Dry-docked and I finally have time to read this book!

Chowdhury makes an attempt to clarify the mystique of hardcore diving for divers and non-divers alike. The book is generally well written and much can be gleened from the manner of writing as well as what's said. Commentaries about the book's organization are not as annoying or as fatal a flaw as other reviews critique. I'll bypass what has been said amongst other reviews.

Like all of history's pathfinders, new roads are often paved with the bodies of pioneers. Modern procedures in cave and technical diving were forming at the time this story transpired, and diving deep on air alone was acceptable. No matter how plans are made to lower risk, anyone who opens new roads into an unknown, from test pilot to tech diver, must have a daredevil's disposition. The care the book's divers gave towards their mountains of equipment attests to their position on survival, yet other items in their lives were instrumental to their deaths. What doesn't come across clearly is that, like a drug, a breed of person finds life vibrant in the context of risky adventure if they survive risky adventure, and this is further magnified by the idea of seeing or doing what few, or none, have experienced before you.

To paraphrase Chowdhury, just as there's a difference between hiking and climbing Mount Everest, so is there between recreation SCUBA and tech or cave diving, or between reading Skin Diver or the defunct AquaCorps{e?!} SCUBA can be an adjunct to one's vacation, or a way of life. Dedicated divers share strong comradeship that, like war veterans, stems from shared experiences, particularly perilous ones, and telling the tale. The bonds of such a 'dive tribe' is alive and well, and its ranges can be experienced through interacting with the hundreds of divers who flood... or the wreck divers of NJ, where part of the Chowdhury's story unfolds.

While one could read the Last Dive in the context of the Rouse story, its also as much about the siren song of the whole of SCUBA, its history, its extremes, its culture and the adventure spirit.

Picked the book up in the airport, read a bit, bought it, and finished it in less than a day. Simply couldn't put it down. The book does an outstanding job of describing the sport, people, equipment, risk, and tragedies of technical diving, and does so in a compelling, engaging fashion.

I would not put too much faith in those reviewers who knocked the writing; they know not what they preach nor do they seem to appreciate that Chowdhury is a diver first, and a writer second, in spite of which, his storytelling is superb. To be sure, there are some minor hiccups in the writing, but you would hardly notice, given the engaging nature of the delivery.

It is one of those few books that, once finished, will find its way into your conscious thoughts for days to follow, with some enlightening insights as well.

I think divers of all types will enjoy this book immensely.

Scuba diving at the extremes...taking the big plunge. This book was a fascinating look into the world of "tech diving." Chris and Chrissy Rouse were lured into the underwater realm and we are lucky enough to get to follow their adventures. The father and son team consistently strived to be the best, and ultimatly paid the price. This book not only chronicles their story but also gives history of how scuba diving developed and the current advancements. The descriptions of diving theories and principles are explained very well and offer the non-diver a good background. The Andrea Doria, a shipwreck that lies at 250 feet below the surface of the Atlantic is considered the "Mount Everest" of scuba diving is pictured and beautifully brought to life in this book. The hunt to disclose the identity of a mystery U-boat discovered in the Atlantic is the scariest part of the book, and as an outside observer you will find yourself yelling "turn around, turn around!" The description and harrowing bravery displayed in this book will make shudder. A must read for non-divers and divers alike, it just may make you think twice next time you want to "take the plunge."