Books matching: disasters and catastrophes
43 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Mother of Winter' by Barbara Hambly is the fourth book in the Darwath series, continuing the story five years after the events of the original trilogy. The book follows the characters as they face a new threat involving ancient mages and the being known as the Mother of Winter. The plot involves a journey to prevent a catastrophic event, with elements of suspense, fantasy, and mystery woven into the narrative. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-developed characters and a strong back story of the Keep.
“Do you see it?” Gil Patterson’s voice was no louder than the scratch of withered vines on the stained sandstone wall. Melding with the shadows was second nature to her by now. The courtyard before th...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Darwath ) - #2
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... - #3
Save:'The Swarm' by Frank Schatzing is an epic eco-thriller that delves into the consequences of nature turning against humanity. The book intricately weaves together a diverse cast of characters, scientific research, and global settings to build up to a disaster of catastrophic proportions. The plot unfolds with mysterious attacks by sea creatures, showcasing a blend of action-packed sequences and in-depth exploration of scientific concepts related to marine biology and environmentalism.
The writing style of 'The Swarm' is described as pacy and engaging, with a heavy emphasis on science and environmental themes. The author, Frank Schatzing, is praised for his extensive research and attention to detail, creating a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. Despite its length, the book keeps readers on edge with suspenseful moments and a complex storyline that challenges conventional notions of humanity's relationship with the natural world.
The summons came as Johanson was preparing to drive out to the lake. On his return from Kiel he’d contacted Tina Lund to tell her about the experiment in the deep-sea simulation chamber. They hadn’t t... - #4
Save:'The Quiet War' by Paul J. McAuley is a hard science fiction novel set in our solar system, exploring the tensions and conflicts between humans living on Earth and those living in space. The narrative follows multiple characters as they navigate through political intrigue, genetic manipulation, and the lead up to a war that could decide the future of human evolution. McAuley paints a vivid picture of a future society divided into power blocks ruled by different regions, with a strong focus on the science of genetic manipulation and man-made organisms.
Every day the boys woke when the lights came on at 0600. They showered and dressed, made their beds and policed the dormitory, endured inspection by one of their lectors. Breakfast was a dollop of mai... - #5
Save:John Barnes' "Mother of Storms" is a thrilling novel set in the future of 2028, where killer hurricanes are unleashed due to a nuclear explosion releasing methane from undersea clathrate deposits. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, delving into the science of global weather patterns and meteorological phenomena. The plot unfolds with a military action leading to the escalation of ocean temperatures and the creation of superstorms that threaten Earth's population. Despite the disaster theme, the book explores cyber reality, deep space, and the role of augmented humans in saving the world.
Barnes weaves a complex narrative that encompasses political, social, and business angles of life in 2028, highlighting technological advancements such as self-driving vehicles and social media. The book touches on themes of global cataclysm and the need for humanity to reset, while also incorporating elements of suspense, unexpected twists, and a wide cast of characters that maintain varying levels of interest throughout the story.
- #6
Save:'Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America' by John M. Barry delves into the catastrophic 1927 flood of the Mississippi River, exploring its far-reaching impacts on American history, politics, race relations, and society. Through a detailed narrative, the author covers the events leading up to the flood, the response efforts during the disaster, and the aftermath that shaped the nation's future. Barry weaves together the stories of key historical figures, such as Herbert Hoover and LeRoy Percy, to provide a comprehensive view of the flood's consequences on the United States. The writing style is engaging and informative, offering readers a deep dive into the complexities of the flood and its lasting effects.
THE VALLEY of the Mississippi River stretches north into Canada and south to the Gulf of Mexico, east from New York and North Carolina and west to Idaho and New Mexico. It is a valley 20 percent large... '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...- #8
Save:'The Great Deluge' by Douglas Brinkley is a detailed and harrowing account of the catastrophic events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. The book meticulously describes the unfolding disaster, highlighting the ineptitude of the Bush administration and the mistreatment of the people of New Orleans. Through engrossing storytelling, Brinkley examines the failures of various governmental agencies and officials, shedding light on the preventable devastation caused by the hurricane and subsequent flooding.
The narrative delves into the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, exploring the monumental challenges faced by the survivors and the ongoing issues of rebuilding and recovery. Brinkley's writing style captivates readers with its spellbinding depiction of the human angles of the tragedy, while also providing insights into the political landscape and the heroic efforts of first responders and volunteers during the crisis.
'No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World's 14 Highest Peaks' by Ed Viesturs details the incredible journey of becoming the first American to summit all fourteen of the 8,000 meter mountains in the Himalayas without bottled oxygen. The narrative follows Viesturs through his expeditions, showcasing the physical and mental challenges faced by climbers, the risks involved, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of this remarkable achievement. provides a deep insight into the world of high-altitude mountaineering, highlighting the dangers, triumphs, and tragedies that come with attempting such monumental feats.
Viesturs' memoir is not just a recount of his climbing adventures but also delves into his personal life, including his family, career choices, and the motivations driving him to conquer these towering peaks. The writing style keeps readers engaged with a mix of action-packed accounts of expeditions, emotional moments of loss and triumph, and introspective reflections on the mindset required to take on such extreme challenges. Through Viesturs' experiences, the book explores themes of determination, risk management, and the relentless pursuit of a passion that defies conventional wisdom.
As usual in the midst of a several-day summit push at high altitude, Scott and I were too keyed up to fall asleep. We tossed and turned in our sleeping bags. Then suddenly, around ten P.M., the radio ...- #10
Save:Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier in World War II, was abandoned on an island in the Philippines and told not to surrender until the rest of the Japanese army came back for him. He and a handful of others held out for years, surviving in the jungle by devising techniques for survival and avoiding detection. Despite attempts by his own government and family to retrieve him, Onoda remained engaged in shootouts with police even decades after the war ended. The book "No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War" is his own account of the extraordinary story of his devotion to duty and blind obedience to a lifetime of government brainwashing.
The book delves into Onoda's perspective, duty, honor, commitment, and culture, exploring how he and his comrades continued to believe that Japan had won the war even as they were aware that the country was prospering under American occupation. It showcases the incredible story of Onoda's unwavering dedication to his mission as a guerilla fighter, his survival techniques in the jungle, and the struggles he faced in accepting the end of the war and his mission.
I HID IN THE BUSHES, waiting for the time to pass. It was a little before noon on March 9, 1974, and I was on a slope about two hours away from Wakayama Point. My plan was to wait until the time of th...
