That’s the name of the book, Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales. I have to admit that I’ve peeked at chapters in this one. I couldn’t help myself. And, having peeked, I can say the book is as interesting as I thought it would be. The tagline goes like this: “Who Lives, Who Dies and Why. True stories of miraculous endurance and sudden death.” Sounds a tad creepy what with the dying part and all, but knowing a bit of survival psychology likely is a good idea for all of us.
On the book’s website, there is a paragraph about the real-life uses of the book. It goes like this:
Deep Survival has made a profound and lasting impression on wilderness travelers and extreme sport enthusiasts. It is being used by the head of training for the Navy SEALs and by wildland firefighters, police, and others. But it has also been embraced by a growing number of people who do not take great risks or seek adventure. Legg Mason Capital Management recently featured Gonzales in its in-house book club, and the National Football League has embraced Deep Survival by distributing it to all its members.
Again, I’ve peeked inside this one. By that I mean, of course, that I’ve read about a third of it and have had to force my little fingers to put it down. Yeah, it was that compelling. In part, it works because it’s based on real stories, including the story of the author’s father. There’s nothing dry and textbook here. I also found this interview with the author at National Geographic. In case you don’t want to click on the link, I’ll reprint my favorite part here. Don’t want you to miss this:
Q: What has surprised you about the initial response the book has received?
A: The biggest surprise has been how well women have received this book, which has been satisfying for me. Early on, there was some concern that there might not be as good a response from women because there are all of these macho episodes in the book. But it’s been quite the opposite, and I think that’s due to the philosophical nature of the book and the message that the macho guys are the first to go when you are in a real survival situation. In order to survive, you can’t just be all force and will. That only gets you so far.
Not a surprise to the women I know. Something the authors of romantic suspense might want to keep in mind. Just saying…
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Hi, HelenKay–
Hope you’re feeling better!
This sounds like a great book, and I’ll have to run right out and buy it, even though my TBR pile is teetering already. Next time, though, try to suggest a book in PAPERBACK, okay? A little consideration, please. Sheesh.
I love these survival tales, like Jon Krakauer’s (sp?) INTO THIN AIR, about disaster on Mt. Everest. I’m currently reading David Roberts’ ON THE RIDGE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH: A CLIMBING LIFE REEXAMINED, which is fascinating.
You’ll never catch me hanging off the side of a mountain, that’s for sure.
Ann
by Ann Christopher January 9th, 2007 at 8:38 amHere’s the good news – it is in paperback. In my codeine-induced stupor, I linked to the most expensive version, but – trust me – I bought the trade paperback. With my B&N discount and monthly coupon, it was less than $10. A bargain!
I loved INTO THIN AIR and INTO THE VOID. Haven’t read the other one you mentioned. Sounds like one more for the TBR pile…
by HelenKay January 9th, 2007 at 10:00 amThanks for the recommendation. The book definitely sounds interesting.
by Jordan Summers January 9th, 2007 at 10:32 am