Customer Reviews

Deep Ocean Journeys: Discovering New Life At The Bottom Of The Sea (Helix Book)

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

In Deep Ocean Journeys, Cindy Lee Van Dover shares her love of the ocean and her fascination with the deep diving exploration that is revealing a truly remarkable dimension of this planet. Van Dover has invested a major part of her life in deep diving ventures and the rigorous laboratory research that increases our intrique with the mysteries of life in territory seemingly alien beyond hope for life forms. This charming book lets us go into the abyss with Cindy Lee, peer out into the darkness illuminated by the research submersible Alvin's lights, and gaze at hot vents pouring out water that would be steam were it not for the intense pressure of the great deep...we see colonies of giant tube worms living without the benefit of photosynthesis and have to open our minds to new possibilities for living organisms. This little book is beautifully illustrated and written with an open and friendly voice. It is a winner to those of us who want to let our imaginations open doors. I love Deep Ocean Journeys and have used it with students. Readers might do well to consider it as a present for young, would be scientists. The oceans offer major opportunities for discovery that should attract those who want to be a part of cutting edge research! Thank you Cindy Lee Van Dover

I really appreciated Van Dover's perspective. She gave an intriguing glimpse into an area of our world which is too seldom viewed, and even less reported upon. Though the writing at times was not at the top tier, she has a wealth of knowledge that translates well onto the page. I particularly enjoyed her perspective as a woman, describing what it's like to break into a predominantly masculine field. On the other side, at times greater humility would assist in the quality of the work. Overall Van Dover's passion and enjoyment of her work are thoroughly communicated, and for brief moments I am transported below the surface with her, into a fascinating unknown and alien world.

The explication of the science is a failure. The ecology is poorly treated and the implications for evolution are under-addressed.

As a piece of science-journalism it fails to ignite. The author spends too much time dwelling on her own success at becoming the first female pilot of deep-sea vessel, Alvin. She forgets the "gee-whiz factor" which is necessary for a book of this type.

This is the only book I've given away in over 35 years. No strings attached.