Ocean Country: One Woman's Voyage from Peril to Hope in her Quest To Save the Seas

I just finished reading Ocean Country. I loved it. I absolutely loved it. Liz Cunningham writes authentically, accurately and with passion. Her skillful writing transported me back in time to my own days as a diver, marine researcher and educator living and working among island communities above and below water.As we read Ocean Country we are led to share in the author's awe of the magnificent undersea world, to deepen our understanding of the issues that challenge its future, and to take heart that there are solutions we can implement to turn things around. We are reminded that not only does the fate of our oceans rely on choices we make, but the fate of our human species and life as we know it on earth is inextricably tied to the health of our oceans. Yes, we face huge challenges—but given the opportunity, we are rescuers and heroes at heart! I admire and salute authors such as Cunningham who have the dedication and passion to speak out, over and over, as many times as it takes in the quest to help spread awareness and inspire actions that can lead to solutions. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book and for speaking out so eloquently!

Ocean Country is a fantastic account of Liz Cunningham's experiences with, respect of and love for the ocean. It goes up and down as she recounts her experiences and what she's learnt along the way; the dire truth about the effects mankind and climate change are having on the very core of our environment.

Liz Cunningham's OCEAN COUNTRY is written from a heartfelt point of view, originating from a sea accident that would cause most people to walk away from that line of work. But Liz continued on. Her nonfiction memoir, combined with her research and experience on the state of our oceans, is a needed book today. We need to understand the truth about the water that covers the majority of our planet, and how the ocean ecosystems need to be kept in check. Liz has been there, in those watery depths. She's been over it, through it, and under it for years and years, and she shows us her magical journey. I really enjoyed this powerfully written and stunning book.

More than a memoir, more than an environmental lesson, more than a polemic "Country Ocean" makes accessible the relationship humans need to foster with our natural world. Because she is authentic, has proven integrity, political savvy, artistic talents among other attributes Cunningham took a concept as vast as three-quarters of our planet and paved a way for each person to feel the crisis we face with our hearts, not only acknowledge it from an intellectual aspect. Her personal and passionate journey not only informs us, it shows us how we can respect, revere, and act to preserve our world for the present and future generations. I think everyone, young and older, should have the opportunity to read her story.

This inspiring and engaging book takes the reader on a journey of hope for the oceans and humankind. Through the author's captivating adventures and meaningful encounters with wildlife and with those who strive to protect it, we are all pulled along from a feeling of despair for the state of the oceans, to a more hopeful place, one that inspires meaningful action. At the end of this journey, we can all ask ourselves Cunningham's essential question, "What if I really lived as if my voice mattered?"