Isaac's Storm : A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History

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Summary: great book -- see website
Review: I found this book's website when I was searching for hurricane information and then bought the book. It's a great read! It reads like a novel. I also think the book should have included photos but they are posted on the book's site and they're really striking.

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Summary: Well Researched, Average Book
Review: I can appreciate the amount of research which went into developing this book. But, I felt that the book could have been far superior had it added maps and photographs (especially since they were referred to in the notes at the end of the book). I enjoyed reading about the American arrogance that pervaded that time when we thought we had conquered all, including nature. Although with the action, I am sure that a movie is not far in the offing so you may want to wait.

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Summary: Tragic!
Review: Wonderful account of the Great Hurricane that swept Galveston Island. Isaac's Storm was well worth the money spent. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

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Summary: Gripping disaster story but...
Review: A gripping disaster story but not good value for money spent if you pay more than half price. There are only 273 pages of double-spaced text and numerous blank and near-blank pages and no photographs. The book is a long-short story that can be read in one evening.

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Summary: If you've never been through a hurricane, read this!!! scary
Review: I live in the tropics and have experienced the hurricane's fury firsthand. This book is a good example of what can happen with a storm surge. The human element of the storm, coupled with Mr. Cline's inability to believe in the hurricane's power, make the book a compelling read. I would recommend this to all weather watchers and anyone who lives in hurricane prone areas.

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Summary: A great story
Review: When I lived in Houston, Galvaston was my favorite place to escape to. I was facinated with the island and even more when I heard the story of the great storm. Issac's Storm tells the inside story of the storm and how men's egos may have caused thousands of people to die.

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Summary: Very compelling, weather facts & drama crescendo to the end.
Review: I loved the book. I thought the author was smart to make Isaac Cline the central character, thus making it possible to build a story line around him and what was known & NOT known about hurricanes in 1900. The history of the Weather Bureau, and its struggle to be a credible and viable source of information was very informative. I liked the way the author traced the storm day by day from a seemingly harmless beginning over Dakar, Africa, its crossing of Cuba, & how it picked up energy & fury as it moved into the Gulf & continued its deadly path towards Galveston. I never knew reading about weather could be so exciting.

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Summary: terrifying story
Review: have thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Larson's history of this storm- currently living in hurricane alley(North Carolina) this book sends chills up my spine... have given it 4 stars because of 2 deficiencies that i see 1-next edition needs pictures from 1900, if available, to put this storm in perspective relative to our current weekly crises and 2- as a relatively avid history reader i would appreciate more maps and geographical reference i.e. storm wind speeds while in Florida,Cuba-meteorological maps and certainly better maps of Galveston in reference to the rest of Texas, "Nawleans" etc. but overall money WELL SPENT

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Summary: a spellbinding account of ego, bureaucracy, and heroism
Review: If I separate the writing style from the story and just rate the style, I'd have to lower my rating to a 3. I found the style to be erratic and the lack of pictures and maps, well, that really hurts the understanding of the book. But, the story of the storm is beyond compelling. After watching the news and the photos of hurricane Floyd's damage to North Carolina, and it being a much less dangerous storm, I can't imagine what it must have really been like in Galveston. This is a must read. Not as well written as the Perfect Storm but just as much a compelling story.

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Summary: Riveting and gripping account of the power of nature
Review: This is a must read. It will fix you in your chair until the last page. The pace, scope and human element are superb. Not withstanding concern by some of the technical and historical accuracy, it stands on its own as an exceptional work. If you have had the experience of being near or on the sea the imagery will ring true. On the order of "A Perfect Storm"! Enjoy.