To Hold The Sun

The award winning book that can change your life!
The book outlines the experiences of a young, poor, and disillusioned reporter who is enticed to do a series of articles about Paul, an unconventional philosopher and motivational speaker. In exchange, he gets to travel to and dive on Roatan, arguably one of the most beautiful, pristine islands in the Caribbean. Through a series of interviews, the reporter gets to know Paul's innermost philosophies. He learns an alternate way of living from a man who strives to perfect handstands on a dock and practices the art of happiness.
When the author realized his children were leaving home to begin their journeys through life, he wrote this story for them. He developed it as a guide to help them through life in a way that would allow them to enjoy the journey. Drawing on wildly diverse disciplines including stoicism, neuroscience, skepticism, behavioral economics, and spirituality; the reader is taken on a journey that exposes the author's philosophy of life. He shows that happiness is indeed a choice.
All places detailed on Roatan exist and are more beautiful than described.
Photos are by kind permission of Shawn Jackson.

2014 Bronze Medal Winner - Inspirational Fiction - Readers' Favorite International Book Awards.

So much more than just an original, engaging, and consistently entertaining story, "To Hold The Sun" can be viewed by the reader as a kind of guide or blueprint to live life in a way that would enable an appreciation of the journey and not just the destination. An expertly crafted work from beginning to end, "To Hold The Sun" is enthusiastically recommended reading and will prove an enduringly popular addition to community library collections!
-- Midwest Book Review

Chas describes the spiritual warrior's journey in way that makes you want to come along, roll up your sleeves, and do the work required to become the best version of you there is!
-- Timber Hawkeye, Buddhist Boot Camp

"Throughout the book, he shares words of wisdom so the reader can remember why they are here on earth. He helps point out that the journey can be just as great or even better than our final destination. Watkins reminds readers to be thankful for what we have, our surroundings, the Earth and loved ones who make the journey worth it."
-- Portland Review gives it 5 Stars "Next to "Gospel" rating

5 out of 5! I highly recommend this book to others, youth and adults. Normally, my respect for books makes me reluctant to mark them in any way, but in reading this book, I found myself highlighting favorite quotes and passages and writing notes in the margins. It's definitely a keeper to add to our own library. This book is not just to be read; it should be pondered, absorbed, practiced, shared, and discussed. I plan to re-read it with my own son and do just that. The author is working on a second book, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading that one as well.
-- San Francisco Book Review

The author's admirable philosophy of life shines through this well-constructed, engaging story... Watkins may have intended "To Hold The Sun" for his children, but it is just as much a gift for the reader, who is sure to be enlightened by the main character’s noble perspective on life. This is a little gem of a book.
-- Foreword Clarion Reviews

The book is fantastic! Filled with many practical techniques and information to help anyone be happy. The information is spread through a very comfortable, inviting story. It's an easy read.
--Judith Joy, author of Surviving Your Teenager...And Being Happy Anyway.