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I have recently finished "Sharks in the Runway" by Capt. Paul W. Harding and can say, without doubt, that it was one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. I am sorry it came to an end. Paul takes us from the dismal atmosphere of an English boarding school to the tranquil beauty of the Bahama Islands where he now resides. He gives us an early history of the Bahamas, with highlights including the peaceful Governmental revolution of the 1960's which led to Bahamian Independence up to the devastation of Hurricane Matthew less than two years ago.

He described his early days as an assistant to a dive-boat tour company after which he worked his way up to the ownership of a charter boat organization. Regretfully as a result of governmental red-tape, some false friends, and days when the Bahamian weather was not picture-postcard perfect he sold the business and looked for something else to do. He decided to set up a charter sea-plane business. So sure he was of success that he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase a brand new sea-plane before he have even taken a flying lesson of any kind.

If you are interested in travel, a history of the Bahamas, the freedom of flying or witnessing how a man can overcome adversity this is the book for you--I highly recommend it.

This is an amazing read, could not put it down. from start to finish the detail is outstanding, it not only tells the story of the authors amazing life it also chronicles parts of history which affected his life.

The story starts with his childhood which he partly lives in the UK and partly in the Bahamas and goes on to detail how he came to love everything about the islands within the Bahamas and how his life was shaped by that love and also his love of flying which resulted in him meeting really fascinating people. I totally enjoyed every page I read really hope another one is written.

We need more books like this! Capt. Paul Harding captures his life and tales in a whimsical and heartfelt way that makes you want more. Especially in times such as these, we need more accounts of lives lived where we follow our hearts and this does just that. I found myself reading pages saying "that's me!" as he escapes dreary UK and takes many risks (both personal and business) to follow his passion of being out in nature, sharing experiences with others, and also finding self fulfillment in starting his own seaplane charter business which is a namesake in the Bahamas now.

Many times I felt as if the author was speaking straight to me as he describes that deep longing to be in the Bahamian sun, and that indescribable WATER as he took risks to build a life rooted in - happiness.....

An honest writing as well, weaving in the personal challenges we all face as humans especially for a life following ones passions and not letting mediocrity win the day, this book can serve us all well to follow our dreams and never look back. And to never forget to appreciate Mother Nature every step of the way.

A well written very personal autobiography that covers 50 years of adventure in The Bahamas. It takes courage to share the personal events included in his book. Enjoyed the pictures - nice to see so may people we know from our travels.

We have visited the islands for thirty years and Paul's book provides a vivid description of the beauty and history of The Bahamas. I thought it was helpful the way he added global events into the history to give readers perspective on the relationships global events to events in The Bahamas.

I gave it 5 stars as it reminded me of our adventures in the islands over the past thirty years

What an absolutely delightful read of the Bahamas and also England! Even if you are not familiar with the Bahamas it is just a wonderful story of a young boys desire to live in another country and succeed at doing so.

This is a big book, 563 pages and I did not want it to end. I am only hoping that Paul Harding will write another one in the very near future! If I had four thumbs they would all be up!

Captain Paul Harding and Melissa Maura are absolutely incredible people saving all kinds of animals and wildlife. This children's book is so beautifully written and illustrated ...so heartfelt. Every parent and child will love reading it. I got copies for my grandkids & I can't wait to read it with them.

I was looking for a vacation read and this one caught my eye, not only by it's cover, but by the author's name, having flown with Captain Paul way back in 2006 on our first vacation to Fowl Cay in the Exumas. For anyone who had ever visited the "Family Islands", and in particular the Exumas, this book will take you back. For those whom have never visited the out islands, or Bahamas, this will provide you some insights into the beauty as well as some of the every day life challenges which is the price to be paid to live in paradise. It was a perfect blend of personal and geographic history, balanced by Paul's love of his adopted country, while at the same time sharing some of the same bureaucratic frustrations that we have heard from so many others during our travels in the Bahamas over the years. We have visited the Exumas numerous times since Paul's retirement by way of land based charters, so we never were to replicate the excitement of landing in that remarkable water as we did on our first trip. I was glad to read that Paul always enjoyed that same feeling throughout his career as I am sure thousands of his customers did. (Photos from our fist trip which were later published in the Boston Globe Travel Section.) Paul remains our one and only barefoot pilot, and we witnessed first hand his vigilance in keeping salt out of the cabin, but we now have a better understanding of why. Although there were a few proof edits missed, it did not deter from the enjoyment of this book so I would recommend to anyone who shares a love for Bahamas, aviation, and a bit of adventure...it will not disappoint. Thanks to the author sharing your story, and for introducing us to the Exumas, one of the most beautiful spots on earth!

Paul has written this account of his journey growing up in the Bahamas in such a way that anyone familiar with our little country won't want to stop reading once they start. The account of his adventure over these past 50 years melds the events specific to his experience along with global events in a way that permits the reader to juxtapose their life experience against his. Paul is known to me personally as "family" as I married the niece of his first wife Kathy. Paul is two years older than I and my Mother in Law (Paul's sister in Law) figured I should have married Kathy as we were of similar ages while my wife Kim is 10 years my junior. As our lives have paralleled each other's this book has given me the opportunity to fill in all the awkward blanks that Kim couldn't fill in regarding Paul's journey. The story provides the reader with an account of life in the Bahamas from the perspective of a young man given the opportunity to be part of something worthwhile (life in the Bahamas) while being subjected to many difficulties ensuing from identities that are thrust upon us by society with all its unfairness. It is a book about overcoming heritage that encumbers and grasping opportunities and holding on working hard and making life a decent ride by being a decent person. Certainly a must read for all of us who believe we know Paul and a great way to learn more about this wonderful country that both he and I were able to adopt and make a little better. It certainly is Better InThe Bahamas and certainly so because of Paul's contribution.

This is a book that will appeal to a broad audience as it is full of interesting things to us pilots and travelers. It is not overly technical nor does it simply dwell on the flying experience. It enables the reader regardless of his life experience to share in an educational adventure that includes a broad enjoyment of life while applying oneself to earning that right rather than simply being given the means. In this regard it is an inspiration to the reader to optimistically examine the possibilities even when disadvantaged.

Paul Harding, self taught, self made and self realized has cast his true story 'Sharks in the Runway' and its international characters into a cozy yet exhilarating tale. It takes us from one boys upbringing to his indubitably larger than life manhood in a jocularly unassuming ride-along of his far flung legacy. Stories of stories ~ a humbly compelling vortex of exotic adventure, romance, our planets recent history, all bound in compelling hard learned truths. Every chapter stands apart. Each packed with its own anecdotal gems, each lyrically linking the developments this man encounters, above in ever boundless flight , below, under earths oceans, and, on mans home, land. At 500 plus pages 'Sharks on the Runway' is the kind of tomb doubly suitable as an emergency wheel chock on his faithful Maule amphibious airplane..yet to be sure it would be unfair to tell this exuberant life-story in less space than it indeed deserved.

So it was that I cracked the first of those 563 pages of Paul's heartfelt work, happy to find myself instantly encapsulated in the life of a young mans journey from a proper schooling through to a most proper and vibrant habitation. No so much a page turner but more a glass of smooth Sherry that one sips with ease and at ones leisure. An unrushed yarn to enjoy in casual environs. A chapter here, a larger bite there, lightly savoring his ease of words, his spins on our world. These are stories with aspects that often resonate in us personally also, our upbringings and the many challenges as our journeys took hold. In addition, having been a career cinematographer, sure enough the writer has lovingly interspersed a comprehensive and beautifully crafted portfolio of captivating color photos curated by Melissa Maura and Paul which visually anchor the stories in real time and space. It's a book that's your special friend, an aperitif, not to be inhaled but softly admired. Hard to put down but so easy at the same time, knowing there is more to be revealed. So if you need a gentle kick in the seat of your aviation pants, put your feet up and get this ageless tribute to life.

JPL Dec. 2017

Ok, I admit I bought the book to see if I was in it (yup). I shouldn’t have been surprised that it’s an excellent read - Paul is a renaissance man ( and a bit of a pirate, like many a true true Bahamian) and writes well (does most everything well). Having known him for over a decade, in and out of his planes, I was still surprised at the many details and adventures strung through his envious life that I wasn’t aware of. His descriptions of a life you have not even imagined is possible, will keep you up all night (damn you Paul! 😁). Beyond the enjoyment I received from reading an inspiring biography, it was nice to “reconnect” with an old friend.

After reading a short excerpt from this book in Air Facts, I purchased the full book. Being the same age as Paul and a pilot of planes similar to all the ones in this book, I found myself reliving some of my flights along with Paul. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and aviation.

What an absolutely delightful read of the Bahamas and also England! Even if you are not familiar with the Bahamas it is just a wonderful story of a young boys desire to live in another country and succeed at doing so.This is a big book, 563 pages and I did not want it to end. I am only hoping that Paul Harding will write another one in the very near future! If I had four thumbs they would all be up!

I live in Florida. I’ve been a scuba instructor for 12 years. I’m obsessed with airplanes. So, This book was an absolute joy for me to read. Paul’s life is now a small part of who I am. I can’t thank him enough for writing it. Life is better when we share it with each other.

Harding came to the Bahamas from England as a boy and never left. His memoir shares amazing stories of his life's journey, especially from his business as a Scuba guide and then seaplane pilot flying the Exuma Cays. Well written and told in a matter-of-fact style reminiscent of Out Island Doctor. Like the adventure written by Evans Cottman, I believe that this too is destined to become a classic.

Great Book! Loved Reading Mr Hardings biography! Some people dream to live, and some of us Live the Dream! Mr. Harding was able to create a life in paradise of the Bahamas. Believing in oneself is what sets successful people apart from followers. It was difficult putting down his book and finished reading it in just a few days!

This book was well written and unusual in the fact that it was done with historical facts as a timeline. We have traveled to the Bahamas and used Mr Harding for lots of his out- island adventures and it brought back memories of great time and many adventures of hospitable people and warm friendly native islanders. Loved the book!

Truly ENJOYED your SPECTACULARLY well written Biography. 50 years of The Best History in the Bahamas. A Bahamian Classic. Congratulations.!!! Couldn’t put it down, laughed, cried, enjoyed your many captivating stories on the edge of my seat !!

Thank you for immortalizing our generation. You are a gifted writer. CONGRATS !!

If you love flying and have dreamed of visiting the Bahamas then this is the book for you. His vivid descriptions are the next best thing to actually being there. You will most definitely want to visit the Bahamas after reading this book. A wonderful journey told be a true gentleman.

Not only does one get to follow Paul through his adventures, focused in The Bahamas. The reader is treated to snapshots of world history from the same periods covered in that chapter. It's a real page turner!

I dragged out reading this book,,I didn't want to finish it! When I did it was that feeling you get from a great story of knowing the people, the places and not wanting to leave.

My family and I have spent allot of time in the Bahamas. I enjoyed reading and learning about the places we have visited.

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