Welcome to Litsy!

Did you know that there was flooding in California over the winter of 1861-62 that turned the Central Valley into a lake? Or did you know that Lisbon was destroyed in 1755 by an earthquake and fire? These are just two of the big natural disasters recounted in this book. Earth is a dangerous place, even in our modern age, but prediction isn‘t possible. Next best thing is preparation. Quite interesting and very scary.

Seismologist Jones looks at the current risks (to California in particular) while going back to past BIG natural disasters and how their impact on people were shaped by each society and their responses to the disaster. This is a completely fascinating and wholly satisfying read. I could not put it down!

I am so happy I chose this book for Bookriot's Read Harder challenge. This book describes several natural disasters throughout history, starting with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and continuing on until the present day. It so interesting and informative!

Scariest book I‘ve ever read. Just had another jolt here in SoCal. Stacks of books and earthquakes do not mix.

Fascinating history of 11 natural disasters from the perspective of a seismologist working in risk reduction. Starts with Pompeii (probably all heard of that one) up to the 2011 Japan quake/tsunami. What happened, how people reacted and how things were often improved after. The after part is point though not overly emphasized since globally we are mostly not prepared for 'big ones' and there's an increase in severity aligned with climate change.

A deft interweaving of history and science and the terrible impact of natural disasters on lives and psyches. I had heard great things but this definitely surpassed my expectations.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If you have ever wondered what natural disasters do to a society, or how we can better prepare, or what is really going on to cause earthquakes, this is the book for you. I found it absolutely fascinating without being morbid or sensational. It looks at science, policy, and culture throughout history to be a call to action for a better approach to disasters.

I need a kitten for company when listening to scary books about natural disasters.
This little foster is the runt of the litter. Supposedly he‘s feral and needs socialization. I disagree. What he does need is a name.
Suggestions, Littens?
#catsoflitsy

Better late than never. My July #tbr...plus whatever top secret book shows up for #ravenmail.

I was lucky enough to win this fantastic @DoubledayBooks Earth Day Sweepstakes.Books I cant wait to read a thermos & this bag to carry them in.I live in Southern California Lucy Jones is the face of earthquakes here whenever we have a sizable quake she is the scientist behold explains what we felt where it was located brilliant reports each time.Looking forward to reading her book The Big Ones & all the others .Great prize💕📚