Review 55: The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why (Amanda Ripley)

This is a scientific/experiential examination of who survives disaster, and why; beautifully delivered with a poetic prose style. Many of the themes are almost Biblical(the need for a grand narrative, hope, community, etc. in times of crises). Some of the research conclusions are dubious, subject as all such conclusions are to interpretation. However, the wisdom in this book is concrete and illuminating, and the human interest stories are riveting. This book is now in my top 10 of most important/helpful/influential books I have ever read.