When disaster strikes, some people die; some survive but never recover; and some survive, bounce back, and thrive.

Author Amanda Ripley wondered why. She researched many major disasters and interviewed neuroscientists, trauma psychologists, and disaster experts. This book reveals what she learned and does so in an interesting and easy-to-read fashion.

She discusses the different ways in which people respond to disaster and how some responses are more likely to lead to survival. She talks about how you can prepare yourself to meet a disaster in a way that will increase your chance of being a survivor instead of a victim.

I think everyone should read this book because disasters can happy to everyone. No one is immune from a house fire, and 90% of Americans, according to Ripley, live where they are at a significant risk of earthquake, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters.