Book Review – Isaac’s Storm

Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Coming in hot after finishing Devil in the White City and Dead Wake, Isaac's Storm was the obvious choice for my next read, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Another book set in the late 1800's, Larson's writing allows you to "hear" the ocean in the background, steam ships rolling into port, and the hustle and bustle of every day life for families in a growing city.

Broken into 6 parts, the book set's the scene as to what Galveston is like and the main parties at play. It also informs you of how little was known about hurricane's at the time, and more importantly about this fledgling little thing called the "National Weather Service", which was trying to prove it's necessity in it's own right. As the book continues, you see the ominous signs of tragedy starting to occur, and even become weary at times to turn the pages as the events unfold.

The latter half of the book depict many events of when the flood waters hit, the choices families had to make to survive the onslaught, and the tragedy so many families faced when they awoke (were they lucky enough) to see their entire city in ruins.

Believe me when I say it, I held on to my family close after finishing this book this weekend, for Erik Larson to have the capacity to evoke such emotion is an incredible power, and in Isaac's storm, he is well on point. I can't recommend this book enough..

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