Not Without Hope - by Nick Schuyler & Jere Longman (Paperback)

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.