the horrors of hypothermia, dehydration, and death.
I thought that "Not Without Hope" provided the reader with a good sense of what it would be like being stranded out at sea, however, Schuyler's writing was oftentimes very juvenile. Although his recount of the events were horrific, Schuyler's "immature vocabulary" would sometimes pull me away from the seriousness of the situation. I'm not saying that Schuyler is immature in any way, just the writing style didn't fit the content as I would have liked it.
March 30, 2010
I think this book was great. It's interesting to know the media side of the story and then hear what actually happened while we were watching it unfold on CNN. I know Nick Schuyler has come under criticism from some family members of the the other guys but this book is part of his healing process. He felt the need to clear up misconceptions that the media has purported and tell the world how courageous all four of them were.
My prayers are still with him and his family and the families of those involved. It's a horrible thing that happened to good people but hopefully this will help Nick continue on his path to his new normalcy.
My prayers are still with him and his family and the families of those involved. It's a horrible thing that happened to good people but hopefully this will help Nick continue on his path to his new normalcy.
March 17, 2010
Loved this book. Finished it in one day. The only thing that bothered me was Nick's obsession with how much weight and muscle he lost during the 48-hour ordeal, but then again, he was a 24-year-old trainer, so it's to be expected.
Apparently there have been rumors that he killed the other three guys to save himself? After reading his rendition of what happened and the details he gives about his friends' deaths, I don't see how anyone can think that. This poor kid went through hell. Why do people say things like that? So sad.
Apparently there have been rumors that he killed the other three guys to save himself? After reading his rendition of what happened and the details he gives about his friends' deaths, I don't see how anyone can think that. This poor kid went through hell. Why do people say things like that? So sad.
June 1, 2013
I can barely form words. Selfish. That one comes to mind. How on EARTH could he have thought that the way he described the final moments of friends lives would be of ANY benefit to their families is beyond me. Disgusted. There's a word to describe how I feel after this book.
My deepest sympathies for the families of the victims of this horrible accident.
My deepest sympathies for the families of the victims of this horrible accident.
May 3, 2010
I enjoyed this book. I am sure it was very hard for the author to write and his life will never be the same. He is very lucky to be alive. I actually learned a lot about what happens when you are in the water for a prolonged period of time. A sad story.
August 27, 2012
I live close to Clearwater Fl and the story was on our local news for days. I looked forward to reading the book when I heard it was published. Very sad, sad story.
April 11, 2010
If I ever get lost at sea, I want to be with Nick!
April 27, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “A MESMERIZING TRUE TALE OF TRAGEDY AND SURVIVAL!”
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On February 28, 2009 four friends… excited as little kids… headed out on a fishing trip in Clearwater, Florida. The fact that all four young men were exceptionally physically fit makes the tragedy at sea that occurred hours later even more shocking to their loved ones… and the world at large. The four men were Nick Schuyler a physical trainer… Will Bleakley a former college football player… Corey Smith a professional football player… and Marquis Cooper a professional football player. The “excuse” for the fishing trip (as if an excuse was needed)… was that Marquis was getting ready to head out to the Oakland Raiders training camp. Marquis owned a twenty-one-foot, three-thousand-plus-pound boat and he wanted to get one more day of fishing in before succumbing to the brutality of an NFL training camp. All the guys were almost giddy with anticipation. Will and Nick were best friends and Corey and Marquis were new friends and training associates. Sandwiches were made… beer was packed… and Marquis had an unbelievable collection of fishing necessities.
The morning of the fishing trip Nick’s Dad Stu who knew of the fella’s fishing trip woke up early “TURNED ON THE TELEVISION AND SAW THAT A FORCEFUL UPPER AIR DISTURBANCE WAS APPROACHING THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES FROM THE NORTHWEST.” Stu called his son and his call went directly to voice mail: “NICK, IF YOU GET THIS MESSAGE, HEAD BACK EARLY. A BIG STORM’S COMING IN.”
What would follow is the death of three of the four men. This story is told in an unrelenting… heart pounding… literally spell binding manner… that will continue to assault your senses… as assuredly as the next wave would unmercifully pound Nick, Will, Corey… and Marquis. The author (Nick) states: “THIS IS WHAT I RECALL AFTER BEING IN THE WATER FOR FORTY-THREE HOURS, FRIGID AND ACHING AND SCARED, SO HUNGRY AND THIRSTY THAT I FELT I WAS EATING MY TEETH. THIS IS THE BEST I CAN DO AFTER HAVING THREE FRIENDS DIE, TWO OF THEM IN MY ARMS. THE SADDEST THING ABOUT THIS STORY IS, I AM THE ONLY ONE LEFT TO TELL IT.”
What led to this disaster was their anchor getting stuck when they decided to head back. When normal efforts to dislodge the anchor failed… they made (according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) a deadly mistake: “IMPROPER TYING OF THE ANCHOR LINE TO AN EYE BRACKET ON THE PORT SIDE OF THE BOAT’S TRANSOM: ATTEMPTING TO THROTTLE FORWARD TO PULL THE ANCHOR FREE: AND FAILURE TO LEAVE ENOUGH SLACK IN THE LINE, WHICH LED THE STERN TO SUBMERGE AND THE BOAT TO CAPSIZE.” Please believe me this is not a “spoiler”. The author then takes you through a first person account of every frigid wave… crashing onto and into each man who was clinging in one way or another to the over turned boat AND EACH OTHER. The mental as well as the physical beating these poor souls were forced to endure… will undoubtedly affect every reader possessing even the smallest bit of empathy. As these brave young men held on for their very life… they each… in their own way show bits of heroism… bits of love… endure agonizing pain… and whether they know it or not… have their mental capacities drained… and stolen from them… by mother nature. As the hours pass in tortuous and murderous fashion… what once was… “A LOT OF “OH MY G-DS”… “OH MY G-D, IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?” NOW IT WAS, “OH MY G-D, IS THIS IT?”
The feeling of helplessness that the reader is immersed in is so visceral… that at a point in the story when the author says we have now been in the water for twenty-hours… I thought that I/we had been through so much already… that I must have misread the beginning of the book when it said he was in the water for forty-three hours. I actually went back to the beginning twice to make sure I had read it correctly.
COAST GUARD NOTE: “In the water, boaters would also have quickly become susceptible to hypothermia as their body temperatures dropped below 95 degrees. Blood vessels in the arms and legs would begin constricting, rerouting blood to the body’s core to protect the heart, lungs, and brain with sufficient heat. Shivering would progress to clumsiness of the hands, quick and shallow breathing, blue lips, confusion, slurred speech, and irrational and confrontational behavior.”
And then it got worse! And Nick was alone. You will not be able to put this book down till you’re done reading it… and then I guarantee you… you still will not be done with it for a long time.
Personal Note: Since I live in the California bay area and I am an Oakland Raider season ticket holder I followed this story closely as it was happening. I would not only like to share my sorrowful prayers with all the family members of the victims… but I would also like to tell Marquis Cooper’s Father that the way he handled himself… and presented himself… when hope was being lost… displayed so much dignity… class… and love… that would make any Father and son in the world proud. G-d bless!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On February 28, 2009 four friends… excited as little kids… headed out on a fishing trip in Clearwater, Florida. The fact that all four young men were exceptionally physically fit makes the tragedy at sea that occurred hours later even more shocking to their loved ones… and the world at large. The four men were Nick Schuyler a physical trainer… Will Bleakley a former college football player… Corey Smith a professional football player… and Marquis Cooper a professional football player. The “excuse” for the fishing trip (as if an excuse was needed)… was that Marquis was getting ready to head out to the Oakland Raiders training camp. Marquis owned a twenty-one-foot, three-thousand-plus-pound boat and he wanted to get one more day of fishing in before succumbing to the brutality of an NFL training camp. All the guys were almost giddy with anticipation. Will and Nick were best friends and Corey and Marquis were new friends and training associates. Sandwiches were made… beer was packed… and Marquis had an unbelievable collection of fishing necessities.
The morning of the fishing trip Nick’s Dad Stu who knew of the fella’s fishing trip woke up early “TURNED ON THE TELEVISION AND SAW THAT A FORCEFUL UPPER AIR DISTURBANCE WAS APPROACHING THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES FROM THE NORTHWEST.” Stu called his son and his call went directly to voice mail: “NICK, IF YOU GET THIS MESSAGE, HEAD BACK EARLY. A BIG STORM’S COMING IN.”
What would follow is the death of three of the four men. This story is told in an unrelenting… heart pounding… literally spell binding manner… that will continue to assault your senses… as assuredly as the next wave would unmercifully pound Nick, Will, Corey… and Marquis. The author (Nick) states: “THIS IS WHAT I RECALL AFTER BEING IN THE WATER FOR FORTY-THREE HOURS, FRIGID AND ACHING AND SCARED, SO HUNGRY AND THIRSTY THAT I FELT I WAS EATING MY TEETH. THIS IS THE BEST I CAN DO AFTER HAVING THREE FRIENDS DIE, TWO OF THEM IN MY ARMS. THE SADDEST THING ABOUT THIS STORY IS, I AM THE ONLY ONE LEFT TO TELL IT.”
What led to this disaster was their anchor getting stuck when they decided to head back. When normal efforts to dislodge the anchor failed… they made (according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) a deadly mistake: “IMPROPER TYING OF THE ANCHOR LINE TO AN EYE BRACKET ON THE PORT SIDE OF THE BOAT’S TRANSOM: ATTEMPTING TO THROTTLE FORWARD TO PULL THE ANCHOR FREE: AND FAILURE TO LEAVE ENOUGH SLACK IN THE LINE, WHICH LED THE STERN TO SUBMERGE AND THE BOAT TO CAPSIZE.” Please believe me this is not a “spoiler”. The author then takes you through a first person account of every frigid wave… crashing onto and into each man who was clinging in one way or another to the over turned boat AND EACH OTHER. The mental as well as the physical beating these poor souls were forced to endure… will undoubtedly affect every reader possessing even the smallest bit of empathy. As these brave young men held on for their very life… they each… in their own way show bits of heroism… bits of love… endure agonizing pain… and whether they know it or not… have their mental capacities drained… and stolen from them… by mother nature. As the hours pass in tortuous and murderous fashion… what once was… “A LOT OF “OH MY G-DS”… “OH MY G-D, IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?” NOW IT WAS, “OH MY G-D, IS THIS IT?”
The feeling of helplessness that the reader is immersed in is so visceral… that at a point in the story when the author says we have now been in the water for twenty-hours… I thought that I/we had been through so much already… that I must have misread the beginning of the book when it said he was in the water for forty-three hours. I actually went back to the beginning twice to make sure I had read it correctly.
COAST GUARD NOTE: “In the water, boaters would also have quickly become susceptible to hypothermia as their body temperatures dropped below 95 degrees. Blood vessels in the arms and legs would begin constricting, rerouting blood to the body’s core to protect the heart, lungs, and brain with sufficient heat. Shivering would progress to clumsiness of the hands, quick and shallow breathing, blue lips, confusion, slurred speech, and irrational and confrontational behavior.”
And then it got worse! And Nick was alone. You will not be able to put this book down till you’re done reading it… and then I guarantee you… you still will not be done with it for a long time.
Personal Note: Since I live in the California bay area and I am an Oakland Raider season ticket holder I followed this story closely as it was happening. I would not only like to share my sorrowful prayers with all the family members of the victims… but I would also like to tell Marquis Cooper’s Father that the way he handled himself… and presented himself… when hope was being lost… displayed so much dignity… class… and love… that would make any Father and son in the world proud. G-d bless!
April 2, 2024
I recently found a new YouTube channel that covers tragic events in history and one of the episodes featured this incredible story. At the end of the segment, they referenced this book, so I immediately went to my library and checked it out and read it cover to cover in one sitting.
I have quite the fear of open waters, and am very sensitive to motions, so I felt an almost claustrophobic feeling while I was reading. This is truly one of my biggest nightmares and I cannot even fathom what these men went through, and for Nick to have to watch his friends die one by one like that. Truly horrific!! I know I will never look at anchors the same again and my fears have been heightened to the ninth degree as far as my fear of open waters.
I don’t know how many times I was reading and wishing this was fiction. As soon as I would read one more tragic detail that was almost too much to bear there would be another moment even more excruciating, almost like the waves that crashed into the capsized boat. I teared up time after time as the inevitable came to fruition, my heart hurting right along with Nick, Marquis, Corey, and Will. When Nick screamed that final guttural, “WHY??” It echoed right along in my heart with him as tears streamed down my face.
This is in no way a story for the faint of heart. It hits so deep and so visceral that it’s almost physically painful at times to read. So many moments I had to put the book down and just take a breath. I felt like I was in another world after I finished reading, and this story hasn’t left my mind and heart since. Just like Nick, I found myself also thinking, “What if…” and thinking just how senseless this tragedy was. Why didn’t they heed the weather warnings? Was a $400 anchor really such a big price to pay? If they would’ve cut the line and went back in would this story have a better ending? We can only speculate and sadly it doesn’t change the outcome, so it’s pointless.
What I enjoyed the most about reading this book was all the parts where I got to know who these men were. Seeing how they all became friends and what brought them together was great. I just wish their story wouldn’t have had such a tragic ending. The writing is authentic and was like hearing a friend talk about a nightmare that they couldn’t wake up from. Thank you to Nick for his bravery in telling his truth.
I remember hearing about this when it happened, but I understand on such a deeper level now. Though it was a tough read I am so thankful and grateful that I had the opportunity to read it. I’ve heard there is a movie coming out in a few months and honestly, I don’t know if I have the emotional stamina to handle it. A very powerful and horrific story that I will never forget.
I have quite the fear of open waters, and am very sensitive to motions, so I felt an almost claustrophobic feeling while I was reading. This is truly one of my biggest nightmares and I cannot even fathom what these men went through, and for Nick to have to watch his friends die one by one like that. Truly horrific!! I know I will never look at anchors the same again and my fears have been heightened to the ninth degree as far as my fear of open waters.
I don’t know how many times I was reading and wishing this was fiction. As soon as I would read one more tragic detail that was almost too much to bear there would be another moment even more excruciating, almost like the waves that crashed into the capsized boat. I teared up time after time as the inevitable came to fruition, my heart hurting right along with Nick, Marquis, Corey, and Will. When Nick screamed that final guttural, “WHY??” It echoed right along in my heart with him as tears streamed down my face.
This is in no way a story for the faint of heart. It hits so deep and so visceral that it’s almost physically painful at times to read. So many moments I had to put the book down and just take a breath. I felt like I was in another world after I finished reading, and this story hasn’t left my mind and heart since. Just like Nick, I found myself also thinking, “What if…” and thinking just how senseless this tragedy was. Why didn’t they heed the weather warnings? Was a $400 anchor really such a big price to pay? If they would’ve cut the line and went back in would this story have a better ending? We can only speculate and sadly it doesn’t change the outcome, so it’s pointless.
What I enjoyed the most about reading this book was all the parts where I got to know who these men were. Seeing how they all became friends and what brought them together was great. I just wish their story wouldn’t have had such a tragic ending. The writing is authentic and was like hearing a friend talk about a nightmare that they couldn’t wake up from. Thank you to Nick for his bravery in telling his truth.
I remember hearing about this when it happened, but I understand on such a deeper level now. Though it was a tough read I am so thankful and grateful that I had the opportunity to read it. I’ve heard there is a movie coming out in a few months and honestly, I don’t know if I have the emotional stamina to handle it. A very powerful and horrific story that I will never forget.
December 14, 2017
Not Without Hope is a non-fiction memoir written by Nick Schuyler and Jere Longman. This book was nominated for an Emmy Award and there will possibly be a movie in the near future. The main characters in this story are Nick Schuyler, Marquis Cooper, Will Bleakley and Corey Smith. Nick Schuyler is the trainer for the three NFL football players, Marquis Cooper, Will Bleakley, and Corey Smith, who are all friends that love the game of football and the gym. The main ideas discussed in this book are very touching. One of the main ideas expressed in the text is that “Life is precious, so live each moment like it’s your last.” This main idea represents how life is short and we need to make the most of it. In the book it is represented when all the guys are willing to do things to save the others. Another main idea is always cherish the ones closest to you. This main idea represents how we should never forsake our loved ones. In the book it is represented when the guys realize they won’t see their families for a while. This book isn’t difficult to read, however there is some bad language in this book. This book is extremely sad.
Not Without Hope highlights the mental struggle of Nick Schuyler and connects that to the theme of hope. Some of the decisions that these four guys made definitely made for a very interesting, yet sad story. For example, I did not agree with the crucial decision of not cutting the anchor on the boat. Also I did not agree with some of the decisions made by the coast guard, like holding out some boats to search for the men. Those decisions definitely made the outcome of the story different. Many themes are discussed in this book, one being hope and another being don’t give up. The theme of hope and not giving up are the highlights of this story. These themes are presented in the form of a struggle, and teach many life lessons.
Not Without Hope is a book that definitely hit me pretty hard since there were times in this book where I grieved with the characters. The emotional pain in this book is expressed with all the characters, and that can easily make you sad. I think, with the bad language and topics discussed, the target age range for this book is 13 and older. So with the themes discussed, the main ideas thought about and the critical decisions made I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Not Without Hope highlights the mental struggle of Nick Schuyler and connects that to the theme of hope. Some of the decisions that these four guys made definitely made for a very interesting, yet sad story. For example, I did not agree with the crucial decision of not cutting the anchor on the boat. Also I did not agree with some of the decisions made by the coast guard, like holding out some boats to search for the men. Those decisions definitely made the outcome of the story different. Many themes are discussed in this book, one being hope and another being don’t give up. The theme of hope and not giving up are the highlights of this story. These themes are presented in the form of a struggle, and teach many life lessons.
Not Without Hope is a book that definitely hit me pretty hard since there were times in this book where I grieved with the characters. The emotional pain in this book is expressed with all the characters, and that can easily make you sad. I think, with the bad language and topics discussed, the target age range for this book is 13 and older. So with the themes discussed, the main ideas thought about and the critical decisions made I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
June 14, 2024
As a genre, is it morbidly creepy that I’m drawn to “books about harrowing shipwrecks and people dying slow, painful deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and the delirium brought on by hypothermia”??
This was a book I never set out to read, but it sort of followed me home from the library when I read the synopsis on the dust jacket. Three football players died (two NFL and one NCAA) in a deep-sea fishing trip gone wrong, a 2009 tragedy I don’t remember ever hearing about at the time. In the same vein as “In the Heart of the Sea” about the whaleship Essex, “The Finest Hours” about a daring Coast Guard rescue, and “The Wager,” David Grann’s retelling of yet another historical shipwreck and the stories of those who survived (and those who didn’t), this harrowing tale drew me in immediately. Death is not natural. But there’s something I find fascinating about reading firsthand details about someone’s very fight for life and survival, just as death is fighting to conquer them. The human body and mind are remarkable but have soberingly finite limitations.
The difference between this and other similar tales I’ve read is: this book was written by the sole survivor, who’s still alive today. As I read the epilogue, I was able to Google CNN, CBS news, and ESPN interviews that happened weeks or months after the tragedy. (Nick Schuyler thankfully seems far more compassionate and genuine in his in-person interviews than he does in his book. Compelling story, but not a very compelling story-teller.)
From a faith perspective, the story (reading what was written and reading between the lines) was heart-wrenching. In his darkest hours, Schuyler mumbled along with the Lords’ Prayer “like at karaoke when you don’t really know the words,” he couldn’t understand why any of this would happen “to such good people,” and kept “praying” even though he wasn’t religious. Maybe the reason Nick survived was because God longs for him to come to saving faith. Sadly, there’s no evidence that that has happened.
Praise be to God that as His dearly beloved child, I can cling to the true hope and peace that I KNOW what awaits me on the other side, no matter how harrowing or tragic my last battle on this earth may be. I know the King of the Universe, and He stands ready to give me the crown of life!! I wish that could be said for Schuyler!! Perhaps someday soon it will.
This was a book I never set out to read, but it sort of followed me home from the library when I read the synopsis on the dust jacket. Three football players died (two NFL and one NCAA) in a deep-sea fishing trip gone wrong, a 2009 tragedy I don’t remember ever hearing about at the time. In the same vein as “In the Heart of the Sea” about the whaleship Essex, “The Finest Hours” about a daring Coast Guard rescue, and “The Wager,” David Grann’s retelling of yet another historical shipwreck and the stories of those who survived (and those who didn’t), this harrowing tale drew me in immediately. Death is not natural. But there’s something I find fascinating about reading firsthand details about someone’s very fight for life and survival, just as death is fighting to conquer them. The human body and mind are remarkable but have soberingly finite limitations.
The difference between this and other similar tales I’ve read is: this book was written by the sole survivor, who’s still alive today. As I read the epilogue, I was able to Google CNN, CBS news, and ESPN interviews that happened weeks or months after the tragedy. (Nick Schuyler thankfully seems far more compassionate and genuine in his in-person interviews than he does in his book. Compelling story, but not a very compelling story-teller.)
From a faith perspective, the story (reading what was written and reading between the lines) was heart-wrenching. In his darkest hours, Schuyler mumbled along with the Lords’ Prayer “like at karaoke when you don’t really know the words,” he couldn’t understand why any of this would happen “to such good people,” and kept “praying” even though he wasn’t religious. Maybe the reason Nick survived was because God longs for him to come to saving faith. Sadly, there’s no evidence that that has happened.
Praise be to God that as His dearly beloved child, I can cling to the true hope and peace that I KNOW what awaits me on the other side, no matter how harrowing or tragic my last battle on this earth may be. I know the King of the Universe, and He stands ready to give me the crown of life!! I wish that could be said for Schuyler!! Perhaps someday soon it will.
January 9, 2018
The book “Not Without Hope” is written by Nick Schuyler, who is one of the main characters in this non-fiction memoir. The other main characters are Will Bleakley, Corey Smith, and Marquis Cooper. All of these individuals played college football. Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper went on to play in the NFL. On February 28, 2009 the four of them went on a fishing trip together out on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. While they are fishing their boat capsized. The four of them are fighting for survival, but sadly only one person comes back alive. This book will appeal to readers looking for a suspenseful page turner that testifies to the fight of ones will to live.
In the book the main issue is that Nick, Will, Marquis, and Corey are stranded on their capsized boat with no food and no help in sight. While they were on the bottom of their capsized boat, the waves started to really pick up and it got really cold. I feel that Nick and his friends made a poor decision when they decided to go on a fishing trip without checking the weather. They could have avoided putting their lives at risk by taking this simple step. I also feel Nick lacked judgement by not checking his phone for any important messages or updates on the weather. Through it all, I agree with Nick not giving up and his perseverance to fight in hopes that he would be rescued.
Some major themes in this memoir are hope, perseverance, and survival. Hope is a really powerful theme throughout this story. If none of the guys had hope while on the boat, then they would have all died right away. Perseverance is another really effective theme in this story. Nick and his friends had to preserve through the pain and suffering, to keep alive the hope of getting back to their families. The last theme that was important in the story is survival. If Nick didn’t have the will to fight, than he wouldn’t survive and live the rest of his life. The book appealed to me in an emotional way because it was tough reading about what those four guys were going through, the loss of life, and the unimaginable struggles they faced. I would give this book a 4.5 star rating.
In the book the main issue is that Nick, Will, Marquis, and Corey are stranded on their capsized boat with no food and no help in sight. While they were on the bottom of their capsized boat, the waves started to really pick up and it got really cold. I feel that Nick and his friends made a poor decision when they decided to go on a fishing trip without checking the weather. They could have avoided putting their lives at risk by taking this simple step. I also feel Nick lacked judgement by not checking his phone for any important messages or updates on the weather. Through it all, I agree with Nick not giving up and his perseverance to fight in hopes that he would be rescued.
Some major themes in this memoir are hope, perseverance, and survival. Hope is a really powerful theme throughout this story. If none of the guys had hope while on the boat, then they would have all died right away. Perseverance is another really effective theme in this story. Nick and his friends had to preserve through the pain and suffering, to keep alive the hope of getting back to their families. The last theme that was important in the story is survival. If Nick didn’t have the will to fight, than he wouldn’t survive and live the rest of his life. The book appealed to me in an emotional way because it was tough reading about what those four guys were going through, the loss of life, and the unimaginable struggles they faced. I would give this book a 4.5 star rating.
January 8, 2018
Not Without Hope is a non-fiction memoir written by Nick Schuyler. This is a true story of tragedy and heart break. The author, Nick Schuyler is a physical trainer. He is a former football player from the University of Southern Florida. Although this is the only book he has published, it is one that I will never forget. This is a very inspiring and real account of survival and loss. Schuyler goes into great details from a first-person standpoint as he recounts his horrific fight for survival.
Nick Schuyler is the main character since he is telling the story. Marquis Cooper, Corey Smith and Will Bleaky are the other people in this story who I would consider to be main characters also. The four men had played football together and Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith went on to play in the NFL. Will and Nick were especially close because they were a part of each other’s daily life.
One of the main ideas in this story is that life is short and you shouldn’t take it for granted. The main focus of this story is the passion and love that Nick has for Corey, Marquis and Will. Not Without Hope is an inspiring story. It’s a story of courage and strength, friendship and loss, but most importantly hope and that’s what makes this book a good read. The language used throughout the story is most appropriate for teens and adults as the intended audience, however, younger readers would be appropriate based on their maturity level.
This book appealed to me more on an emotional level rather than a logical one. I have no idea what any of these people have gone through, however this story drew me in by how Nick Schuyler described a vivid picture of his suffering and his will to survive. I am rating this book with 3.5 stars.
Nick Schuyler is the main character since he is telling the story. Marquis Cooper, Corey Smith and Will Bleaky are the other people in this story who I would consider to be main characters also. The four men had played football together and Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith went on to play in the NFL. Will and Nick were especially close because they were a part of each other’s daily life.
One of the main ideas in this story is that life is short and you shouldn’t take it for granted. The main focus of this story is the passion and love that Nick has for Corey, Marquis and Will. Not Without Hope is an inspiring story. It’s a story of courage and strength, friendship and loss, but most importantly hope and that’s what makes this book a good read. The language used throughout the story is most appropriate for teens and adults as the intended audience, however, younger readers would be appropriate based on their maturity level.
This book appealed to me more on an emotional level rather than a logical one. I have no idea what any of these people have gone through, however this story drew me in by how Nick Schuyler described a vivid picture of his suffering and his will to survive. I am rating this book with 3.5 stars.
March 2, 2021
I finished this book on March 2nd which is the day that Nick was rescued. I found that to be a very interesting coincidence. I was also reading another book about cruisers sailing around the world at the same time as I read this one. Very different stories.
I think I read this book because I knew it would be an easy read and I like survival books. I read some reviews that didn't speak of Nick in a good light and I kind of agree with that. I don't want to speak much about him as a person because he did go through something horrible. I enjoyed some of the simpler ways he describe his injuries. He was very frank and didn't use obnoxious words or take three sentences to describe the fact that he got hit in the balls a bunch and his ass felt like it was ripped open.
It is pretty hard to listen to the story and not think about why he survived and his friends didn't. How he describes events does make it seem that a lot of things were in his favor on that boat. Not a lot was adjusted to switch the positions each were in or how much one person sacrificed for the good of the group versus others. I do feel terrible if the author reads this. He doesn't need more people judging him. I probably should have stuck to a review of the book and not my personal thoughts but I like to remember my feelings and thoughts in my goodreads reviews as well so I can look back on them.
I think I read this book because I knew it would be an easy read and I like survival books. I read some reviews that didn't speak of Nick in a good light and I kind of agree with that. I don't want to speak much about him as a person because he did go through something horrible. I enjoyed some of the simpler ways he describe his injuries. He was very frank and didn't use obnoxious words or take three sentences to describe the fact that he got hit in the balls a bunch and his ass felt like it was ripped open.
It is pretty hard to listen to the story and not think about why he survived and his friends didn't. How he describes events does make it seem that a lot of things were in his favor on that boat. Not a lot was adjusted to switch the positions each were in or how much one person sacrificed for the good of the group versus others. I do feel terrible if the author reads this. He doesn't need more people judging him. I probably should have stuck to a review of the book and not my personal thoughts but I like to remember my feelings and thoughts in my goodreads reviews as well so I can look back on them.
May 13, 2019
It is fascinating to see what the mind resorts to when the body and the will are pushed up against the wall and laid on the executioner’s block. I found it fascinating that the first spark of willpower for Nick when he was about to lose all will to continue struggling was the need to tell the story. Many others followed, such as, his desire not to have his mother attend his funeral, his never seeing his girlfriend again etc. But the initial spark was to be able to tell his story to others so that people might know what happened.
When he returned home, he would turn on the news and hear false report after false report of what actually happened. This book was a way for Nick to speak up for the truth of the events that killed three of his buddies. It is powerful to read a book which weighs so heavily with necessity. It is that book, fittingly, that was his purpose for the continued struggle against the nature’s blistering fate.
I also enjoyed the light style in which it was written. It was written how Nick might well speak to others, with slight improvements on word choice and syntax. There was no stylistic agenda to sift through like their so often is in fiction. It was a nice break to read the truth, boiled down and digestible.
When he returned home, he would turn on the news and hear false report after false report of what actually happened. This book was a way for Nick to speak up for the truth of the events that killed three of his buddies. It is powerful to read a book which weighs so heavily with necessity. It is that book, fittingly, that was his purpose for the continued struggle against the nature’s blistering fate.
I also enjoyed the light style in which it was written. It was written how Nick might well speak to others, with slight improvements on word choice and syntax. There was no stylistic agenda to sift through like their so often is in fiction. It was a nice break to read the truth, boiled down and digestible.
September 4, 2024
“plenty of debris floated in open water, everything from milk jugs to old rafts to refrigerators, which could complicate a search. It wasn’t the same as standing on flat land and looking into the distance, or peering from a car on the Interstate. On a ship, both the terrain and the vessel were moving” (181).
“On a flat calm day, a beachball might be visible on the water miles and miles away […] But that same beach ball may not be visible one hundred yards off the ship if it kept disappearing int the trough of a wave or the light was too harsh or flat or the ball’s color became indistinguishable from the color of the sea” (181-82).
“While peering through binoculars, Coast Guard crewmen were taught to move their eyes in a repeating S shape, over and down, over and down. Without binoculars, they also moved their eyes back and forth, like the carriage of a typewriter. Lookouts generally started from the horizon and worked their way toward the boat. They were taught to vary their methods, sometimes starting at the bow and working toward the horizon so their eyes wouldn’t become tired and strained” (182).
“On a flat calm day, a beachball might be visible on the water miles and miles away […] But that same beach ball may not be visible one hundred yards off the ship if it kept disappearing int the trough of a wave or the light was too harsh or flat or the ball’s color became indistinguishable from the color of the sea” (181-82).
“While peering through binoculars, Coast Guard crewmen were taught to move their eyes in a repeating S shape, over and down, over and down. Without binoculars, they also moved their eyes back and forth, like the carriage of a typewriter. Lookouts generally started from the horizon and worked their way toward the boat. They were taught to vary their methods, sometimes starting at the bow and working toward the horizon so their eyes wouldn’t become tired and strained” (182).
July 13, 2018
3.5 stars. The recounting of the boating tragedy off the coast of Clearwater, FL, in the Gulf of Mexico, chronicles the true story of Nick Schuyler (personal trainer) and three football players (Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith of the NFL and Will Bleakley of the University of South Florida). The series of events recounted in this book occurred in March of 2009 and Schuyler's work was published in 2010.
There were times when the author became rather redundant and stretched the account with restating details, but the trauma and emotional stress was well communicated. The text contains some adult language. I also found it interesting that God was a focal point during the stress of tragedy, continued with the arms of redemption, but faded at the point of restoration.
There were times when the author became rather redundant and stretched the account with restating details, but the trauma and emotional stress was well communicated. The text contains some adult language. I also found it interesting that God was a focal point during the stress of tragedy, continued with the arms of redemption, but faded at the point of restoration.
October 23, 2017
This book is an eventful book about life and loss. It tells the story of how hard work and success can completely go down the drain in a short time. Nick and his 3 friends were all strong men but after 2 days only Nick was left alive, and he was incredibly weak. Being on the boat made him realize what was important to him and taught the readers a valuable lesson about when you are on the verge of life and death and you have nothing left, there are always things in your life that give you hope. I rated this book 5/5 because of all the plot twists and exciting, thought provoking, and emotional stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2018
This book left me with mixed feeling, much effort went on for the rescue of these four men. We all share and live with the same limited resources that could have as well be directed elsewhere.
For instance scholarships for the many gifted. They need it.
These four dudes spend chunk of their lives in the gym; they don't generally (like to) eat fish, yet they kill those creature just for the fun of it.
The epilogue lets you know that Nick (and you feel for him), the only survivor, is redeeming himself in living an honorable life.
Thank you Nick for a work worth reading: it puts in your face decisions, worth in life, what-would-I-do questions, and so on.
For instance scholarships for the many gifted. They need it.
These four dudes spend chunk of their lives in the gym; they don't generally (like to) eat fish, yet they kill those creature just for the fun of it.
The epilogue lets you know that Nick (and you feel for him), the only survivor, is redeeming himself in living an honorable life.
Thank you Nick for a work worth reading: it puts in your face decisions, worth in life, what-would-I-do questions, and so on.
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