having read several really good books on natural disasters and their social and political consequences, this book is one of the best. Although it sometimes seems less organized than it might, it is almost impossible to put down.

We all know the outcome of Katrina and New Orleans. Even so, there is a lot to be learned here about the response (or lack of same) to the next disaster and the dangers of a disinterested, disengaged bureaucracy (and President) mixing with local politics and ineptitude. There is plenty of blame to go around but the federal response in the face of enormous suffering is inexcusable. I hope we've learned from this.

What really makes the book important are the many personal stories of suffering, heroism, perseverance and sacrifice. Tears in every chapter. Given the mostly inept governmental response, the response of individuals, self-organized and spontaneous, acting alone and in Groups, and even companies (such as WalMart), were inspiring and heart-warming. Citizenship at its best.