Working Waterfront

A Fish Tale

Non-Fiction - Memoir
236 Pages
Reviewed on 02/24/2026
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

“I needed to get lost for a summer. Putting aside books and job interviews, I took a job working in the prettiest environment most people will never see.” I wouldn't say Bill Gerencer, the author of Working Waterfront, got lost; I'm sure he found himself instead. His story begins in 1980, after graduating from MSU, when he decided to take a break for the summer by doing something different, such as lobstering. Starting aboard the 'Lorna Laurie', a 30-foot fishing boat, captained by a no-nonsense old-timer called Pop, Bill is introduced to life on the waterfront and sustainable fishing. But this is only the beginning, and Bill discovers something wonderful and unexpected. He learns that getting out of his own head and living with his heart is truly priceless.

Raw but from the heart, Working Waterfront: A Fish Tale by Bill Gerencer is a fascinating, perilous, and at times amusing memoir. In such a story, there is no plot to dissect; it is simply the chronicle of a man's life journey. However, the central theme—living your life well by finding and pursuing what you love—is ever-present and cannot be understated. Adding color to his story is the eclectic cast of real people who are not only believable but also familiar. The pace is fairly fast, and the writing style probably breaks a few literary rules, yet the memoir is all the more charming for it. Replete with some delicious recipes and easily understood information about the fishing industry, this book is both a breath of fresh (ocean) air and a delightful tale.