During his career as a commercial diver, Tony Wells survived plenty of dangerous excitement, including two near-drownings, a deadly diving disease, illegal imprisonment and several treasure hunts for sunken gold. In a friendly and unassuming tone, Wells happily recounts his deep sea adventures and the wisdom they granted him in his riveting autobiography "Black Man under the Deep Blue Sea: Memoirs of a Black Commercial Diver in Southeast Asia."

PublishAmerica (2007)
ISBN 9781424174225
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (12/07)

I was very curious as to what this book would contain when I saw its title, “Black Man under the Deep Blue Sea: Memoirs of a Black Commercial Diver in Southeast Asia.”  The author delivers what he promises in the title and much more.  I had a little trouble when I first started reading because the author writes like he speaks.  Once I got used to his style I found it was more like reading a personal diary about his years in Southeast Asia.  The vivid details he uses to describe his adventures more than make up for the sometimes confusing writing style.     

The author, Tony Wells, always had big aspirations.  He began his life in the mid-west where deep sea diving is not on anyone’s radar, especially an African American.  He spent his younger years dreaming of race car driving.  This all changed when his mother remarried a Navy man and the family moved to Hawaii.  It was there after much determination that he discovered his passion for diving.  After moving back to the mainland he decided to pursue a career as a commercial diver. 

After a few years Wells became frustrated by the limitations of working in the US and decided to pursue adventure and freedom by commercial diving in Southeast Asia.  He takes on many jobs over the years on rigs, repairing pipelines and even as a treasure hunter.  His vivid tales sometimes reflect the harrowing experiences that he lived through.  His travels take him to many countries throughout his years in Southeast Asia and he includes stories about the wonderful places he was able to visit during that time. 

Tony Wells is an inspiration and role model that anyone can accomplish whatever they wish.  The author best sums up his overall message “The bottom line here is – no matter what race you are, black, white and everything in between, no matter what gender you are, male or female, don’t let ignorant advice or stereotyping control what goals you have in your life no matter what they are.  If you want to do it – all you can do is to give it your best shot and go for it and, even if you fail, nobody can knock you for that!”  If you enjoy a good adventure or think that the odds against you are insurmountable then you must read “Black Man under the Deep Blue Sea: Memoirs of a Black Commercial Diver in Southeast Asia!”