Devil's Teeth book review

For those of you thinking about starting a diving blog of your own, it's a good idea to occasionally include some "just for fun" content. In that spirit, here is a short book review.

On a recent flight from DFW to Portland, I read a book called: The Devil's Teeth. I planned to only read a few chapters and take a nap, but I couldn't put it down.

Penned by Outside magazine writer Susan Casey, this non-fiction story is set in the Farallon Islands just outside of San Francisco. Casey introduces us to a group of researchers who have dedicated every summer to studying a community of great whites. The scientists live in a haunted house at the brutal edge of the civilized world watching from a rickety lighthouse for blood stains in the ocean. At the sign of a fresh kill they jump in a motorized raft and rush to the scene - was it Stumpy's score? Or has Cal Ripfin returned?

Casey's writing style is amusing and insightful - think of a favorite English teacher you've had. Her observations and occasional moments of clarity are hilarious. She also includes colorful stories about the Farallon's history to make the book appeal to a broad audience. That said, she doesn't mince words when describing the carnage of a shark attack or the scientists' views on cage-diving.

I'd recommend this book to anyone with a remote interest in sharks: both divers and non-divers. If nothing else, the book reminds you that - even on a bad day - you're better off than an elephant seal.


(Megan)