I’ve got this mental list of people that I’d like to sit down and have a meal or drink with. People I’d like to learn more about what made them who they are/were, or just stand in awe of. Laird Hamilton is fast approaching that short list (okay, maybe the list is long).

To be upfront… I don’t know how to surf and honestly don’t really care to know how. The closest thing I get to deep sea sports are sand volleyball and watching the go-fast boats in Miami Vice. After all men, I hail from an inland state; my ocean is deep forest and my sea is mud. I’ll leave the immediate fascination with sailing to my creole cohort, Ben Bowers.

Recently, I finished the surprisingly philosophical book, Force of Nature by Laird Hamilton. Hamilton is hailed as one of (if not) the world’s greatest big-wave surfers. Honestly, I can’t make that claim myself, but I have been sideline-curious about the guy. He must be one of the most covered (if not most marketed) big-wave surfers out there, but the guy has a sense about him and a unique story - both covered and realized in his first foray into authoring a book.

After reading, one can’t help but feel that Laird Hamilton understands the tribulations men deal with, despite his idolized career. Laird Hamilton is a man who was abandoned by his father shortly after birth, a man who’s first job was working on a pig farm, and a man who dropped out of high school to become an all-around world-renown badass surfer.

The man’s work is his passion and that, gents, is what it’s all about. Hamilton chronicles all that took him from pig slop to deep blue and shares what it takes to get there. Its a fascinating read (dare I say inspiring?) as the man proves its possible. Mental, physical discipline compulsory. And lest you discount his accomplishments, the man is married to Gabrielle Reece and spends his time riding waves while others surf TPS reports.

Cost: $18

Also See: Check out some videos and photos of Laird Hailton on his site.