The Big One

by Harrison Arnston

The people of Los Angeles have always been famous for their obliviousness but little did they know how close they were to oblivion. In a mere three weeks, the swaying palms and studded stucco of Southern California would be reduced to burning embers and rusty rubble. "The Big One" had always been a distant worry but the immediate reality was what only a select few knew. They knew when and where the end would come and they weren't about to do a thing about it. As the millions went on with their day-to-day lives, one man did find out. Ex FBI agent Ted Kowalcyzk was the only one to expose the cover-up. But with a secret that could make ordinary men tremble and shake in their boots, Ted found himself on the run. Shocked by his government's lies and hunted by their assassins at every turn, Ted knew time was running out. But he had one last chance to save everyone from...The Big One.

1 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jordan Anderson]

Note: this is not the edition I read, however Goodreads took away the option of being able to post different editions so we are stuck with whatever is on here. My edition is the much better Zebra paperback that has 430 pages

It’s 1990, only a year or so removed from the historic Loma Preitta Earthquake that rattled San Francisco and Oakland and showed the rest of the world why Californians aren’t messing around when we talk about being prepared for earthquakes. Arnston’s The Big One taps into that fear and asks the question, what would happen if we could actually predict these natural disasters? Would everyone be on board or would it be something kept secret?

The book is far from perfect but it’s still a well written novel that showcases a tremendous amount of research and dedication. The detailed world-building and exploration of complex topics reflect a commendable effort, especially for an author with no formal writing training who began his career later in life. Arnston’s ability to tackle such an ambitious project is inspiring and speaks to his natural storytelling instincts.

That said, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing drags, making the story feel overlong. Additionally, some characters make decisions that seem implausibly rushed, detracting from the realism of their arcs and the otherwise immersive narrative. The premise of a 9.5 scale earthquake isn’t really truly fulfilled either, but, this is a Zebra afterall, and, even though it’s not one from their famous horror line, misleading potential readers isn’t exactly anything new.

Despite these shortcomings The Big One remains a decent read, particularly for those who appreciate meticulous detail and can forgive its uneven pacing. Arnston’s late start as an author, transitioning from a auto parts manufacturer to more than adequate author, adds a layer of admiration to his achievement, making this an imperfect yet respectable entry into the literary world.

[Cathie Stumpenhaus]

A good story with interesting characters.