A true adventure—part memoir, part novel—that takes you to the edge of the map and deep into the human experience, revealing how well you think determines how well—and if—you live. When Bryan Byrd set sail for the Virgin Islands aboard a friend's 34-foot sailboat, he expected sun, sand, and serenity. What he got was a Devil’s Triangle of mayhem, mystery, and reckoning. In this fast-moving and insightful auto-fiction debut, Surviving Paradise charts a course through rogue waves, dubious crewmates, and a cascade of human and equipment breakdowns—with a captain full of bluster and a siren whose love is as turbulent as the sea. Byrd’s sharp wit and fearless introspection turn each port into a mirror, every misadventure into a lesson, and every night sky into questions daring to be answered. But this isn't just a sailing story. It’s a deeper journey for readers who crave more from their books: A travel extravaganza infused with humor and unexpected romance - A philosophical exploration of risk, reinvention, and resilience - A “you are there” immersion into the Caribbean’s raw beauty - A beach read that lingers long after the tide goes out It’s risky and risqué, poetic and profound—equal parts escape and enlightenment. Whether you're a sailor, a seeker, or simply tired of stories that play it safe, this is a book that pushes boundaries and rewards the leap. It's rooted in truth, but liberated by fiction. Perfect for fans of travel adventures, memoir/fiction, and smart storytelling that leaves a mark. June 2024 issue at Midwest Book Review June 2024 issue at Donovan's Literary Services Surviving Paradise: the Perils and Pleasures of the Caribbean, an auto-fiction novel by Bryan M. Byrd, is a diverse, dramatic story combining autobiography with fictional elements. Expect anecdotes and threads of humor, romance, and unexpected adventure as the exploration of how Bryan became a sailor and adventurer is introduced with an immediate draw from the first line : "I didn't trust Rocco, but had no choice." As a passenger on a sailboat who knew nothing about sailing, Bryan finds himself in a situation where "...between Rocco and the Bermuda Triangle, I feared Rocco more." Talk about a sailing trip gone awry! The action and adventure unfold as relentlessly as the waves which buffet Bryan's life as one exploit after another turns the tides from a well-earned, secure life to one which feels like it's approaching its end. But, that's often the nature of adventure, which also brings with it a healthy dose of discovery, attraction, beach scenes and experiences, as Bryan explores the Caribbean and the psyche simultaneously. Readers might be pleasantly surprised by the psychological insights which permeate the narrative as much as its humor: these emerge at unexpected moments : "...take responsibility for your condition. Then change it. Blaming someone else gets you nowhere, and keeps you there. . . . When choosing a mind-altering substance, choose education . . . . I'd rather be alone than wishing I were." From the Bahamas to Turks & Caicos, to the Virgin Islands, this sailing saga cultivates a "you are here" feeling—of rocking boats, changing lives, evolving nature, personal, interpersonal, and worldly discoveries. These inject the story with action-packed scenarios as well as lazy days aboard a sailboat facing nautical adversity and pleasures alike. This is no one-trip wonder, but incorporates decades of experience into a story which is as notable for its insights on love and growth as it is for its treasure hunts of discovery. And, there's no more perfect beach read to take to the sands; readers will find Surviving Paradise: the Perils and Pleasures of the Caribbean the perfect antidote for a life stuck "on the hard." Libraries and book clubs will appreciate a rollicking good ride through Caribbean encounters and a sailor's coming-of-age. D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review; Editor, Donovan's Literary Services; Editor, Bookwatch. Loving adventure and sports, author Bryan Byrd was undaunted when a friend asked for help sailing a 34-foot boat from the U.S. to the Virgin Islands. He had been incented out of his career with both a push and a pull as a young man, leaving him free to roam when the opportunity arose. The image of sunny skies, Caribbean-blue seas, and exploring new islands, 24/7, was enticing, but begged the question, "What's the catch?" There is always a catch. He knew little about his sailing partners and nothing about ocean sailing. Everything would be different, challenging. Forgoing sports and a social life, he chose adventure and a coming-of-age experience as a novice sailor, creating an easy read that is hard to put down. So, come aboard and let this high concept, auto-fiction story take you on an uncharted journey of discovery. Bon voyage! A journey of transformation that dares to plumb the depths of the human psyche. When Bryan M. Byrd cast off from a