When The Sea Howls

About the Book

How would any of us react when faced with having to make a decision about risking our own life to save a stranger? And, why would we make such a decision? That is a decision which those in the life-saving services make each day. Who are these people and why would they risk their life to save another? Those are questions that are dealt with in this exciting and thought-provoking novel. The backdrop of this story is the exciting adventures at sea of men serving in the U. S. Coast Guard along the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. It is a story of heroism, self-sacrifice, enduring friendship, and romance. But, men in the Coast Guard also have their dark side; it is also a story of humanity dealing with drugs, alcoholism, susicide and even murder. Mostly it is a story about fear and one's determination and ability to understand and overcome it. The story is set in the Vietnam war era, and in an attempt to avoid the horrors of war, Cody Stiles, the main character, joins the U. S. Coast Guard. But, there, he is forced to face his most ghastly fear, that of not only drowning but drowning in water that is dark and mysterious. Tragedy as a young boy, watching his older brother drown in a farm pond in Kansas, making no attempt to save him, and his father believing that he is a coward, shaped the young life of Cody Stiles. In the end, he makes an unconscious decision that affects the lives of many.

About the Author

Mike R. Dunbar served four years in the U. S. Coast Guard along the coasts of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska during the Vietnam war era. Many of the places and adventures described in this book are based on his experiences. After service, Dr. Dunbar achieved several college degrees, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Having published more than fifty scientific manuscripts, he began writing novels in 2009. His first is titled ,"The Last American Cowboy", which describes the life of a young boy who lives out his romantic dream of becoming a real cowboy. Dr. Dunbar worked as a wildlife veterinarian around the world and has recently completed his memoirs soon to be published. Born in Oklahoma, Dr. Dunbar now resides with his beautiful wife Sherry along the Salmon River in the rugged mountains of east central Idaho.