The Unthinkable – Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley
“The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes – And Why” by Amanda Ripley is a fascinating look at the human response to disasters. This excellent book not only describes some of what happened, but takes a close look at “why” people respond the way they do in such situations. As Gavin De Becker, author of “The Gift of Fear” says on the cover, “‘The Unthinkable’ isn’t just a book about disaster; it’s a book about survival, maybe your own.”
The book consists of an introduction titled “Life Becomes Like Molten Metal” and then eight chapters divided into three parts.
The first part, Denial, includes the chapters Delay: Procrastinating in Tower 1 and Risk: Gambling in New Orleans. The second part, Deliberation, contains three chapters: Fear: The Body and Mind of a Hostage, Resilience: Staying Cool in Jerusalem, and Groupthink: Role Play in the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire. The third part, The Turning Point, has the last three chapters: Panic: a stampede on holy ground, Paralysis: playing dead in French class, and Heroism: a suicide attempt on the Potomac River.
The book concludes with a conclusion entitled “Creating New Instincts”. Each section of the book contains not only information about the human condition that is addressed, but also stories from real people and what happened during different disasters. Some of the stories of heroic acts displayed during these times are quite moving.
I really enjoyed this book, and appreciate Amanda Ripley’s time and insights into it. The stories hold your attention, and the lessons you can learn from this book could save your life if you’re ever unlucky enough to be caught in a disaster. The book reinforced some of my habits, like always reading the safety card when I get on a plane, as well as looking around and noting departures, and got me thinking about other habits I can develop to better prepare for the worst.
For a fascinating look at disasters and how they affect people, combined with some lessons that can help you if you ever do face one, I highly recommend reading Amanda Ripley’s “The Unthinkable.”
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