Books matching: natural disasters
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- #1
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 ... - #2
Save:'The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us and What We Can Do about Them' by Lucy Jones is an exploration of notable natural disasters in human history, focusing on events that impacted large populations and the human response to these catastrophic events. The author delves into historical disasters such as Mount Vesuvius' destruction of Pompeii in 79 CE and the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011, providing insights into how societies have dealt with and learned from such calamities. Jones emphasizes the importance of not only surviving the crisis but also ensuring effective recovery and preparation for future disasters, highlighting the need for resilient communities in the face of natural forces beyond human control.
Contrary to the title, 'The Big Ones' does not solely cover the most intense natural disasters but instead focuses on events that fundamentally changed communities and cultures. Through a combination of historical accounts and geological narratives, the book examines how fear influences responses to catastrophes and the reasoning behind these reactions. Jones takes readers on a journey through significant disasters like the volcanic eruption of Pompeii, the devastating floods in California in 1862, and the impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, offering a comprehensive look at how natural disasters have shaped human history and society.
Vesuvius’s eruption in the sixth century BC led the Osci tribes of that region, and the Roman conquerors who followed, to declare it the home of the god Vulcan. The periodic steam rising from it was a... - #3
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... - #4
Save:In Robert Harris' "Pompeii," the story unfolds in AD 79 as Marcus Attilius, an aquarius overseeing the Aqua Augusta aqueduct, is sent to Pompeii to investigate a water supply issue. As he delves into the problem, he uncovers political intrigue, portentous signs of an imminent disaster, and the looming eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Despite the predictable outcome, the novel is described as a definite page-turner, blending science, engineering, and historical elements seamlessly into the plot.
The book offers a vivid portrayal of life in ancient Rome, specifically in Pompeii, before the catastrophic eruption. Readers are transported back in time, experiencing the daily struggles, conflicts, and societal dynamics of the era through the eyes of the protagonist, Attilius. The narrative skillfully weaves together tales of corruption, survival, and love amidst the impending natural disaster, creating an engrossing and suspenseful story that captures the essence of Pompeii's final days.
A strong correlation has been found between the magnitude of eruptions and the length of the preceding interval of repose. Almost all very large, historic eruptions have come from volcanoes that have ... - #5
Save:"Washed Away: How the Great Flood of 1913, America's Most Widespread Natural Disaster, Terrorized a Nation and Changed It Forever" by Geoff Williams is a gripping narrative that chronicles the catastrophic Great Flood of 1913, starting with tornadoes in Nebraska and leading to devastating flooding and storms across several states, with a focus on the impact on cities like Dayton, Ohio. Through a timeline-style storytelling approach, the author vividly portrays the harrowing experiences of individuals facing nature's fury, showcasing both heroic rescues and heartbreaking losses. provides intimate portraits of victims, rescuers, and bystanders, giving readers a ground-level perspective of the disaster and highlighting the humanity amidst tragedy.
At least, the faint remaining paper trail that represents his life suggests that he didn’t have this coming. The 24-year-old had made many good friends ever since moving two years earlier to the tiny ... 'Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894' by author Daniel James Brown is a comprehensive account of the horrors of The Great Hinckley Fire. The author skillfully transports the reader back to the same day and time as those experiencing the tragedy firsthand, highlighting the heroism shown by a few individuals amidst the disastrous fire. Through vivid storytelling and great detail, the book explores the emotional impact of the firestorm, shedding light on the unbelievable weather patterns and sheer power contained within a firestorm.
On a starred night Prince Lucifer uprose. Tired of his dark dominion, swung the fiend Above the rolling ball in cloud part screened, Where sinners hugged their spectre of repose. Poor prey to his hot ...- #7
Save:Storm Runners by Roland Smith is a fast-paced and action-packed young adult book that follows Chase Masters and his father as they travel across the country, chasing storms and helping with disaster relief. The story is set in Florida, where they find themselves caught in the midst of Hurricane Emily, facing dangerous situations and unexpected challenges. The plot revolves around Chase's survival skills being put to the test as he navigates through the storm with a group of friends, dealing with floods, alligators, and the aftermath of the hurricane. The writing style is described as engaging, with short chapters, tons of action, and a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
- #8
Save:"The Children's Blizzard" by David Laskin explores the devastating blizzard that hit the Great Plains in 1888, focusing on the personal tragedies and triumphs of those who experienced the storm firsthand. Laskin delves deep into the historical, economic, and scientific context surrounding the blizzard, detailing the meteorological causes and the impact of hypothermia on the victims. Through narratives of immigrant families from Norway, Germany, and Eastern Europe, the book paints a vivid picture of the hardships faced by settlers in the Midwest during this natural disaster.
The author weaves together accounts of the blizzard's victims, the struggles of pioneers, and the evolving field of meteorology, creating a comprehensive narrative that combines elements of collective biography, history, and science. offers a detailed exploration of the events leading up to and following the blizzard, shedding light on the human resilience and tragedy intertwined with the forces of nature.
Land, freedom, and hope. In the narrow stony valleys of Norway and the heavily taxed towns of Saxony and Westphalia, in Ukrainian villages bled by the recruiting officers of the czars and Bohemian far... - #9
Save:'Little Infamies' by Panos Karnezis is a collection of strikingly original short stories set in a small, nameless village in Greece. The stories are described as extraordinary, shocking, colorful, amusing, resonant, and sometimes tragic. Karnezis' writing style is praised as fresh, lyrical, and enriched, with the ability to subvert English into a delight to read. captures the essence of contemporary Greece while being compared to the works of renowned authors like James Joyce, Raymond Carver, and Guy de Maupassant.
Since dawn the air had the sultriness of fermenting juices and later, just before lunch, the dog started barking for no reason and did not stop until Father Yerasimo chased her away with stones. He co... - #10
Save:Portent by James Herbert is a supernatural thriller that follows the story of climatologist James Rivers as he tries to make sense of the destructive events happening around the world. The plot revolves around psychic twins who have visions and healing abilities, connecting with a mysterious woman from New Orleans who serves Mother Earth through destruction. As natural disasters ravage the planet, the small balls of light rising from the earth serve as portents of impending calamity. The book combines elements of horror, suspense, and supernatural phenomena to explore the theme of mankind's impact on the environment and the consequences of their actions.
