The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley

Recommended by Susan

155.935 RIP

Subtitled “Who survives when disaster strikes – and why,” The Unthinkable is a strangely empowering read on a horrific subject. Journalist Ripley explores every imaginable catastrophe, natural and man-made, and the nuances of human behavior that have determined individual survival. She interviews experts and survivors, detailing evolutionary responses which can help or hinder us, and training that has saved lives. The extraordinary value of reading the airplane escape route card, and the number of additional auto deaths occurring after 9-11 when people were afraid to fly are just two fascinating facts she unearths. Her main conclusion is that individual knowledge, attention, and preparedness are more immediately valuable than any public action. Public, and most corporate, policies tend to marginalize the public, when fully informing us would produce better results.

While the level of detail borders on overwhelming, this is nonetheless a fascinating read. In our heavily populated world with increasingly erratic weather patterns, the cautionary lessons are both striking and valuable.

Reviews