8.26.2010

A Disaster Mythical in Scale and Severity

Reading now: Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
The novelty of the new world brought forth the adventurer in him - he wanted to see it all, the whole city, what had become of it. But the builder in him thought of the damage, how long it would take to rebuild. Years, maybe decades. He wondered if the world at large could already see what he was seeing, a disaster mythical in scale and severity.
This Sunday, August 29th marks five years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. I decided to read Zeitoun, Eggers work of non-fiction that centers around one family's experience with the disaster and it's aftermath. I am having a hard time putting this book down, as this family's experience is both incredibly captivating and utterly heartbreaking. Yes, I was crying after just 167 pages - and I can count on one hand books that have made me cry.

I wasn't a huge fan Eggers' What is the What, but Zeitoun is most certainly becoming one of my favorite reads of the year. If it's on your TBR pile I suggest you pick it up this week.

6 comments:

  1. Great timing on the read. This was one of my favorite books of last year - though it absolutely infuriated me! Eggers is a genius.

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  2. Greg, I am in the midst of infuriation right now. Zeitoun has just been arrested and I want to scream. I can't believe this stuff actually happened...

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  3. Great review. Like you, I was in tears very early on in the book.

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  4. I need to get my hands on this. I love Eggers, and it sounds like such a powerful and important book.

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  5. I haven't heard of this author before but watching the coverage of the Katrina anniversary is making me want to understand it better. Thanks for the recommendation

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  6. Nymeth, It is quite powerful and in my opinion very important. I feel like everyone should read this book.

    Red, It opened my eyes to a whole other side of the Katrina disaster. I definitely recommend this.

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