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The Unthinkable

Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why
Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of King County Library System.
Apr 27, 2020
The Unthinkable is a thoroughly researched examination of how people react when faced with disaster. Through reports and interviews, the author reveals the stages humans go through: denial, deliberation, and the decisive moment. Each of these has its advantages in the right situation, but how and when different people engage in these strategies, and what decisions they make, can mean the difference between life and death. The book holds the reader's interest, maintaining flow by interrupting the narrative with cinematic cuts, jumping from scene to scene. The result is a much quicker read than one might expect, given the subject matter and the thoroughness with which it is explored. Oviously, a lot of time, effort, and research went into this book, and it shows. The author seemingly has left no stone unturned in investigating the events and experiences of the players in various disasters: the 1917 explosion in Halifax, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire, 9/11, and several others. She sums it up with some basic strategies for surviving disaster: don't hesitate too long, know where the exits are, read the advisory card on the airliner, and believe you can survive: your mind will get creative in finding ways to stay alive.