Books matching: natural disaster
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'Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History' by Erik Larson tells the story of the devastating Galveston hurricane of 1900. The narrative revolves around Isaac Cline, the chief meteorologist for Galveston, who failed to predict the severity of the hurricane, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Larson skillfully weaves together the personal stories of individuals affected by the storm, the background of the weather service, and the city of Galveston itself, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the disaster. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the ignorance, arrogance, and tragic consequences of the deadliest hurricane in US history.
The writing style of the book combines historical facts with personal narratives, creating a compelling and informative read. Larson delves into the history of weather forecasting at the turn of the century, the political dynamics within the Weather Bureau, and the human aspects of the individuals involved in the events surrounding the Galveston hurricane. offers a gripping portrayal of the power and unpredictability of nature, highlighting the devastating impact of the storm on the city and its inhabitants.
Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s...- #2
Save:In "Lucifer's Hammer," a comet strikes the Earth, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, ranging from astronauts to street gang members, as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The book explores themes of survival, societal collapse, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophic events. Written in a vintage science fiction style, the story delves into the actions and reactions of people as they struggle to rebuild civilization in a post-apocalyptic world.
The bay trees in our country are all wither'd And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven; The pale-faced moon looks bloody on the earth And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change. These signs f... - #3
Save:'The Johnstown Flood' by David McCullough chronicles the devastating natural disaster that occurred in 1889 when a dam in western Pennsylvania collapsed, leading to one of the worst tragedies in US history. McCullough's writing style captivates readers by delivering a wealth of historical data in a compelling and engaging manner. The narrative explores the events leading up to the flood, exposing the failures and decisions that culminated in the disaster, while also shedding light on the social and economic dynamics of the time. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, McCullough brings to life the horror of the flood and its aftermath, providing insight into the lives of both the average citizens of Johnstown and the prominent figures involved.
By late afternoon a sharp, gusty wind was blowing down from the mountains, flattening the long grass along the lakeshore and kicking up tiny whitecaps out in the center of the lake. The big oaks and g... - #4
Save:'A Paradise Built in Hell' by Rebecca Solnit explores the idea that in times of disaster, ordinary people come together to form communities of hope and altruism, contrary to the popular belief of chaos and violence. Solnit delves into various historical disasters like the San Francisco Earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, and 9/11, highlighting the resilience and cooperation exhibited by individuals during these crises. Through a mix of research, personal stories, and sociological analysis, Solnit challenges the notion of elite panic and government mismanagement during disasters, emphasizing the positive aspects of human nature in times of crisis.
Solnit's writing style in 'A Paradise Built in Hell' has been described as a mix of theoretical analysis, personal narratives, and historical accounts. While some readers found the book to be a bit theoretical and opinion-driven, others appreciated the in-depth exploration of disasters and the grassroots efforts that emerge in response. offers a critical examination of how communities react to disasters, shedding light on the resilience and altruism that often arise in the face of adversity.
Who are you? Who are we? In times of crisis, these are life-and-death questions. Thousands of people survived Hurricane Katrina because grandsons or aunts or neighbors or complete strangers reached ou... - #5
Save:In "Life As We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer, the story follows 16-year-old Miranda as she documents the catastrophic events that unfold after a meteor hits the moon, knocking it out of its orbit. Through diary entries, Miranda details the challenges her family faces, including food shortages, extreme weather conditions, and the struggle for survival in a world turned upside down. The plot revolves around the themes of resilience, family bonds, and the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world, all narrated through the eyes of a teenage girl grappling with the new normal.
The book is praised for its engaging storytelling style, particularly the use of diary format to convey Miranda's journey and the unraveling of her family's life in the face of global catastrophe. Readers appreciate the realistic portrayal of the challenges and emotions experienced by the characters, as well as the thought-provoking exploration of themes such as survival, sacrifice, and the fragility of human existence.
“The baby is due in December,” Dad crowed, like he was the first guy in the history of the world with a younger second wife about to have a baby. “Isn’t that great! You’re going to have a little broth... - #6
Save:'Moonfall' by Jack McDevitt is a gripping science fiction novel set in the mid-2020s, where an interstellar comet threatens to collide with the Moon, potentially causing catastrophic damage to Earth. The story follows the struggles of various characters, including the Vice President of the U.S., as they race against time to evacuate the Moonbase and prevent the impending disaster. McDevitt weaves a complex narrative filled with suspense, action, and compelling character interactions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The writing style of 'Moonfall' is praised for its attention to detail, realistic portrayal of space science, and well-developed characters. The book effectively builds tension and suspense, engaging readers in the terror and hardships faced by the characters as they navigate through life-threatening situations in space. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives, including news media reports, showcasing the heroic efforts of individuals trying to avert a global catastrophe.
The Merrivale was bound for Honolulu, four days out of Los Angeles, when the eclipse began. Few of the passengers got up to watch the event. But Horace Brickmann, who’d paid a lot of money for this cr... - #7
Save:'The Rift' by Walter Jon Williams is a disaster novel set in the United States, focusing on a series of devastating earthquakes that lead to widespread flooding, the threat of nuclear meltdown, and civil disturbance. The plot follows various groups of characters as they navigate the aftermath of the natural disaster, including themes of survival, social consequences, and dealing with extreme situations. The author incorporates historical letters from the 1800s earthquake, technical details about earthquakes and nuclear reactors, and explores the interactions between characters amidst the chaos.
It is a remarkable fact, that there is a chain of low, level and marshy lands, commencing at the City of Cape Girardeau, in Missouri, and extending to the Gulf of Mexico; and between these two points ... - #8
Save:"Seveneves" by Neal Stephenson is a science fiction novel that starts with the sudden destruction of the moon, leading to catastrophic events on Earth. The book follows humanity's struggle for survival as they plan to escape to space by building a Cloud Ark centered around the ISS. The story delves into intricate technical details, orbital mechanics, and the challenges faced in preserving a sliver of humanity. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on the immediate aftermath of the disaster and the second part jumping 5000 years into the future, exploring new characters and genetic determinism.
An amateur astronomer in Utah was the first person on Earth to realize that something unusual was happening. Moments earlier, he had noticed a blur flourishing in the vicinity of the Reiner Gamma form... 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer is a gripping personal account of the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition, where several climbers lost their lives due to a sudden storm. Krakauer, a journalist and experienced climber, vividly describes the harrowing journey to the summit, highlighting the extreme physical and psychological challenges faced by the climbers. Through his detailed narration, Krakauer delves into the commercialization of Himalayan adventures, the allure of climbing the world's highest peak, and the tragic consequences of nature's unpredictability.
The book provides a chilling insight into the calamitous events that unfolded on Everest, showcasing Krakauer's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to evoke intense emotions in readers. The narrative transitions from a tale of adventure to a heart-wrenching story of survival and loss, offering a profound exploration of human nature, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of conquering the unconquerable.
Rob Hall New Zealand, leader and head guide Mike Groom Australia, guide Andy “Harold” Harris New Zealand, guide Helen Wilton New Zealand, Base Camp manager Dr. Caroline Mackenzie New Zealand, Base Cam...- #10
Save:In 'The Passage' by Justin Cronin, a dystopian future unfolds where vampire-like creatures control most of North America due to a failed experiment. The story spans over a hundred years, exploring the aftermath of the virus outbreak and the struggle for survival in a world devastated by these creatures. The narrative is filled with well-developed characters, compelling backstories, and a complex inner dialogue, all woven together through various storytelling techniques like first-person narratives, third-person perspectives, and journal entries.
The book captivates readers with its gripping plot, multi-layered storytelling, and unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre. It delves into themes of survival, hope, and the unknown future in a world where civilization has crumbled under the threat of vampire-like beings. With a mix of suspense, mystery, and elements of horror, 'The Passage' keeps readers on the edge of their seats, immersing them in a world where the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs.
The day Amy was born, her mother, Jeanette, was nineteen years old. Jeanette named her baby Amy for her own mother, who’d died when Jeanette was little, and gave her the middle name Harper for Harper ...
