The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley

“The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why” by Amanda Ripley is a fascinating look at the human response to disasters. This excellent book not only describes some of what happened, but takes a closer look at the “why” people respond the way they do in such situations. As Gavin De Becker, author of “The Gift of Fear” states on the cover, “‘The Unthinkable’ is not simply a book about disasters; it is a book about survival, maybe yours.”

The book consists of an introduction entitled “Life becomes molten metal” and then eight chapters divided into three parts.

The first part, Denial, includes the chapters Delay: Procrastinate in Tower 1 and Risk: Gambling in New Orleans. The second part, Deliberation, contains three chapters: Fear: The Body and Mind of a Hostage, Resilience: Staying Calm in Jerusalem, and Group Thinking: Role Play at the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire. The third part, The Turning Point, has the final three chapters: Panic: a stampede in the holy land, Paralysis: playing dead in French class, and Heroism: a suicide attempt on the Potomac River.

The book concludes with a conclusion entitled “Creating New Instincts.” Each section of the book consists not only of information about the human condition being addressed, but also stories of real people and what happened during different disasters. Some of the stories of heroic deeds shown during these times are quite moving.

I really enjoyed this book and am grateful for the time and reporting that Amanda Ripley gave it. The stories hold your attention, and the lessons you can learn from this book can save your life if you are ever unlucky enough to be caught in a disaster. The book reinforced some of my habits, such as always reading the safety instructions card when I board a plane, as well as looking around and noticing exits, and it also made me think of other habits that I can develop to better prepare for the worst. .

For a fascinating look at disasters and how they affect people, combined with some lessons that can help you if you are ever faced with one, I highly recommend reading “The Unthinkable” by Amanda Ripley.

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