Product Description
Discover how human beings react to danger–and what makes the difference between life and deathToday, nine out of ten Americans live in places at significant risk of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorism, or other disasters. Tomorrow, some of us will have to make split-second choices to save ourselves and our families. How will we react? What will it feel like? Will we be heroes or victims? In her quest to answer these questions, award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley traces human responses to some of recent history’s epic disasters, from the explosion of the Mont Blanc munitions ship in 1917–one of the biggest explosions before the invention of the atomic bomb–to the journeys of the 15,000 people who found their way out of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. To understand the science behind the stories, Ripley turns to leading brain scientists, trauma psychologists, and other disaster experts. She even has her own brain examined by military researchers and experiences, through realistic simulations, what it might be like to survive a plane crash into the ocean or to escape a raging fire.Ripley comes back with precious wisdom about the surprising humanity of crowds, the elegance of the brain’s fear circuits, and the stunning inadequacy of many of our evolutionary responses. Most unexpectedly, she discovers the brain’s ability to do much, much better–with just a little help.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 78 reviews)

Fantastic look into seldom-seen side of disaster by Christopher D. Estes (Silver Spring, MD USA)

5 Stars
November 06, 2009
Ripley is a clear, thoughtful author who can mix surprising little facts (Americans are twice as likely to die by suicide than be murdered) with a deep look at what ISN'T done with the lessons learned from disasters. If there was a list of books that everyone should read (and I might start one) this would be on it.

A MUST READ, EASY READ, PRACTICAL , I GAVE A COPY TO MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AS A MUST READ! by Nora R. Facchiano (Hyattsville, MD)

5 Stars
October 05, 2009
If you did not prepare before you will after reading this book. The author is most knowledgeable and has based her presentation on researched facts. Give this book to your loved ones who don't prepare. I am going to require my Extended School Staff (who don't like to have practice drills) to read this book! Nora Facchiano A teacher/director who believes every word Dr. Amanda Ripley says!

Fascinating read! by Veronica Murphy (Florida)

5 Stars
September 08, 2009
This is a fascinating read! If you are interested in crises and disasters and how people process the situation, check out this book. Ripley does a good job of contacting academics and researchers who know this stuff (Slovic, Mileti). While including anecdotal information from actual survivors, there is also a theoretical rationale for why people act a certain way in a crisis or disaster. It's great for anyone interested in this topic area; also a good read for those who study this for a living.

Think Again by Larry Underwood (Scottsdale, AZ)

4 Stars
September 04, 2009
Amanda Ripley's compelling perspective on the things survivors do to get out of disasters alive, is a fascinating story. It serves as a disturbing reminder than so many poor souls react too slowly, either frozen in panic (rare occurance) or simply misjudging the magnitude of the situation unfolding (all too common occurance). Ripley discusses the typical stages that people enter when faced with an unexpected, life threatening catastrophe. The key seems to be reducing the amount of time spent on the first phase---denial. Yes, it's really happening & it's of urgent importance to take the necessary survival actions to live another day. Reducing the "unthinkable" mind-set to quickly "realizing there's trouble" approach is certainly the key. It's common sense, but that doesn't mean the success rate is going to be anywhere close to 100%. Too many people develop a "herd mentality" and spend too much time milling around, because that's what everybody else seems to be doing. Ripley is reminding us, believe it or not; the sooner one believes the unthinkable is really happening, the longer one can expect to continue their existence; not exactly rocket science, but mental preparation isn't something many people are used to giving enough thought. Let's change that mindset, folks, and perhaps we'll all live just a bit longer.

The very best information available. by William Oterson (About 50 miles, or so, east of Manhattan.)

5 Stars
August 23, 2009
Amanda Ripley has written what I consider the best book on the subject of surviving many types of catastrophe, and I've read a decent share of what's available. I've become a devotee and have had experiences, prior to my interest in the subject, that support my opinion. The world is fraught with dangers, natural and man-made, some since the beginning of time and others as a result of new technologies and/or recent politics, and if you wish an edge on personal survivability then you've a need to educate yourself. This book presents the experiences of those who have and haven't survived, and the science and reasoning that goes with each. I recommend reading "The Unthinkable".

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

	The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life by Ben Sherwood (Author) Which is the safest seat on an airplane? Where is the best place to have a heart attack? Why does religious observance add years to your life? How can birthdays be hazardous to your health? THE SURVIVORS CLUB Each second of the day, someone in America faces a crisis, whether it's a car accident, violent crime, serious illness, or financial trouble. Given the inevitability of adversity, we all wonder: Who beats the odds and who surrenders? Why do some people bound back and others give up? How...
	Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales (Author) "Unique among survival books...stunning...enthralling. Deep Survival makes compelling, and chilling, reading."—Penelope Purdy, Denver Post After her plane crashes, a seventeen-year-old girl spends eleven days walking through the Peruvian jungle. Against all odds, with no food, shelter, or equipment, she gets out. A better-equipped group of adult survivors of the same crash sits down and dies. What makes the difference? Examining such stories of miraculous endurance and tragic...
	Everyday Survival: Why Smart People Do Stupid Things by Laurence Gonzales (Author) The author of the life-changing bestseller Deep Survival once again brings us revelations about ourselves from the cutting edge of science. Laurence Gonzales shows how modern society has made us lazy and susceptible to previously unknown threats. "Curiosity, awareness, attention," he writes. "Those are the tools of our everyday survival...we all must be scientists at heart or be victims of forces that we don't understand." Gonzales turns his talent for gripping narrative,...
	When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes by Cody Lundin (Author), Russell L. Miller (Illustrator), Christopher Marchetti (Illustrator) Survival expert Cody Lundin's new book, When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes is what every family needs to prepare and educate themselves about survival psychology and the skills necessary to negotiate a disaster whether you are at home, in the office, or in your car.
	The Survivor Personality: Why Some People Are Stronger, Smarter, and More Skillful at Handling Life's Difficulties...and How You Can Be, Too by Al Siebert (Author), Bernie Siegel (Foreword) Who survives? Who thrives? As a psychologist who has spent more than 40 years studying the phenomenon of survival, Al Siebert shares both valuable insights and practical strategies in this book, painting a portrait of the "survivor personality" to show how these skills can lead to better coping in everyday life.