Lost!

I nearly read this book straight through, but for another reason. I met Bob Tininenko as we were boating together, heard his story and then found the book. As someone who has a deep abiding faith in God, I found his brother-in-law Jim's approach to faith foolish, ridgid and destructive. I think that says it all. Bob still bears some of the effects of this terrible experience, but he has gone on to live and love life. Bob is a man of honor who loves those around him and still loves the water... and he is a pretty good fisherman too.

Great Plot that kept me turning the pages!

Read this book in one sitting. Bob Tininenko - if you are out there please know that you are an inspiration to all of us. Thanks!

"Lost" is the true story of Bob and Linda Tininenko and Bob's brother-in-law, Jim Fisher, whose plan to sail to Costa Rica ends in disaster. Their trimarin flips over during a storm, and for more than two months the three of them lives on nibbles of food, sips of water and hope. There were times I was so angry at Jim that I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into him, but Bob actually tried that and it didn't work. People like Jim scare me, and what happens in this book is an example of the consequences of a belief in God that leaves no room for compromise. For example, when Bob lights a signal fire, Jim freaks out and says that Bob is interfering with God -- he believes God will save them without any action from them. And Jim throws away their water-distillation kit because he believes that it would interfere with God's plan. Yet Jim is also a sympathetic character, a man of principle, and a deeply caring person. That's one of the things that makes this book a compelling read.

Tommy Thompson was a truly gifted writer and his death is a keen loss. His books have always been outstanding and this one is no exception.During the summer of 1973, a young married couple and a friend go for a sail that results in disaster. Bob and Linda Tininenko are an intact unit and they travel with their friend James Fisher depart from the West Coast to sail around the world. Days after their departure, the boat "turtles," that is, turns upside down. The trio are forced to spend the next few weeks at sea, trying to survive. Bob and Linda have each other. Jim is clearly the odd member of this trio. A religious zealot, he insists they all limit their conversations to Bible-themed topics; he lies about misplacing the supply kit; he lies about ever having the cheese balls that Bob threw to him to save from water destruction. Jim becomes increasingly erratic and irrational. Linda's health deteriorates to the point of death. Bob's account of burying Linda at sea is heart wrenching and devastating. Linda was pregnant when she died. Her death was the death of two.Jim and Bob end up squaring off for survival. Impatient with the man's religious ramblings, Bob more often than not leaves Bob to his own devices. The trip results in even more tragedy when Jim, too, dies at sea.Bob, as sole survivor is left to heal with the muliple wounds of Linda's death, the death of their unborn child and with Jim's loss. Battered and emaciated, Bob regains his physical strength in a hospital where his amazing account of his sea disaster is recounted. Bob is a likable, credible reporter and one cannot help but share his pain as he recounts the ordeal of 1973.