8 State Hurricane Kate a must read!
930463
8 State Hurricane Kate is the true story of Jenny  Pavlovic and her desire to go and help the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina.  She arrives in Gonzales, Lousiana, and a large shelter where rescued animals were processed before being sent to foster organizations around the country.  She meets others, just like her, from across the nation, and they care for the thousands of animals that are housed there and eventually moved out.  She also falls for an Australian Cattle Dog.  Something tells her that this  dog will not do well in the system, and she struggles with the bureaucracy, red tape and politics to be able to foster this dog.  With another hurricane bearing down, she finally receives the OK and brings "Kate" back home to Minnesota, traveling through parts of 8 states.
 This is also the story of the "power of one".  Jenny was compelled to take time away from work and home to pitch in and do what needed to be done.  There she meets scores of others, who were also just one.  They become a cohesive, effective group who spend long days and nights caring for the animal victims; animals left behind by fate, choice, or the system.  Individually they were one person, but together they were able to accomplish what most people would think impossible, under very primitive conditions in the aftermath of one of our country's greatest natural disasters.
 This story didn't end when Jenny got back to Minnesota.  After what she saw and experienced in Lousiana, she could not simply return to life as usual.  The people she met and worked side by side with at Gonzales would continue to be part of her life.  Together they continue to fight for the animals, wherever they may be.  Today they are involved in animal rescue, transport and fostering.  They are working to be better prepared for the next disaster so they can respond immediately when needed.  They also advocate for the animals for changes in laws and government policies.  Because of their work, we won't have to see people choosing between safety or their pets, or forced to leave them on a freeway overpass in the blazing sun.
 This book is a tribute to a little dog that changed Jenny's life forever.  It is a tribute to the people who gave selflessly after Katrina and continue to do so today.  If ever you think that one person can't make a difference, against overwhelming odds, you need to read this book.
1487566
I have enjoyed reading this book so much, and the photography is amazing. I love the Gulf Coast and it breaks my heart to read a first hand account of what the people endured that "rode" out the storm, and the devastation they faced when the storm was over. It is also moving the way the people of the MS Gulf coast took care of each other.
2923335
I enjoyed  reading Rooftop Terror thoroughly.  It is so thrilling to read a true story from someone who overcame so many obstacles.  The details were exhilarating, emotional and heartfelt.  The author conveyed his ordeal in such a personal and meticulous manner.  The title caught my interest.  I chose to  evacuate before the Kartrina hit.  Like many, I could not fathom staying home and experiencing the raft of a Hurricane 5 strength!  ... a Katrina evacuee
1417609
I loved this book. I was one of those people who wanted to hear stories about Katrina. She was a nasty storm many died. It was fascinating sad story.
3366890
As one who experienced Katrina first hand in South Mississippi, this is a book I wanted to read when first brought to my attention.
It did not disappoint!  The Author touched on so much of the heartbreak, the survival skills, the humanity, and the audacity of those young men to do what their elected officials failed to do.  Have recommended it to others--may even re-read it myself!!
4410623
Since Katie was from my community of course I was interested in her book! I knew Katie and am so happy she could survive such an ordeal. Much less write about it.  I give her credit and I hope no one else has to ever go thru such horror. Katie god bless you.  I could not put it down , I read it cover to cover in 1 day.  The book is interesting informative as well to the point!  A must read!
2753131
4.5* I really enjoyed this book by Kate Thomas. I love paranormal books and this one was great. Dru is a great character with great convictions. She loves her family and will do anything to protect them. There are many twists and turns towards the end and I can't wait to read how it all plays out in the future! I received a copy of this book from Hurricane Readers Review group and I also downloaded the FREE copy from Amazon,so should you!
1550464
When I lived in New York City, I used to watch The Weather Channel's hurricane coverage with detachment -- after all, hurricanes just didn't hit my hometown.  WRONG!  This book spells out not only how a major hurricane could hit NYC but also the major devastation it would likely cause.  It also more than hints about what cities can do in advance to prepare for such storms.  If you are looking for a book which will not only entertain but inform you, this is a good one!
1874031
What I hope for when I read a book is to:  Learn something; Be taken someplace I've never visited; Be given to opportunity to view a topic from a new perspective; Make me giggle, make me mad and make me cry.  "Warnings" did all that . . . and more.

Mike Smith has managed to mix childhood memories, science, battles with bureaucracy and thrilling stories of the power of nature . . . all in one solid read.  I loved it!

He takes the reader full circle in a true story that begins with his experience smack dab in the middle of the Ruskin Heights tornado at the age of 5, and then, back to the anniversary of that tragic event where lives were lost.  But that's just the perimeter of all that makes "Warnings" a great book.

Though many events in "Warnings" portray a visual sense of death and despair, Mike also lets you experience the flip side.  The side that celebrates the same events that occur where lives were saved.  This, only after meteorologists were finally "allowed" to warn people of imminent danger.

But, this isn't just another book about a series of tornadoes that blasts through the heartland, where Mike is from.  "Warnings" is also an education - Of the growing pains in meteorological science;  Occurrences where many people (including Mike) who stuck their neck out and risked their careers to warn the community, even before the warning system was officially in place;  The discovery of downbursts and microbursts that has virtually put an end to weather related plane crashes by Mike's friend and mentor, the late Ted Fujita;  The bureaucracy that got in the way of warning the residents before hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans;  The downburst related crash of the Delta 191 plane crash in Dallas on August 2, 1985 killing 135 people, and the fiasco of the trial that followed.

It's also a human story - Emotional and heartbreaking in his account of Mrs. Raymond King, who lost 5 children in the Udall, KS tornado and how the rescue and recovery team would suffer emotionally in the aftermath.  It's also about Tim Buckman, husband and father, who was a dedicated sheriff's deputy out storm spotting May 4, 2007 in order to warn residents who lived beyond earshot of tornado sirens to take shelter.  His car was hit by the massive tornado that destroyed Greensburg, KS, and was later found 200 yards from the highway on which he was driving.

After reading this book, I have a whole new respect for the people who dedicate their lives to the science of meteorology and the people (first responders) who risk their lives to rescue those in need.  So, the next time you're watching your favorite primetime television show and your local station breaks in for weather warnings, be thankful there's someone out there doing their best to make sure your town won't "die in it's sleep."
2213707
Fantastic stories of defiant women. I read this during Hurricane Sandy and felt a sense of empowerment and gratitude for the women that sacrificed so much. I can't imagine a life of not being allowed education, employment & a fair wage, reproductive rights etc... A great gift for women.
4728516
this girl can write! This is the second book I've read by her and I'm have found a new favorite-auto buy author.  The writing style is very drawn out and detailed. I normally avoid books like this one. I'm more of a feel good reader. And I particularly don't like stories where married couples are having difficulties. But I read an excerpt at the end of another book and could not stop reading.  I couldn't wait to see what happened next.  This is a long book, very well developed. Kate and nick have been married for 7 years, together for 10, and are fighting constantly until one day Kate just decides they need to divorce and Nick moves out. The story is all about Kate's inner turmoil as she tries to come to terms with The fact that Nick will be gone from her life forever. It is very heart wrenching and very realistic. Told through Kate's POV. Kate can be very frustrating to the reader because you're going "why are you being so obtuse!" but that's what makes it so real and relatable because it's easy to judge as an observer but not so easy for an individual to go through. Great book.
2165078
Books about the Deep South are some of my most favorite to read--the heat and humidity always seem to just seep right through the pages with their passion and longing and this book is no exception.

Dave Robicheaux is a Louisiana police detective trying to sort out a murder, a burglary and a variety of other crimes that are somehow connected.  As Dave is trying to sort through the mess, evil comes into his own home and threatens his best friend, bail bondsman Clete, and adopted daughter.  This book was the 17th in the series but I really didn't feel like I was missing anything.

The book is set during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  While I have read many books about this disaster as a focus or even setting, none made the horror of the crime spree aftermath so very real. The description of the destruction of New Orleans is what struck me most strongly about this book.  It seemed to read like a tragedy, almost an ode, to a grand, beautiful lady whose prime time had somehow been robbed of her before her time.

 It was a police/procedural mystery that felt as if I were riding right along in Dave's cruiser.  It's so realistic and gritty you can feel the sand and dirt swirling around in your brain.  The mystery is full of sharp twists and turns and while sometimes these books are too technical for me, this one fit just right.
And, just when you think you know who did it, you find out you didn't even know what 'it' is!

I always love to discover a new author and a new detective to fall for--Dave Robicheaux is now on my "Most Wanted List"--I suppose I've have to go back and read all 16 before and the others since!  A small price to pay for a great read.
3589156
This book is excellent, well written and keeps you glued to find out more. A great concept for the story and am looking forward to the other two in the series. Kim pulls a lot from her experience living in Maine. Her others books (also excellent) are filled with historical Maine facts. This one uses a lot of references for anyone who has ever been to Maine, book makes you feel like your right there in the woods with Harvey. Another AWESOME book KIM, can't wait for the rest!!!!
2170133
Sheri Fink has done us all a favor by showing vividly what could happen right now in a horrific emergency in our own home towns. Using Katrina and one hospital in New Orleans as examples, Fink itemizes what can go wrong in a disaster and points out the difficulties of finding useful solutions.

1. Even after Katrina, few hospitals have effective emergency plans today.
2. Few hospitals have enough drugs or oxygen on hand for patients.
3. Many hospitals rely on electricity, with no back-up generators for ventilators or other technology..
4. Many hospitals have electricity and food supplies in the basement, all vulnerable to water damage.
5. Many hospitals have 5---15 floors, and when the elevators go out, no plan is ready to implement in removing patients or in an effective method of using the stairs to help patients.
6. Politicians use scare tactics to prevent good hospital care for all.
7. For private hospitals, a disaster is increased by too much attention to the bottom line. Greed rules.
8. In a disaster, panic ensues, even among professionals.
9. For Katrina-like hurricanes, emergency evacuation should be started immediately, when the storm is still days away from landfall.
10. Triage sounds like a plan, but triage rules are faulty, are miss-applied and often do not include family input.
11. Rumor-control must be in place when communications break down.
12. The USA is not number one in disaster health care and must improve...now.
3337101
I was eager to get this one after buying Key Largo by the same writers. This is really great! The paragraphs of history under the photos are absolutely fascinating. I've read other Images of America books, and these Keys editions are some of the very best. The photos are evocative of another time and place. Hard to imagine the Keys we see today looking as it did in the past. There are pictures of the aftermath of the 1935 Hurricane -- terrible destruction, many dead. It's one thing to read a description, another to see the devastation in a picture. Very moving. This book makes me appreciate how tough those early settlers and dreamers must have been to stick it out on the Keys -- without AC! Recommended.
1278454
Having lived in South Florida through several hurricanes (including Andrew), I can rightfully say that this book was eerily accurate in the details of a hurricane.  I know what its like to sit in a house with no electricity, everyone huddled around a radio listening to news reports, and hoping that we all make it out alive.

Eyewall shows us three separate perspectives of a category 5 hurricane and how the people dealt with it.  Each one just as terrifying and gripping as the next.  This is a masterpiece work of fiction that should not be missed by anyone!

In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
1133114
I live in Mississippi but paid a lot of attention to our next door neighbors during this outbreak by watching James Spann on the internet during the storm. I saw what happened and heard about the lives taken because of the storm, and this book helped me to put faces on those who went through this terrible tragedy. It's also a great book to help those who have an interest in bad weather as to how these breakouts are formed, forcasted and covered. There are very few books that I find that are as great as this one. Definitely a great read!!