Our lives are so carefully structured and scheduled that it can be difficult to imagine them being completely upended by nature. This is a reality for many. Here are some stories (both fiction and nonfiction) from the survivors, the helpers and the researchers of natural disasters.
“Haiti After the Earthquake” Three days after the massive 2010 earthquake, Dr. Paul Farmer rushed to Port-au-Prince to help. Having lived in Haiti for nearly thirty years, Farmer offers his perspective on the socioeconomic and political factors that made the earthquake even more devastating. Other doctors, volunteers, and survivors offer their perspective on the disaster and recovery efforts.
“A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge” In graphic novel form, “A. D.: New Orleans After the Deluge” presents the stories of seven survivors of Hurricane Katrina who must decide whether to stay or evacuate. The varying perspectives include a social worker who experienced The Superdome, “The Doctor” of the French Quarter, two friends who braved the storm from a family-owned supermarket, and more. Neufeld offers a unique and compelling account of the survivors of this disaster.
“Dry” When a drought strikes suburban Southern California, Alyssa and her brother Garrett find themselves in an apocalyptic fight for survival. Unable to find their parents, they must seek water while fending off the other thirst-crazed residents. This novel follows these teens as they cope with this catastrophe.
“We Fed an Island” In this book, Michelin-starred chef José Andrés details his work in Puerto Rico after the island was ravaged by Hurricane Maria. Frustrated with the lack of response from NGOs and the government, he took matters into his own hands. Andrés served over 300,000 meals to survivors of the hurricane.
“Wave” In 2004, Sonali Deraniyagala watched her country Sri Lanka be destroyed by a tsunami. She survived, but lost her parents, her husband, and her sons. In “Wave,” Deraniyagala gives readers the opportunity to observe her grief as she experiences rage, denial and a desperate avoidance of thinking about her life before the tsunami. Eventually, she opens herself back up to her memories and recounts her childhood in Colombo, meeting her husband at Cambridge, and having her sons.
“The Worst Hard Time” Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Timothy Egan brings the Dust Bowl to life in “The Worst Hard Time.” Egan’s historical account is informed by the stories of six families who survived this bleak chapter in American history.
“Pompeii” Perhaps the most iconic natural disaster in history. Robert Harris offers a fictionalized account of the final days preceding Vesuvius’s eruption as characters attempt to unravel the strange occurrences that signaled their impending fate. Harris’s well-researched volcanology complements a compelling plot and cast of characters.
“The Wizard of Oz” Definitely a whimsical take on this task, but technically it all started with a tornado.
Note that many books for this task could also count for Task #15: A book about climate change. For a more comprehensive set of book suggestions for the task, check out our list in the library’s catalog. Also, be sure to join our Read Harder Facebook page to connect with your fellow Read Harder-ers!
