In “Deep Survival,” Laurence Gonzales tells the stories of people who have faced harrowing ordeals and managed to survive against all odds. From a mountaineer stranded for days on an ice ledge, to a sailor lost at sea for months, to a pilot whose plane went down in hostile territory, these are true tales of miraculous endurance and sudden death. Gonzales explores what it means to be truly alive – pushed to the edge of one’s abilities, tested through extreme hardship and danger – and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. He combines frontline reporting with thoughtful analysis about why some people make it out alive while others don’t. And he champions the idea that taking risks is essential not just for those facing mortal peril but also for anyone seeking adventure or happiness in life. This book will inspire readers as they journey into the heart of human courage and frailty.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who are interested in survival stories and want to learn more about how to apply the lessons learned from these stories to their own lives.
Pros :
- Gonzalez does an excellent job of investigating the psychological factors that influence survival.
- The stories are deeply compelling and well-written.
- This book will appeal to fans of adventure writing and psychology memoirs alike.
Cons :
- The stories may be too intense for some readers.
- Gonzales’ analysis of why people make it out alive or don’t might be dense for some readers.
- The book does not have any images, which could detract from the reading experience for some
Learn more about the author
Laurence Gonzales is the author of four books, including the national bestseller “Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why.” He has written for The New York Times Magazine, Outside magazine, National Geographic Adventure, and other publications. A contributing editor at Wired magazine, he has been a fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and twice a recipient of grants from the National Science Foundation.
Reader Reviews
“Deep Survival is a beautifully written and important book. Gonzales has crafted timeless wisdom from the stories of survivors, making this latest volume required reading for anyone who wants to understand why humans push themselves so hard and how we can all live more satisfying lives.”
“Deep Survival is a beautifully written book that will both educate and inspire. Gonzales provides an in-depth exploration of the psychology of survival, sharing riveting stories about those who have faced seemingly insurmountable odds yet found a way to survive. This book should be read by anyone seeking adventure or simply wishing to understand what it means to be truly alive.”
“Deep Survival is a well-written and thought-provoking book about the human capacity for survival in extreme circumstances. Gonzales draws on stories of people who have faced harrowing ordeals, from mountaineers stranded on an ice ledge to sailors lost at sea, to illustrate what it means to be truly alive.”
“The perfect blend of story telling and scientific analysis make for a compelling read. Gonzales takes you through the psychology of survival while recounting heart-stopping tales of peril.”
