Rating: 
Summary: Straightfoward simple book.........
Review: 'The book's focus seems to be placed on mental preparation and mindset to the exclusion of other skills, such as how to stay alive in the wilderness or to plan ahead in case of trouble'
You will find such narrative unhelpful, along with a few more comments along these lines. The book does recount how people are equipped both mentally and physically, but how the breakdown and success of these factors can occur. How can you really plan for unforeseen events, you only plan for what you envisage could happen based on previous experience, your planning is biased. Introducing others' skills into your mental map may complicate the situation as you're trying to translate the skill without direct experience, which is invariably fatal, reactions need to be attuned to your environment. The key is issue is individual adaptability in actually living rather than existing.
This book is science-lite (to appeal to a wider audience) and poorly structured, the later could be addressed but complete flowing accounts of situations without interspersed philosophical reflection, perhaps this could have been at the end of a complete account to help those who suffer from ADHD. It does have some interesting insights into basic brain function and the combined working of the body in relation to adapting according to environment. Had this book been structured in a more coherent way and had it been supported by appendix exploring the neurological aspect of the book in further detail it would have warranted a 5 star review. This book was made to sell and the only aspect it has failed in, in my opinion is the structure.
Rating: 
Summary: Restates The Obvious..
Review: After reading many glowing reviews of this book by self-proclaimed survival experts and others, I was looking forward to my copy. Unfortunately, I don't think this book brings anything new or astounding to the survival literature genre.Many critics have painstakingly noted that Deep Survival does not deal with the mechanics of 'how to' survive, but rather the psychological mindset of how successful survivors dealt with their situation - it's almost as if they believe this element hasn't been dealt with by others (nonsense, of course). Indeed, many people celebrating this book seem to ridicule the idea of actually acquiring survival skills or planning for unforseen situations, as Deep Survival doesn't focus on this aspect. Despite this, some of the book's own survival stories, such as Steve Callahan's lifeboat ordeal, pay testament to the importance of someone who not possessed the correct mental attitude, but ALSO pre-acquired survival knowledge such as knowledge of edible fish and improvised sea navigation AND carried emergency equipment (three solar stills) that proved to be instrumental in his survival. In a nutshell, the book takes 300 pages to deliver what should be three very self-evident messages: Don't bite off more than you can chew, know when it's time to quit, and don't be afraid to call for help when you're in trouble. I think most mature people can understand and practice that advice. But if you're the type of person that needs repeated examples of survival stories for this to sink in, then you need this book. Otherwise, forget it.
Rating: 
Summary: The Most Important Book You Will Ever Read
Review: As a person who spent 23 years in the military and many days in dangerous environments, I have to say, you must read this book slowly and memorize the lessons. Whether you are a city person or a country person, this book contains information you may need in an instant. This book explains many of the lessons I learned thought the great college of hard knocks. Had I read this book I would have been so much better prepared to face the many of the challenges I have survived. I made many decisions that lead to my survival. This book would have made that easier. Many times I was in for more danger than I understood. This book would have made my life safer. It will make your life safer. The first chapters are difficult. The end is exciting. The whole book is essential both to your knowledge and your library. Buy it here now.
Rating:
Summary: (4.5) The ultimate challenge: man vs. Nature
Review: Billed as "true stories of miraculous endurance and sudden death", this impressive book uses specific examples of how a split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death. The author includes anecdotal references and the most recent scientific studies as well. There is, Gonzales explains, a sequence of events and/or decisions that can leave one in mortal peril within seconds. The flood of emotions experienced may also work against survival, unless the overwhelming feelings are channeled toward positive action. The first part of the book, "How Accidents Happen", specifies the precise behavior that leads to life-threatening incidents. Using documented survival incidents, Gonzales explains the nature of accidents and their inevitability. He stresses that a rigid plan may itself be a deterrent to survival, if that plan keeps one from pursuing alternatives to meet changing conditions, perhaps quitting the adventure when that is the safest choice. The individual must be prepared to deal with any obstacle nature throws his way. In the second half, "Survival", Gonzales relates amazing tales of courage, the actual experiences of pilots, sailors and mountain climbers, the accidents that befall them and the split-second decisions that make all the difference. According to the author, it isn't the equipment that saves a life, but rather what lies in the individual's heart. Integrity is key to success, the ability to take charge after the fear and shock of the accident set in. Emotions are critical, because fear is a powerful tool when used to sustain any activity that secures safety. Every survivor must remember one salient fact: anything is possible. "The only thought you can allow," says the author, "is one that directs your own cause of action". Gonzales includes his father's story, one of extraordinary survival in World War II. Clearly, the author's life has been shaped by the personal drama of his father's endurance, his indomitable will to live tested by extremely difficult conditions. Drawing strength from his father's ordeal, Gonzales pursues his own challenges in the outdoors, acquiring survival skills that are tempered with a spirit of humility. The authenticity and spirit of Deep Survival will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, those who have walked on the edge of life. Still, Gonzales offers food for thought to all readers, delineating a clear path for emotional, as well as physical survival, with lessons applicable to the smallest details of daily existence. As an especially fortunate few have learned, "Days stolen are always sweeter than days given." Luan Gaines/2003.
Rating:
Summary: Where's the beef?
Review: Deep Survival is a book that retells stories of survivors in the wilderness, and in doing so attempts to teach the common denominator in a person's mental preparation that enabled the individual to survive. The book's focus seems to be placed on mental preparation and mindset to the exclusion of other skills, such as how to stay alive in the wilderness or to plan ahead in case of trouble - a big omission to my way of thinking. So, what are the big buck secrets of Deep Survival? This is the sum total of what I learned from it: Stay calm, don't take risks without measuring possible risk/benefit, and don't be macho when your life is on the line. That's it. I didn't really need a whole book to learn that, but your experience may be better than mine. Me, I think Stephen King's character Red said it a lot more succinctly: 'Get busy livin', or get busy dyin..'
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Summary: The definitive work in the field of survival psychology!
Review: Deep Survival is an outstanding and long-overdue book on the mechanisms concerning why some survive overwhelming odds and others perish. The book contains a great body of research, anecdotes, and the author's personal insights into the inner-workings of the mind when faced with a wilderness survival situation or life-threatening predicament. As someone who teaches outdoor survival for a living, I can say that this book is now required reading for my students and one that most of us in the survival training community have long been waiting for. As Mr. Gonzales points out time and again, survival has only a small portion to do with what you carry in your pack or pockets and everything to do with how well you manage and utilize that incredible survival tool between your ears. I highly recommend this book to outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and anyone else wanting to know what makes a person tick when the pressure is on.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth a read, but...
Review: Deep Survival promises a lot more than it delivers. The book is a difficult read because the author tends to skip around a lot between survival stories and his and other's philosophies on survival. In the first chapter he starts out slinging more similies than a bad rapper, which luckily tapers off in subsequent chapters.
Another complaint, albeit minor, is that there are several misspellings in the book (for example, the German city Ingolstadt is spelled "Ingostat"). It doesn't really detract from the book, but it is a sign of sloppy editing.
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Summary: Survival skills for the wilderness and life.
Review: Deep Survival Review Last year my family visited the west (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Lake Powel). Upon arrival at Bryce I walked from the lodge to the canyon. Despite warning signs and the fact that I had all the information I needed right before my eyes if it had not been for a lady sitting on a bench at the edge of the canyon I warning me I would have walked right off the edge of the canyon and fallen surely to my death. I was about thee inches from the edge when she spoke to me and I 'perceived' that I was about three inches from the edge and the next step would be my last. I thought a lot about that experience as I read Deep Survival. The author's discussions about perception of danger and the lack of it leading to deep trouble in the wilderness, on you home street or in business was invaluable. This is a wonderful thought provoking book. It caused me to think back over several trips into the wilderness I have taken and I now view them quite differently. It will also affect future explorations. This book kind of reminds me to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. My recommendation: Get this book. I originally read a library copy but I have ordered my own copy so I can mark it up and highlight important passages. If you love the adventure of life get this book so adventure does not turn into tragedy.
Rating:
Summary: Deeply Entertaining
Review: Ever wonder why some people are able to survive tragedies while others who might appear to be stronger don't make it? The author takes a deep dive into the subject and finds some interesting patterns that can be applied to daily struggles--yes, the office can be a jungle too! The book is most enteratining when it recounts tales of survival and interviews with the survivors. It loses a little traction when it veers into pop psychology but you can skim those parts. Recommended for outdoor enthusiasts who should take the lessons to heart, for armchair adventurers who are looking for some vicarious excitement and corporate warriors who can use the advice in the boardroom.
Rating:
Summary: An Important Book
Review: Having read well over 1,000 non-fiction books, ranging over my 50+ years, I place Deep Survival within my list of top five most important, and fascinating, books. The title is somewhat misleading since the information discussed is helpful for anyone dealing with life's problems, not just wilderness travelers in life and death situations. Interesting situations in the backcountry have popped up in my life occasionally, such as bear encounters and lightning storms, and have taught me how necessary psychological as well as physical preparation is to survival. The importance of carrying that same preparedness and attention to environment to the rest of my life somehow slipped past. The author did a great job of leading the reader to the conclusion that this state of mindfulness, of being centered, is helpful in all aspects of life. The survival stories, as well as the scientific explanations, were fascinating to read, and the book had a sort of smooth rhythm that carried me quickly and effortlessly through to the end (not totally effortlessly -- I did lose some sleep when I couldn't put it down). Very highly recommended!
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