To Hold The Sun

A struggling reporter has reluctantly agreed to help his editor, a self-help enthusiast, with a personal project. The reporter’s assignment – interview Paul, a little known motivational speaker, with no pay and no perks. He only agrees to the assignment after learning the unconventional philosopher lives on Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands of the Honduras, a dream destination for any passionate SCUBA diver. A bit skeptical, the reporter embarks on the interview of the enigmatic subject, unexpectedly discovering more about himself than the man he intended to write about.

As someone who is also interested in self-improvement, I loved this book! The realistic characters and dialog of the story add to the authenticity of the location and details of genuine local establishments, and the story is entertaining. I found myself wishing that the story was more than a fictional account and that it were possible to meet the sagacious Paul. The author created this fictional story for his children as a guide for them as they left home to undertake their own journeys. My son is currently participating in a leadership class, which teaches youth “leaders first lead themselves,” and the foundational principles covered in this book would supplement and perfect reinforce what my son is learning in that class. This book would make an excellent graduation gift.

I highly recommend this book to others, youth and adults. Normally, my respect for books makes me reluctant to mark them in any way, but in reading this book, I found myself highlighting favorite quotes and passages and writing notes in the margins. It’s definitely a keeper to add to our own library. This book is not just to be read; it should be pondered, absorbed, practiced, shared, and discussed. I plan to re-read it with my own son and do just that. The author is working on a second book, Return to Roatan, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading that one as well.