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[WORKING ON THE EDGE] [By: Walker, Spike] [March, 1993]
This study guide consists of approx. 0 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more – everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Working on the Surviving in the World's Most Dangerous King Crab Fishing on Alaska's High Seas. This detailed literature summary also contains Topics for Discussion and a Free Quiz on Working on the Surviving in the World's Most Dangerous King Crab Fishing on Alaska's High Seas by Spike Walker.
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First published June 27, 2011
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February 1, 2015
To maximize the sensation of coldness and wetness while reading Spike Walker's Working on the Edge you should really listen to Ralph Vaughn-Williams Antarctic Symphony. It captures the loneliness, hard work and intense cold of the crab industry off Alaska's Bering Strait shores. Walker's book is about the meteoric rise and precipitous fall of an industry which has an occupational mortality rate 20 times that of the coal mining industry. Working conditions were frightful. Crewmen had to muscle 750 lb. crab pots over icy decks in 40 – 80 knot winds with seas often running over 30 feet. They were constantly drenched with frigid water for periods of up to 40 hours with no rest. The rewards, however, were extraordinary. During the late 70's the king crab population simply exploded. In the peak year of 1980 the 130,000,000 lb. quota was filled in 29 days by some 230 crab boats (a record high.) A regular crewman pulling the standard full share of 7% of the boat's take might top $50,000 for those 29 days. He (or she) could then go on to fish for tanner crab and pull in additional enormous sums.
Walker was lucky. He had been working in the timber industry, got tired and heard they were hiring up in Alaska. He was a strong worker and despite a predilection for seasickness Learned to love the hard work. In fact, when back in the "lower 48" for a visit he was disgusted to find people whose only desire was to get out of work. He couldn't wait to get back to Alaska and its raw living on the edge. Raw living it was. Bar house brawls were common, and the vast amounts of cash attracted enormous amounts of cocaine. By the 1981 season, however, only 28,000,000 lbs. were taken, and in 1983 the season was totally closed. It was determined that crabs had succumbed to a disease that was making the majority of females sterile.
In between descriptions of how one baits a crab pot and the relative merits of various crew mates, Walker peppers his book with vivid descriptions of calamities and near deaths at sea. He interviewed many of these survivors for the book, and his retelling is spell-binding. From September 1982 through September I983, 68 vessels sank in Alaskan waters with 46 crewmen killed. Storms were ubiquitous and particularly vicious. You gotta be nuts. Great account for us Walter Mittys.
Walker was lucky. He had been working in the timber industry, got tired and heard they were hiring up in Alaska. He was a strong worker and despite a predilection for seasickness Learned to love the hard work. In fact, when back in the "lower 48" for a visit he was disgusted to find people whose only desire was to get out of work. He couldn't wait to get back to Alaska and its raw living on the edge. Raw living it was. Bar house brawls were common, and the vast amounts of cash attracted enormous amounts of cocaine. By the 1981 season, however, only 28,000,000 lbs. were taken, and in 1983 the season was totally closed. It was determined that crabs had succumbed to a disease that was making the majority of females sterile.
In between descriptions of how one baits a crab pot and the relative merits of various crew mates, Walker peppers his book with vivid descriptions of calamities and near deaths at sea. He interviewed many of these survivors for the book, and his retelling is spell-binding. From September 1982 through September I983, 68 vessels sank in Alaskan waters with 46 crewmen killed. Storms were ubiquitous and particularly vicious. You gotta be nuts. Great account for us Walter Mittys.
June 13, 2019
Bist du es leid Tag ein Tag aus ins Büro zu fahren und den ganzen Tag vor einem Bildschirm zu verbringen? Suchst du das Abenteuer in der Natur? Arbeitest du gerne 80 Stunden in der Woche?
Dann solltest du es mit Krabbenfischerei in Alaska in Erwägung ziehen. Das Wetter ist meistens beschissen. Brutale Winde, Blitzeis und haushohe Wellen sind keine Seltenheit. Auch gestandene Fischer kotzen sich vor Seekrankheit die Seele aus dem Leib. Und jährlich sterben unzählige Menschen bei Arbeitsunfällen und Schiffsuntergängen.
Klingt doch nicht mehr so interessant, oder? Aber was, wenn ich dir sagen würde, dass du in nur zwei Monaten bis zu 100 000 Dollar verdienen könntest?
Diese Aussichten auf schnellen Reichtum führten dazu, dass Ende der siebziger Jahre ein regelrechter Krabbenfang-Boom entstand vergleichbar mit dem Klondike Goldrausch am Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts.
Und so strömten unzählige junge Männer gen Norden, in der Hoffnung einen Platz an Bord eines Krabbenkutters zu bekommen.
Zu diesen jungen Wilden zählte auch Spike Walker, der im Winter des Jahres 1978 mit zwanzig Dollar in der Tasche in Kodiak Alaska aufkreuzte.
Durch hartnäckige Präsenz an den Docks und Hafenbars, schaffte er es nach kurzer Zeit auf einem kleinen aber renommierten Schiff angeheuert zu werden.
In den neun Saisons, die er insgesamt an Bord diverser Boote verbringen sollte, erlebte er alle Höhen und Tiefen der Boom-Jahre mit. Er brachte Rekordfänge ein und stand Rekordstürme durch. Er arbeitete 74 Stunden am Stück ohne zu schlafen. Er sah Boote sinken und beteiligte sich an Rettungsaktionen.
Sein Schweiß und seine Tränen brachten ihm tausende von Dollar ein. Und das alles dank eines Tieres, das aussieht wie ein Riesenunterwasserkäfer aus er Urzeit.
Wenn man sich überlegt wie viel hunderttausend Tonnen an Riesenkrabben in diesen Jahren aus dem Meer gezogen wurde, der Meeresgrund der Beringsee musste überrannt worden sein von einer Armee dieser Viechern (Hier eins meiner Lieblingsvideos zum Thema: http://awesomatik.com/2014/06/27/gian...)
In „Working on the edge“ erfährt man alles über die tägliche Arbeit an Bord eines Krabbenkutters. Die technischen aber auch die emotionalen Aspekte der Arbeit. Walker beschreibt die Monotonie der Abläufe, das Zusammenleben auf engstem Raum mit schwierigen Crewmitgliedern aber auch die Schönheit der alaskischen Wildnis und das wilde Leben abseits des Bootes.
Seine persönlichen Erfahrungen verbindet er mit den unglaublichen Geschichten von Überlebenden.
Männer und Frauen, die Opfer der schlimmsten Seeunglücke wurden. Die über Bord gingen, die tagelang in Rettungsanzügen im dunklen, eiskalten Wasser der Beringsee trieben. Männer, die das rettende Land erreichten und dann von Grizzlybären verfolgt wurden.
Fazit – Seemansgarn vom Feinsten
Walking on the edge erzählt vom maritimen Goldrausch, der Ende der siebziger Jahre in Alaska ausbrach. Junge Abenteurer fuhren ans Ende der Welt um ihr Glück auf den tödlichen Wogen der Beringsee zu suchen. Die einen fanden Reichtum und Ehre auf andere wartete der Tod.
Ein faszinierender Einblick in die raue Welt der Krabbenfischerei.
Eine Lektüre durch wackelige, stürmische und unbarmherzige Gefilde, die der Leser staunend in der Sicherheit der eigenen vier Wände genießen sollte. Alle Mann an Bord!
Alle awesomatik Rezensionen auf einen Blick:
http://awesomatik.com/buchfuhlung/
awesomatik Kuriosum
Wenn ich das richtig gelesen habe, war dieses Buch auch die Inspiration für die Reality Show The deadliest Catch (Der gefährlichste Job Alaskas) von der es aktuell unglaubliche zehn Staffeln gibt!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yct7z...
Dann solltest du es mit Krabbenfischerei in Alaska in Erwägung ziehen. Das Wetter ist meistens beschissen. Brutale Winde, Blitzeis und haushohe Wellen sind keine Seltenheit. Auch gestandene Fischer kotzen sich vor Seekrankheit die Seele aus dem Leib. Und jährlich sterben unzählige Menschen bei Arbeitsunfällen und Schiffsuntergängen.
Klingt doch nicht mehr so interessant, oder? Aber was, wenn ich dir sagen würde, dass du in nur zwei Monaten bis zu 100 000 Dollar verdienen könntest?
Diese Aussichten auf schnellen Reichtum führten dazu, dass Ende der siebziger Jahre ein regelrechter Krabbenfang-Boom entstand vergleichbar mit dem Klondike Goldrausch am Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts.
Und so strömten unzählige junge Männer gen Norden, in der Hoffnung einen Platz an Bord eines Krabbenkutters zu bekommen.
Zu diesen jungen Wilden zählte auch Spike Walker, der im Winter des Jahres 1978 mit zwanzig Dollar in der Tasche in Kodiak Alaska aufkreuzte.
Durch hartnäckige Präsenz an den Docks und Hafenbars, schaffte er es nach kurzer Zeit auf einem kleinen aber renommierten Schiff angeheuert zu werden.
In den neun Saisons, die er insgesamt an Bord diverser Boote verbringen sollte, erlebte er alle Höhen und Tiefen der Boom-Jahre mit. Er brachte Rekordfänge ein und stand Rekordstürme durch. Er arbeitete 74 Stunden am Stück ohne zu schlafen. Er sah Boote sinken und beteiligte sich an Rettungsaktionen.
Sein Schweiß und seine Tränen brachten ihm tausende von Dollar ein. Und das alles dank eines Tieres, das aussieht wie ein Riesenunterwasserkäfer aus er Urzeit.
Wenn man sich überlegt wie viel hunderttausend Tonnen an Riesenkrabben in diesen Jahren aus dem Meer gezogen wurde, der Meeresgrund der Beringsee musste überrannt worden sein von einer Armee dieser Viechern (Hier eins meiner Lieblingsvideos zum Thema: http://awesomatik.com/2014/06/27/gian...)
In „Working on the edge“ erfährt man alles über die tägliche Arbeit an Bord eines Krabbenkutters. Die technischen aber auch die emotionalen Aspekte der Arbeit. Walker beschreibt die Monotonie der Abläufe, das Zusammenleben auf engstem Raum mit schwierigen Crewmitgliedern aber auch die Schönheit der alaskischen Wildnis und das wilde Leben abseits des Bootes.
Seine persönlichen Erfahrungen verbindet er mit den unglaublichen Geschichten von Überlebenden.
Männer und Frauen, die Opfer der schlimmsten Seeunglücke wurden. Die über Bord gingen, die tagelang in Rettungsanzügen im dunklen, eiskalten Wasser der Beringsee trieben. Männer, die das rettende Land erreichten und dann von Grizzlybären verfolgt wurden.
Fazit – Seemansgarn vom Feinsten
Walking on the edge erzählt vom maritimen Goldrausch, der Ende der siebziger Jahre in Alaska ausbrach. Junge Abenteurer fuhren ans Ende der Welt um ihr Glück auf den tödlichen Wogen der Beringsee zu suchen. Die einen fanden Reichtum und Ehre auf andere wartete der Tod.
Ein faszinierender Einblick in die raue Welt der Krabbenfischerei.
Eine Lektüre durch wackelige, stürmische und unbarmherzige Gefilde, die der Leser staunend in der Sicherheit der eigenen vier Wände genießen sollte. Alle Mann an Bord!
Alle awesomatik Rezensionen auf einen Blick:
http://awesomatik.com/buchfuhlung/
awesomatik Kuriosum
Wenn ich das richtig gelesen habe, war dieses Buch auch die Inspiration für die Reality Show The deadliest Catch (Der gefährlichste Job Alaskas) von der es aktuell unglaubliche zehn Staffeln gibt!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yct7z...
January 5, 2009
Before I started reading this book I must admit that I entertained thoughts of some day trying my hand at crab fishing. In fact my boyfriend mentioned off hand that there was a crab boat looking for some crew members in town (Florence, OR) a couple weeks ago. I was perturbed that he hadn't mentioned it earlier because the crab season was already underway and the position was long filled.... Then I picked up this book. Spike Walker writes about his experiences crab fishing out of Kodiak and Dutch Harbor during the crab boom of the 70s. His description of life aboard the boat and the work involved sucks you in. He's a great writer. He also includes accounts of tragedies that happened during those years. Some of the stories go from bad to worse and when you think nothing else could go wrong mother nature throws something else into the mix. It definitely turned me off of beating the docks, but I also gained a respect for those that chose that profession. It's definitely a great read.
August 4, 2022
Before reading the book, it was described to me: "You'll want to give up everything to fish crab, and then decide it's not worth it." It was a very accurate description.
Between his personal accounts and anecdotes from fellow fishermen, Spike Walker describes in incredible detail the ups and downs of the great Alaskan king crab boom.
Myself having absolutely no experience or interest in fishing, had the book reads like fiction with Walker managing to convey the overwhelmingly human aspect of the industry and related experiences.
The one downside I experienced reading was the large amount of jargon necessary to understand to paint a clearer picture of the work done. Granted, I imagine it near impossible to write such a book without the jargon, but it remained an obstacle nonetheless.
Between his personal accounts and anecdotes from fellow fishermen, Spike Walker describes in incredible detail the ups and downs of the great Alaskan king crab boom.
Myself having absolutely no experience or interest in fishing, had the book reads like fiction with Walker managing to convey the overwhelmingly human aspect of the industry and related experiences.
The one downside I experienced reading was the large amount of jargon necessary to understand to paint a clearer picture of the work done. Granted, I imagine it near impossible to write such a book without the jargon, but it remained an obstacle nonetheless.
December 14, 2010
Spike Walker brought the dangerous seas to life...or death as it were. By the middle of the book it was like Spike and I were sitting at a pub and him telling his story.
Knowing the crab fishing industry was tough did NOTHING to prepare this reader for the seemingly daily struggle for life itself. From trying to obtain a paying jig to live through a sinking ship Spike scared me far from the decks of any such vessel.
The loss of life makes me reconsider my own food-value thoughts. That is, if so many must die what is the true cost to eating that crab?
What was Spike's next adventure like? He did the canoe thing in the Yukon. What a guy!
Knowing the crab fishing industry was tough did NOTHING to prepare this reader for the seemingly daily struggle for life itself. From trying to obtain a paying jig to live through a sinking ship Spike scared me far from the decks of any such vessel.
The loss of life makes me reconsider my own food-value thoughts. That is, if so many must die what is the true cost to eating that crab?
What was Spike's next adventure like? He did the canoe thing in the Yukon. What a guy!
December 24, 2012
Walker's book provides a first-hand insight into the Alaskan crab fishing industry in the late 1970s and early 1980s, long before "The Deadliest Catch" Discovery documentary series. Personal tales are mixed with survival stories from fellow fisherman who crewed other boats during the crabbing seasons. Walker is very likeable and his writing comes across as authentic. Walker doesn't glorify the industry, nor does he exaggerate the heoric stories - he doesn't need to. I'll read more of his books in the future.
February 9, 2009
This book was absolutely riveting!!! Amazing!! I would recommend this book to everyone. I have been a fan of Discovery channel's "Deadliest Catch" since it began airing 4 years ago. This book (like the Deadliest Catch tv show) gives every reader such a respect for the harding working men and women in the Alaskan Bering Sea. I will always gladly pay a high price for crab, knowing exactly how it came to me.
December 4, 2010
He is a great writer and really did his experiences justice with his descriptions. I got a little tired of the constant re-hashing of boats/people going down. I'm more of a -yes stuff happens, but how does it make you FEEL- kinda reader.
It was a good book. I will probably end up reading the rest of his too.
It was a good book. I will probably end up reading the rest of his too.
Read
October 19, 2007Excellent book. I could tell the great ammount of research that Spike put into his books. The accounts of the fishermen involved are unforgetable.
June 18, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
June 18, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
November 1, 2020
at times this book was as tedious as a night on a bunk in crabber in a storm. at other times this book was bound up in tedious preconceptions and frustrating gaps in detail. some passages, however, were very strong and gave a good impression of crab fishing in Alaska in the boom era, the late 70s and early 1980s.
i thought this book would be a cross section of stories from crab fishing in Alaska, and yes, the tales of other fishermen do enter the narrative. But the book is primarily the memoir of Spike Walker, who begins in Kodiak and moves on to bigger berths. what i realized was i dont really like Walker's writing. He was previously a "logger in the Pacific northwest " and "he's got the size for the big boats" but he moves from berth to berth, managing to succeed (though always sea sick) and moving on when the voyage ends, due to difficulties the reader can only estimate or imagine.
much of what unfolds for Walker reads like a fait accompli and despite the lurking dangers everywhere he comes through unscathed. he seems lucky to have worked on the best boats where good decisions were made, so he therefore lacks a personal disaster narrative to retell.
he also seems to have come through the realization of his crab fishing dreams without convincingly realizing what he acheived and why he was compelled to go to this edge. He crews on boats that have record catches and he makes phenomenal money quickly, but we are all, the narrator and reader, too busy bunking into the next berth to know what any of this means.
The best passages of the book are the accounts of other adventures, wrecks , rescues and survivals. These stories are compelling.
i thought this book would be a cross section of stories from crab fishing in Alaska, and yes, the tales of other fishermen do enter the narrative. But the book is primarily the memoir of Spike Walker, who begins in Kodiak and moves on to bigger berths. what i realized was i dont really like Walker's writing. He was previously a "logger in the Pacific northwest " and "he's got the size for the big boats" but he moves from berth to berth, managing to succeed (though always sea sick) and moving on when the voyage ends, due to difficulties the reader can only estimate or imagine.
much of what unfolds for Walker reads like a fait accompli and despite the lurking dangers everywhere he comes through unscathed. he seems lucky to have worked on the best boats where good decisions were made, so he therefore lacks a personal disaster narrative to retell.
he also seems to have come through the realization of his crab fishing dreams without convincingly realizing what he acheived and why he was compelled to go to this edge. He crews on boats that have record catches and he makes phenomenal money quickly, but we are all, the narrator and reader, too busy bunking into the next berth to know what any of this means.
The best passages of the book are the accounts of other adventures, wrecks , rescues and survivals. These stories are compelling.
February 28, 2025
Favourite parts:
• The first wave as baptism
• The silent Skipper is more effective than a beating
• The staring wolf eel and the sand flies
• If you are strong and know how to work you'll eventually find your place
• The self doubt which boat to take
• Mike Doyle's 25 minute fight
• Spike almost hits a processing ship
• Spike starts to feel isolation and claustrophobia
• The boat and the birds diving through the storm waves
• Richard Majdic climbs atop the rudder
• Terry Sampson sitting on the docks waiting for his ship
• If you can't come by it honest, it isn't worth having
• Aleutian stare, Arctic hysteria, cabin fever, sensory deprivation
• Unconsciously listening to the sounds of labor
• Spike tries to live and write like Hemingway
• Bird attack
• Wally's struggle to the shore
• The first wave as baptism
• The silent Skipper is more effective than a beating
• The staring wolf eel and the sand flies
• If you are strong and know how to work you'll eventually find your place
• The self doubt which boat to take
• Mike Doyle's 25 minute fight
• Spike almost hits a processing ship
• Spike starts to feel isolation and claustrophobia
• The boat and the birds diving through the storm waves
• Richard Majdic climbs atop the rudder
• Terry Sampson sitting on the docks waiting for his ship
• If you can't come by it honest, it isn't worth having
• Aleutian stare, Arctic hysteria, cabin fever, sensory deprivation
• Unconsciously listening to the sounds of labor
• Spike tries to live and write like Hemingway
• Bird attack
• Wally's struggle to the shore
April 5, 2018
Since I have watched some of the Deadliest Catch I was interested in reading this book and learning more about king crab fishing. I did enjoy reading Spike's adventures and gaining a better understanding about the lives of crab fishermen...a very dangerous and somewhat sad life. (Caution for younger readers: I took a couple stars off because of language and, what I consider, inappropriate topics/happenings.)
October 5, 2019
Close calls
I spent a number of years working boats in Alaska and this brought back some frighting memories and terror on some of the voyages and psychotic captains I worked with. I am glad I did it but thinking back as a married man with family what was I thinking to risk it all.
I spent a number of years working boats in Alaska and this brought back some frighting memories and terror on some of the voyages and psychotic captains I worked with. I am glad I did it but thinking back as a married man with family what was I thinking to risk it all.
November 8, 2017
I don't want to write a review cause I already had to write a bunch of stuff about this for school. Basically, it had good writing but I would not recommend this unless you are incredibly interested in king crab fishing in Alaska.
December 14, 2018
I often associate my line of work with fishing,working under the sun. weeding baiting, dragging, pulling,working hard.This book allowed me to see a side of the world i may never go but surly am drawn to it!
February 13, 2020
This was an okay book. Interesting subject and I enjoyed reading about all the accidents that took place, especially the survival stories. But while the book was less than 300 pages, it felt more like 500! The writing was not superb. Oh well!
November 8, 2024
The Deadliest Catch series is very good, but if you want to unveil the curtain of the Alaskan Crabbing Industry, Read Working on the Edge. You also gain perspective on the industry in the 70s and 80s, which adds relevance to what you see happening on TV today. Great story telling by the author.
November 17, 2020
Spike Walker vividly captures the danger, romance, and heartbreak of the bonanza years of the Bering Sea King crab fishery of the late 70s and early 80s.
September 13, 2021
I had just finished reading two of his other books, so this one just about the same. If I had read this book first it would had been 4 stars.
November 11, 2023
Read avidly then slowed and passed it on to my brother who enjoys such factual adventures that dip into history, autobiography and the environment
May 20, 2025
If you ever thought of life working on a boat in Alaska, you need to read this book first. I promise you it will give you a picture that is unforgettable.
June 26, 2011
I think that exactly what you would expect with this book is what you get, except maybe a little higher caliber writing. The author does a pretty good job of not painting a repetitive picture of king crab fishing, which I can imagine was a challenge. The writing is crisp and, where appropriate, suspenseful. A minor complaint is that I wish the editor had been a little more on the ball. Some simple errors I remember were talking about being on the northernmost edge of the ice sheet extending southwards through the Bering Sea (obviously meaning the southernmost edge) and clear references to Lake Union as Lake Washington. It took me a while to get through the book so it isn't exactly a page turner but if you have any interest in Alaska or a working man's view of the fishing industry, this is a good one to pick up. Would give it 3.5 stars if that were an option.
August 29, 2012
I enjoyed Working on the Edge but the book is maybe 100 pages too long. The highlight of the book was the incredible survival stories of other crab fishermen whose ships went down or were abandoned. The book is more or less divided between these types of stories and Spike Walker's own experiences on crab boats. Spike goes into too much detail when recounting his own crab boat experiences especially since nothing much happened to him. The description of the first boat he worked on was interesting but I didn't need another two descriptions of slightly different boats. The survival stories and his descriptions of the Alaskan ports more than make up for it though. I’m glad I finished the book.
June 11, 2008
Written long before the popular Discovery Channel show Deadliest Catch, this book explores what it is like to work on the dangerous crab boats in Alaska's Bering Sea, written by someone who was there during the boom days of the late 70's and early '80s. Most of the book centers around his first hand experience on several different ships, but he also has accounts (through interviews with survivors) of some of the more spectacular disasters of that era, a couple of which are recounted during the first season of the show. Not a literary work of excellence, but a good account of a fascinating industry.
January 13, 2013
For those who love Deadliest Catch, this book is a way to get a more thorough picture of Alaskan crab fishing. Spike Walker fished the deadly waters during the crab boom, when deck hands could take home spectacular paychecks, and boats were being built or converted as fast as the yards could do it. In this book, he chronicles his own journey to become a crab fisherman, starting as a greenhorn. We get to know a number of the captains and crews from his years on the water. He also tell tales of amazing storms, unexpected tragedies, and daring rescues that keep you reading. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
August 5, 2012
Spike Walker tells an incredible story of the danger, intensity and craziness of crab fishing in Alaska during the late 70's and early 80's. I've watched several seasons of the Deadliest Catch and that enhanced the book as it was easy to understand and visualize the story being told but it also took away from the book as the shock of the insanity was diminished. If you haven't watched the TV series... I highly recommend the book. If you have, this won't be as shocking to you but it is still a great read.
November 13, 2011
Reading a book by Spike Walker is like watching a classic adventure movie because of the vivid writing and the hair-raising stories.
If you hunger for Alaskan adventure stories, you might also try The Golden Catch, a thriller/adventure novel where the action unfolds in the stormy Aleutians.
If you crave action and adventure, you might also try The Golden Catch.
--Roger Weston, author of The Golden Catch
If you hunger for Alaskan adventure stories, you might also try The Golden Catch, a thriller/adventure novel where the action unfolds in the stormy Aleutians.
If you crave action and adventure, you might also try The Golden Catch.
--Roger Weston, author of The Golden Catch
February 23, 2013
I enjoyed this book a lot. I do know a bit about crab fishing since I am a dedicated Deadliest Catch fan and I also read loads of other books about fishing on high seas. But nevertheless, this book never got boring. Spike Walker finds the perfect mix of narrating his story and loads of other stories at sea. It has a good tempo, you never get bored, it goes on and on and you always want to know what happens on the next page.
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