For Ben, it really seems like the perfect solution. Ben's previous job in construction finished up and, unable to find a new one that fit his ambitions, he was beginning to think that he would have to take a meager job that he doesn't want. When he sees an ad asking for crew members to sail to Tahiti with "No Experience Required," Ben applies right away. The man who interviews him, Carl, says that they are sailing the ship to the South Seas to work on the concept of providing charter cruises for people. Once they've done that for a year, the plan is to sell off the ship and Ben will be paid a portion of the sale for his time. He will also be given all his food and clothing that he needs on board. Ben will be taught everything that he needs to know to learn how to sail.
Granted, this does sound a little too good to be true. I mean, who's going to just teach you everything you need to know when they could find someone who already knows how to sail. Ben realizes this as well, so the plan is to ride with them down to California and sail to Hawaii first. If he wants to leave the crew in Hawaii, then he is free to leave.
On the way to California, Ben rides with Carl and two new people; Rudy, who is obviously in trouble, and Purrette, who is wonderfully beautiful. This is the most unusual group of people Ben has met in a while, but he bites his tongue because he wants to see the job through. The captain, Duane, takes an instant disliking to Ben. Duane tells Carl that Ben is trouble, but Carl says he's staying so that's final.
The trip to Hawaii is just Duane and Ben. Ben learns a lot from Duane and finds that he likes sailing, but he still doesn't like Duane and Duane doesn't like Ben. Duane tells Carl that Ben is too smart and might ask questions that they don't want him to ask. Ben decides to stay on after Hawaii because he really likes the work. He knows that he's not going to be happy dealing with Rudy on the ship, but he likes the work.
Once they get to Tahiti, Ben meets a woman and starts to really enjoy life. Carl hasn't sent them any clients, so Ben starts finding people to take on day tours. Ben is really ambitious and wants to make money. Duane and Rudy don't have the same ambition, but they're happy for the free income if Ben does all the work. Ben decides that he never wants to leave the island. He's happy there and doesn't want to continue on, especially since he knows what's going on with the ship now. Life isn't always so simple though and Ben's going to have really work to get the life that he wants.
I would say that Better Than Ever, Again is a good beach read. I would also recommend not thinking about it too hard. I found that I was confused sometimes because the point of view would change without warning. But, if you just keeping reading, you'll get it. If you're looking for an easy beach read for the summer, pick up Better Than Ever, Again.
