The Fourth Fisherman

Every once in a while, a story comes along that just grabs you.  The Fourth Fisherman is just such a story.

Back in 2006, three Mexican fisherman were rescued by a Taiwanese tuna fishing trawler after more than nine months at sea.  The men managed to survive in a small open boat without any supplies through the blistering sun and storms at sea.  They fought starvation, dehydration, and hopelessness to beat death… their only lifelines were faith and a well worn Bible.

I remember seeing a brief headline around that time, about the fishermen’s survival, but their story was eclipsed by others in the media.

Meanwhile, Joe Kissack was a successful Hollywood executive.  He, and his life, exemplified the American dream.  He owned a small mansion, sports cars, the best suits, and more.  He had arrived.  Despite the appearance of success on a grand scale, Joe’s personal life was in shambles.  He experienced suicidal depression, became addicted to narcotics, and began pushing his family away.  A thoughtful friend gave him a Bible and prayed with him.  Kissack’s life changed dramatically.

When he learned about the surviving fisherman, he knew he had to pursue the story.  It didn’t make sense, but he had to do it.

The Fourth Fisherman is a great story about following God… even when it doesn’t make sense!  It is about not letting go of faith, when it looks like faith is all you’ve got left to hold on to.

I read The Fourth Fisherman in one four hour drive.  Of course, I wasn’t the one driving, my Dad was.  And I sat in the back seat, completely absorbed!  Kissack masterfully interwove the story of the fisherman and their rescue with his own story.  The way he alternated between the two stories was compelling, and inspirational.

I would recommend The Fourth Fisherman to anyone who enjoys inspirational literature, is going through a rough patch, or just plain likes a good book about the redeeming power of God.

***I received a courtesy sample from the publisher to facilitate an honest review.  I am not required to write a positive review.***