From School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up A book about the spirit of adventure and how it lures individuals to expand their horizons and the bound aries of the world. Hauser, a diver, writes both of her own adventures and those of other adventurers, particularly underwater explorers such as Jacques Cousteau and Sylvia Earle. The book is not successful for two reasons. First, it lacks a sense of purpose. It is neither a recounting of Hauser's adventures nor a true collective biography of famous adventurers. There is no clear organi zational pattern, and Hauser's use of the first person, especially in the bio graphical chapters, is distracting. The second problem is Hauser's repeated attempts to explain the elusive call of adventure instead of letting the lives of the adventurers and explorers speak for themselves. The book is not for readers without background, as Hauser often assumes that readers are familiar with the people, events, and locations dis cussed. Younger readers will have trouble understanding the text in spite of the glossary, which defines some of the more difficult words. The mostly black-and-white photos are often un clear and add little to the text, and there are no maps or charts to help readers locate the places where various dives occurred. Die-hard adventure readers might enjoy this book, but for the most part it will have a hard time finding an audience. Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, Mo.
Copyright 1988 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
