I was blessed to get an advance reader copy of the The Fourth Fisherman this last weekend in the mail. The book is available for purchase on March 13. 2012.  You can read what others are saying over at the Fourth Fisherman’s official website as well as hear from author Joe Kissack.

The Fourth fisherman is drama woven from the fabric of two real life stories.  The story of Joe (the author) lost and drifting in a downward spiral of empty success, alcohol and drug addiction and the story of 3 Mexican fishermen who set out to sea in hopes of bringing in a large catch only to end up lost at sea for over nine months, drifting nearly 6,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean.  The two stories are juxtaposed against each other as they play the common notes of grace and redemption to crescendo when Joe’s life mysteriously intertwines with the surviving fishermen.

There are many things to praise about this story and the way it is told. I was deeply impressed with the details of how the Mexican fishermen survived.  I was also amazed at Kissack’s authenticity and openness in exposing his thoughts and attitudes throughout the story, especially the fragile moments of self-doubt and second guesses along the way. His high regard for his wife is evident throughout the book and he shares moments of marital conflict in a way that is both transparent and respectful.

However I do have a few reservations about the The fourth fisherman that prohibit me from fully endorsing the with a five star rating.  The narrative of the book often appears mystical without explanation or authentication.  While gut feelings are powerful, the Holy Spirit leads by truth.  In many cases the veracity of the nudges, bumps, and feelings expressed by the author was never fully developed.  The book also seemed disjointed at the end.  The theme of God’s sovereignty and love seem to never be fully realized.  The story climaxes abruptly and dissipates too quickly.  The abstracts need to be fleshed out and tied together more completely near the end of the book.

Overall I really liked The Fourth Fisherman.  I think it’s a great read for anyone interested in real life stories of mystery, adventure and survival. I give it 4 Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”