"Semper Paratus" is the service motto of the United States Coast Guard. It's in a song I remember learning as a youngster. (I think I learned all the service songs). Today is Coast Guard Day.

Rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard: Great Acts of Heroism Since 1878, by Dennis L. Noble is a collection of true stories about those who willing put themselves in the path of danger to save others. What I appreciated about this book is that it's not just about the successful missions, they didn't all end with lives being saved. It's not fiction, this is real life.

I have only just started The United States Coast Guard in World War II: a History of Domestic and Overseas Actions, by Thomas P. Ostram as Coast Guard Day arrives, but so far it's been most interesting. All I really knew going into this book was that the Coast Guard combines with the Navy in times of war. (And that was because I watch NCIS) ;-) There's lots of information here, and the writing style is a bit dry, but the subject matter has been keeping me going, the Coast Guard has a most interesting history.

For beginning readers, or just to see some nice photos, there's The U.S. Coast Guard, by Matt Doeden. I'd like to think it would inspire young readers to read more. :-)

This might be a bit of a stretch, but Washed Up: the Curious Journeys of Flotsam and Jetsam, by Skye Moody is about coasts so I'm including it with the books about the Coast Guard. :-) There's a lot here ... a little bit of biography, some history (ships lost at sea), some science (ocean currents) and just what does wash up on the beach. There are many types of flotsam and jetsam, and there are collectors specific to each type. Sadly, much of it is garbage nowadays, especially the 'beach flute'. (You might not want to know any more). I especially loved learning that hundreds of Nike shoes washed up on the beach ... but only the left shoe. Why? And where did the right shoes go? Funny, sad, frustrating. Skye Moody is a Washington author.

Reading Hermit With Dog