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Into the Storm: Violent Tornadoes, Killer Hurricanes, and Death-Defying Adventures in Extreme Weather
An eye-of-the-hurricane view of storm chasing from the star of the Discovery Channel hit series "Storm Chasers."
Only one in ten chases actually intercept a tornado-unless you're Reed Timmer. The thrill-seeking meteorologist and star of "Storm Chasers" has followed and faced down more violent tornadoes than anyone. "Into the Storm" brings readers into the mind of this man and his mission-collecting data that could save lives-in the terrifying, awe-inspiring world of big weather.
"Into the Storm" is also a fascinating look at the science of weather-what causes extreme conditions, its connection to climate change, and how a tornado gets its stovepipe structure.
Only one in ten chases actually intercept a tornado-unless you're Reed Timmer. The thrill-seeking meteorologist and star of "Storm Chasers" has followed and faced down more violent tornadoes than anyone. "Into the Storm" brings readers into the mind of this man and his mission-collecting data that could save lives-in the terrifying, awe-inspiring world of big weather.
"Into the Storm" is also a fascinating look at the science of weather-what causes extreme conditions, its connection to climate change, and how a tornado gets its stovepipe structure.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
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652 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 20, 2014
I believe there's a typo on page 12, where this fellow says his name would become (implying it is now) "synonymous with tornado." I think that word should be not "tornado" but "egotist." Inform the typesetter, would you?
I've been reading up on tornadoes for awhile now. I've long known of Ted Fujita, of course. Dr. Greg Forbes, I know. Through recent reading, I know Gary England, of Oklahoma City and his pioneering use of Doppler radar (outstripping the NWS in its use for forecasting) for television. I know who Joshua Wurman is and Howard Bluestein. I know who Robert Miller was. I know what Berdard and Ramzy did (or almost did). Though I don't own a TV, I even know who Jim Cantore is from video clips of hurricanes I've seen via streaming. This yahoo whose name is on this book, I've never heard of. (And gods willing, will never again.)
The book is an egofest of tornadic ferocity.* There are about 10 pages of interesting information, but otherwise it may as well say "me me me me me me me me me" for the other 100 pages I suffered through before I gave up.
Back in the day, when mainstream publishing was far easier to break into, I was approached with an offer to ghostwrite an "autobiography." Today, I read something like this, and I think, gosh, the poor ghostwriter had to actually be in a room with this person. For HOURS. So thank you to the book for making me grateful I said no back then. No paycheck would be adequate compensation. I'd rather be pummeled with softball-sized hail.
* Perfect blurb for the cover, don't you think?
I've been reading up on tornadoes for awhile now. I've long known of Ted Fujita, of course. Dr. Greg Forbes, I know. Through recent reading, I know Gary England, of Oklahoma City and his pioneering use of Doppler radar (outstripping the NWS in its use for forecasting) for television. I know who Joshua Wurman is and Howard Bluestein. I know who Robert Miller was. I know what Berdard and Ramzy did (or almost did). Though I don't own a TV, I even know who Jim Cantore is from video clips of hurricanes I've seen via streaming. This yahoo whose name is on this book, I've never heard of. (And gods willing, will never again.)
The book is an egofest of tornadic ferocity.* There are about 10 pages of interesting information, but otherwise it may as well say "me me me me me me me me me" for the other 100 pages I suffered through before I gave up.
Back in the day, when mainstream publishing was far easier to break into, I was approached with an offer to ghostwrite an "autobiography." Today, I read something like this, and I think, gosh, the poor ghostwriter had to actually be in a room with this person. For HOURS. So thank you to the book for making me grateful I said no back then. No paycheck would be adequate compensation. I'd rather be pummeled with softball-sized hail.
* Perfect blurb for the cover, don't you think?
January 3, 2026
Rzetelna punlikacja, w której Reed Timmer dokumentuje swoją drogę od fascynacji do zawodowej obsesji na punkcie ekstremalnej pogody. Książka oferuje czytelnikowi unikalne połączenie faktów z emocjonalną relacją „z samego centrum wydarzeń”. Autor bez upiększania opisuje konsekwencje życia w ciągłym napięciu i gotowości do walki z żywiołem. Interesującym zabiegiem jest przedstawienie tornad jako obrazu ludzkich zmagań z losem – oba wymagają bowiem odwagi i solidnego przygotowania.
Całość stanowi wyważoną lekturę, która obok adrenaliny dostarcza głębokiej refleksji nad ceną, jaką płacimy za realizację wielkich ambicji.
Całość stanowi wyważoną lekturę, która obok adrenaliny dostarcza głębokiej refleksji nad ceną, jaką płacimy za realizację wielkich ambicji.
January 14, 2021
Crazy. I can't imagine deliberately heading into a storm.
December 10, 2018
Reed Timmer is the Justin Bieber of storm chasing, a DIY bad boy whose rise in his field was unconventional and disliked by a largely jealous weather establishment. Like Bieber, his fame was fueled by the rise of Youtube, just as his own fledgling meteorological media efforts were in their infancy.
Yes, Timmer is such a tool, and that's why we love him so. America's glamor boy blowhard of the hard-blows. Timmer was barely enrolled in meteorology school at Oklahoma U. when he more or less stumbled into the media storm; the broadcast entertainment world knew a golden boy adonis sensationalist when they saw one, and they snapped him up. And why not? While their own reporters timidly stood outside studios with umbrellas over their heads in front of a camera to "report" on the weather, Reed was zipping over the countryside like a real war correspondent on the front lines, risking it all for the money shot.
And because of that, he now has a small empire of weather-related enterprises, built on an initially small corpus of homemade videos of extreme close-up views of tornadoes hawked on his website and boosted by Youtube exposure. Reed and Youtube timed each other perfectly.
This book is about Reed's early "starving artist" days, before he went on to star in Discovery Channel's successful reality series, Storm Chasers, before (after many years of struggle) he achieved his Ph.D in meteorology at OU, and well before he married attractive TV meteorologist, Maria Molina.
This book, while not the most scintillating in the prose realm, is scribed well enough for what it sets out to do, which is to capture the life of a young storm chaser, juggling personal, academic, career, and relationship responsibilities while pursuing his one true passion in life: storm chasing. The book succeeds well in what it sets out to do, and is, at times, fairly exciting and un-putdownable.
To be honest, and to Reed's credit, he pretty much admits in the credits that Andrew Tilin is the real author of this book. Like any marquee, the star's name gets bigger play. In this "as told to" scenario, Timmer is nonetheless the auteur.
There's an enthusiasm in the telling here that balances out the platitudes and raises this above a pedestrian read, and its clarity, sense of adventure and generally good pacing make it more satisfying than other tornado books I've read that are more artfully scribed and thoughtful but less persuasively organized. Reed and his co-author do a good job of sticking to the chronology without too many distracting tangents, while at the same time throwing in the requisite weather primer passages for the uninitiated.
One of the more interesting aspects broached in the book is the love-hate relationship Reed has engendered in the meteorological/storm chasing community, and the disdain he elicits from older, more conservative pioneers of the field. His brash "extreme" chasing style has been criticized as self-aggrandizement, show-boating, and unsafe in execution -- for himself and for others on the road. Reed fairly effectively addresses these issues in the book, and is surprisingly humble at times in the face of the criticisms. It is clear, reading this, that he has thought deeply about the contradictory impulses within himself and has taken criticism seriously and not simply in a knee-jerk defensive manner.
I had written a lot of notes -- as I normally do -- while reading this, but will bypass many of the points I had intended to make and simply say that this is a recommendable, solid read if storm chasing or weather or disasters or adventure interest you.
(KevinR@Ky 2016)
Yes, Timmer is such a tool, and that's why we love him so. America's glamor boy blowhard of the hard-blows. Timmer was barely enrolled in meteorology school at Oklahoma U. when he more or less stumbled into the media storm; the broadcast entertainment world knew a golden boy adonis sensationalist when they saw one, and they snapped him up. And why not? While their own reporters timidly stood outside studios with umbrellas over their heads in front of a camera to "report" on the weather, Reed was zipping over the countryside like a real war correspondent on the front lines, risking it all for the money shot.
And because of that, he now has a small empire of weather-related enterprises, built on an initially small corpus of homemade videos of extreme close-up views of tornadoes hawked on his website and boosted by Youtube exposure. Reed and Youtube timed each other perfectly.
This book is about Reed's early "starving artist" days, before he went on to star in Discovery Channel's successful reality series, Storm Chasers, before (after many years of struggle) he achieved his Ph.D in meteorology at OU, and well before he married attractive TV meteorologist, Maria Molina.
This book, while not the most scintillating in the prose realm, is scribed well enough for what it sets out to do, which is to capture the life of a young storm chaser, juggling personal, academic, career, and relationship responsibilities while pursuing his one true passion in life: storm chasing. The book succeeds well in what it sets out to do, and is, at times, fairly exciting and un-putdownable.
To be honest, and to Reed's credit, he pretty much admits in the credits that Andrew Tilin is the real author of this book. Like any marquee, the star's name gets bigger play. In this "as told to" scenario, Timmer is nonetheless the auteur.
There's an enthusiasm in the telling here that balances out the platitudes and raises this above a pedestrian read, and its clarity, sense of adventure and generally good pacing make it more satisfying than other tornado books I've read that are more artfully scribed and thoughtful but less persuasively organized. Reed and his co-author do a good job of sticking to the chronology without too many distracting tangents, while at the same time throwing in the requisite weather primer passages for the uninitiated.
One of the more interesting aspects broached in the book is the love-hate relationship Reed has engendered in the meteorological/storm chasing community, and the disdain he elicits from older, more conservative pioneers of the field. His brash "extreme" chasing style has been criticized as self-aggrandizement, show-boating, and unsafe in execution -- for himself and for others on the road. Reed fairly effectively addresses these issues in the book, and is surprisingly humble at times in the face of the criticisms. It is clear, reading this, that he has thought deeply about the contradictory impulses within himself and has taken criticism seriously and not simply in a knee-jerk defensive manner.
I had written a lot of notes -- as I normally do -- while reading this, but will bypass many of the points I had intended to make and simply say that this is a recommendable, solid read if storm chasing or weather or disasters or adventure interest you.
(KevinR@Ky 2016)
November 12, 2018
Reed Timmer is a meteorologist and storm chaser. (Apparently, though I didn’t know this before I picked up the book), he also hosts a tv show on Discovery Channel called “Storm Chasers”. He grew up in Michigan, but being the weather geek he was, he moved to the middle of “Tornado Alley”, Norman, Oklahoma, to go to college to become a meteorologist. While there, he became fixated on chasing storms, mostly tornadoes, but he also went after a couple of big hurricanes (including Katrina).
I really liked this. He does really stupid things, but hey, I’ll live vicariously through his stories! I love watching storms, and though I’m not even close to being a risk-taker, I think it would be fun to do a tornado chasing holiday one day (but with a more conservative chaser, not Reed Timmer)! The book included some photos, and as part of the footer at the bottom of the page, there were small tornado photos, as well; those stayed the same through a small portion of the book before changing to new photos. I just thought that was a nice extra touch.
I really liked this. He does really stupid things, but hey, I’ll live vicariously through his stories! I love watching storms, and though I’m not even close to being a risk-taker, I think it would be fun to do a tornado chasing holiday one day (but with a more conservative chaser, not Reed Timmer)! The book included some photos, and as part of the footer at the bottom of the page, there were small tornado photos, as well; those stayed the same through a small portion of the book before changing to new photos. I just thought that was a nice extra touch.
November 15, 2012
As a former meteorologist who still has a fascination with storms, this book was fun to read. Reed Timmer is the "extreme storm chaser" on the popular Discovery TV show Storm Chasers. I enjoyed the show so I thought I'd like his book. He spends a lot of time explaining why he chases tornados - he has all the scientific reasons, but there's no doubt he's also an adrenline junkie looking for a fix. Not that there's anything wrong with that - I think if he wants to risk his life, then go for it and if we learn more about tornados and how to predict them...all the better :)
He was also very careful not to say anything bad about anyone! Too bad, I would have liked some juicy gossip especially about Sean Casey - the Imax film maker with the Imax-sized ego. And I could tell some of the old school chasers' disapproval of his style has affected him - he wants their acceptance, but he doesn't need it. If I was going to chase tornados - I'd follow his predictions (not him as I'm not that crazy) because of all the meteorologists on the TV show, he's more accurate than anyone else.
You don't need to have a meteorology degree to read this book. Reed explains the mechanics of weather in big storms in easy to understand terms and even has a glossary in the back just in case you forget.
He was also very careful not to say anything bad about anyone! Too bad, I would have liked some juicy gossip especially about Sean Casey - the Imax film maker with the Imax-sized ego. And I could tell some of the old school chasers' disapproval of his style has affected him - he wants their acceptance, but he doesn't need it. If I was going to chase tornados - I'd follow his predictions (not him as I'm not that crazy) because of all the meteorologists on the TV show, he's more accurate than anyone else.
You don't need to have a meteorology degree to read this book. Reed explains the mechanics of weather in big storms in easy to understand terms and even has a glossary in the back just in case you forget.
March 4, 2012
An interesting although incomplete semi-autobiographical take on storm chasing and the science of studying weather. Timmer is the guy from the show Storm Chasers on Discover. He repeatedly defends himself from charges of recklessness, profiting by other folks misfortune, and other things that go along with his media personality and "chase style". Ultimately he tries to cast himself more as a scientist and less as a reckless thrill seeker but the very fact he is addressing this throughout the book says something.
To his credit he is honest if only from his own perspective and does mention his critics as opposed to simply ignoring them. One might also read that as he has used this book as an answer to said critics who offend his sense of always being right as he puts it.
Interesting but in the end shallow look into the world of the storm chaser.
To his credit he is honest if only from his own perspective and does mention his critics as opposed to simply ignoring them. One might also read that as he has used this book as an answer to said critics who offend his sense of always being right as he puts it.
Interesting but in the end shallow look into the world of the storm chaser.
February 16, 2015
Another biography of someone who became famous due to reality TV. I used to watch Storm Chasers every week, because I couldn't understand why people would chase tornadoes. Reed Timmer's chasing group was my favorite to watch, and I still enjoy seeing his videos online. I enjoyed reading why he became a meteorologist, and why he enjoys chasing storms. If you enjoyed the show,I recommend the book.
May 7, 2019
I used to think Reed Timmer was just a boneheaded adrenaline junkie. He still is, but he's also far more intelligent than I've given him credit for and I liked his story quite a lot. Review to come.
August 4, 2017
Reed Timmer is one of my favourite storm chasers. When I first saw the movie "Twister" when I was 7, I became fasnicated by tornadoes. The fascination grew after watching Reed in "Storm Chasers". When I first heard about this book, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, but after a friend recommended me to read this, and to also used as part of my research for a story I was writing on storm chasing, that's when I thought I would read it. This book based on how Reed became a storm chaser is a great read.
April 4, 2025
I have had this book since it originally came out. I recently remembered that I had it and decided to give it a read since it is tornado season 😂 Gives good insight into how Reed Timmer became who he is today. I enjoyed this very much!
July 6, 2017
I'm am fan of reed timmer the stormchaser.!!! when you are reading it you feeling like you are with them chasing the storm.!! it amazing book to read.!! I recommend this book!
July 17, 2024
He didn't use a ghost writer unfortunately
November 23, 2025
Who knew a book about tornado chasing would be kind of boring?
November 23, 2016
I picked up this book after watching the brilliant series Storm Chasers on TV. Reed Timmer on that show took some dangerous risks to get close to storms, causing friction between him and other storm chasers, a topic that is covered in this book. The crazy thing about watching him on TV is seeing him running about in a storm with his camera...wearing flip flops which seemed somewhat silly to me. I would have thought that good footwear was important if you plan to film in places where you need to run, or climb across debris to help people.
This book talks about the weather, storm chasing and other such adventures. Where I found the TV version entertaining, I found the description of some of his adventures disturbing, somewhat reckless and downright stupid at times. I did get annoyed by some of what he did which makes him look every bit as dumb as his fellow professionals declare.
I found the book interesting enough and I think Reed does a lot of good work in trying out new technology to study storms and try to help save lives. There is a certain element of risk to that but I hoped he has learned from some of the silly stunts in this book that there is a difference between calculated risk and suicide. I do admire the work that storm chasers do on the science front, raising the alarm by alerting local media, and helping with rescues after a tornado strikes so I don't want to be over-critical of the guy because I find him likable. Just cut out the mega dangerous stuff!
This book talks about the weather, storm chasing and other such adventures. Where I found the TV version entertaining, I found the description of some of his adventures disturbing, somewhat reckless and downright stupid at times. I did get annoyed by some of what he did which makes him look every bit as dumb as his fellow professionals declare.
I found the book interesting enough and I think Reed does a lot of good work in trying out new technology to study storms and try to help save lives. There is a certain element of risk to that but I hoped he has learned from some of the silly stunts in this book that there is a difference between calculated risk and suicide. I do admire the work that storm chasers do on the science front, raising the alarm by alerting local media, and helping with rescues after a tornado strikes so I don't want to be over-critical of the guy because I find him likable. Just cut out the mega dangerous stuff!
November 23, 2013
It all boils down to this- Reed is very passionate about meteorology and storm chasing. This book reflects his passion and it's very admirable. I thought it was written well, highlighting his adventures. I really wish I pursued my passion for meteorology at a younger age like he did. It's always nice to see Reed succeed. Despite the many references of the meteorological community giving him grief about being reckless, I feel him and his team's heart and interests are in the right place - improving severe weather preparedness and warnings through the use of science and technology. Hats off to these guys. The only beef I have with this book is it ended pretty abruptly. I would have liked to have heard more about his time with discovery and some behind the scenes type stories during their adventures. Overall, phenomenal book - recommend this to all weather geeks and enthusiasts. Great job Reed.
January 14, 2012
Having lived in Tornado Alley all of my life, and having personally experienced and survived three tornadoes, I have been a fan of Reed Timmer. I have long known that storm chasers are unsung heroes with their constant reporting to news and weather outlets. This book is an excellent look, at not only storm chasers, but at tornadoes as they form in the Alley and the damage they leave behind. He does an excellent job of describing the elements in a language that the lay person can understand. While I am not a risk taker and could not imagine myself chasing storms, I am very thankful for the people who do and help save lives. I feel that what they learn in their chases will make the future safer for our childen who will live in Tornado Alley. I strongly recommend this book for high school students and anyone who is truly interested in tornadoes.
September 20, 2011
I liked this book alot. After living in the "tornado alley" for two years and having lived in the next town from a major city that was hit by an F4 tornado one night I always wanted to be a storm chaser. Well since that never really did pan out, I dove into this book head first. The true detail and suspense in some parts were life like. I especially liked it when it started raining outside my window while I was reading, it made me feel like I could look out and see an F5 coming down the road and get into gear to chase that bad sucker. Well that didn't happen either. So I gobbled this book up quickly and am anxiously awaiting the next storm. (NOT REALLY BUT YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!)
January 17, 2016
Reed Timmer talks about his adventures while storm chasing,the up and downs. The lives effected by the devastation left behind and how he feels about it all. He goes into details about the conditions it takes to form a storm or tornado.Tells a few stories about people who ride along with him or he has come across after a tornado hits but about 85% of the book is about him.
December 1, 2017
Into the storm is a nonfiction book that includes facts about tornadoes and experiences Reed Timmer, a star of the Discovery Channel hit series Storm Chasers, had and how he became a storm chaser and how it all started. Reed starts out with basic information about tornadoes including hot, dry air injects the atmosphere with heat that serves as a springboard for the now warm, moist air to rise, an F0 tornado being under 73 miles per hour, an F1 tornado being 73-112 miles per hour, an F2 tornado being 113-157 miles per hour, an F3 tornado being 158-206 miles per and an F4 tornado being 207-260 milers per hour. He talks about the F5 tornado being his dream and explains that an F5 tornado over Tornado Alley being very violent. In the chapter, Freshman perspective, Being the freshman he was in college, He came through college thinking he could slack and not pay attention, especially because he just wanted to chase storms and just wasn’t interested. Reed attended Oklahoma University, where the best Meteorology school is because it’s surrounded by tornado alley. Reed was that typical borderline obsessive-compulsive freshman who partied and listened to rap and rock. He included that most people even seen him less likely to succeed. Even though he didn’t pay as much as he needed to in class, he was really serious about meteorology. He emphasizes why he draws tornadoes in class, and that reason is because “it was the next best thing to seeing them live”. One day, he noticed the unusual sky and went after it. Nothing much happened, except hail and a severe thunderstorm but it still excited Reed tremendously. Reed finished college with a PhD in meteorology. Reed then shares some of his other experiences of encountering vicious tornadoes and its natural habitat. He’s even faced times where he’s asked himself, “Is this really happening?” because of how intense the storm was. In the book, he brings up his vehicle, called the SRV (Storm Research Vehicle) dominator, to try and intercept a tornado (go inside a tornado). The dominator looks like a weirdly shaped tank that was modified with bulletproof glass windows and transparent Lexan armor to protect against flying debris near tornadoes. He ends his book with an epilogue of his first experience of attempting to going into a tornado and he fails multiple times but that never stops him from storm chasing.
Into the Storm was a great book because I got to enjoy the different aspects Reed encountered chasing storms while learning facts about weather. What I really liked about the book is that he even included pictures he’s taken on days tornadoes touched down in different areas. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially to people who love weather and want to become a meteorologist.
Into the Storm was a great book because I got to enjoy the different aspects Reed encountered chasing storms while learning facts about weather. What I really liked about the book is that he even included pictures he’s taken on days tornadoes touched down in different areas. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially to people who love weather and want to become a meteorologist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
Reed Timmer dives into his stories in Into The Storm with the same ferocity with which he chases the storms themselves. A recollection of anecdotes and past experiences, this book is an easy read for newcomers to the world of meteorology and fans alike.
For full disclosure, I have followed Reed's work since his first season on Storm Chasers, where he usurped storms and attention from the TIV and Sean Casey's IMAX film crew. He and I follow each other on Twitter. So, needless to say, I had a personal investment in this book whenever I found it on a shelf at my local McKay's. What follows is perfect for what I personally sought to gain from this book: Reed Timmer's stories and history up until Storm Chasers.
The author does an excellent job of storytelling and acknowledging his detractors, as well as reasoning with the criticism he received and the purpose of his chasing. What is lacking, which can be expected from an autobiographical tale, is true negatives stemming from the author's incessant drive to chase storms. He continuously paints himself as a risk taking hero, putting his life and the lives of those with him on the line in order to get as close as possible to these storms. He clearly pushes friends and loved ones away, but only mentions these struggles in passing. No real detail beyond the surface. He does an okay job of attempting to balance out the balls-to-the-wall recklessness he details in the blow-by-blow actions in his book, but it comes across as surface level and a little hollow.
While I realize that this book is tailored to someone being introduced to extreme weather, I found my eyes glazing over and my reading slowed by his continual need to define weather terminology in full paragraphs and pages throughout the book. It comes across as redundant with a glossary of meteorological terms in the back of the book and hampers his own storytelling, taking up the middle of many of his early anecdotes.
If you have even a passing interest in this book, I would recommend this to you. If you are more of a seasoned weather geek, such as myself, I would recommend this book with a side of patience. It may not be the most balanced or detailed read, but it is a fun page turner for lovers of weather, both new and old.
For full disclosure, I have followed Reed's work since his first season on Storm Chasers, where he usurped storms and attention from the TIV and Sean Casey's IMAX film crew. He and I follow each other on Twitter. So, needless to say, I had a personal investment in this book whenever I found it on a shelf at my local McKay's. What follows is perfect for what I personally sought to gain from this book: Reed Timmer's stories and history up until Storm Chasers.
The author does an excellent job of storytelling and acknowledging his detractors, as well as reasoning with the criticism he received and the purpose of his chasing. What is lacking, which can be expected from an autobiographical tale, is true negatives stemming from the author's incessant drive to chase storms. He continuously paints himself as a risk taking hero, putting his life and the lives of those with him on the line in order to get as close as possible to these storms. He clearly pushes friends and loved ones away, but only mentions these struggles in passing. No real detail beyond the surface. He does an okay job of attempting to balance out the balls-to-the-wall recklessness he details in the blow-by-blow actions in his book, but it comes across as surface level and a little hollow.
While I realize that this book is tailored to someone being introduced to extreme weather, I found my eyes glazing over and my reading slowed by his continual need to define weather terminology in full paragraphs and pages throughout the book. It comes across as redundant with a glossary of meteorological terms in the back of the book and hampers his own storytelling, taking up the middle of many of his early anecdotes.
If you have even a passing interest in this book, I would recommend this to you. If you are more of a seasoned weather geek, such as myself, I would recommend this book with a side of patience. It may not be the most balanced or detailed read, but it is a fun page turner for lovers of weather, both new and old.
April 7, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Reed Timmer and his work to advance our understanding of tornadoes. So, of course I'm going to read his autobiography!
Reed Timmer is a meteorologist and professional tornado chaser with a wildly popular Youtube channel who also features on the show Storm Chasers. But he didn't start out as a celebrity, nor did he ever expect to be. From a young age, he was always determined to follow his passion, and when tornado chasing captured his heart, he devoted his life to learning all he could and pushing the boundaries of science and social expectations all in the name of the perfect chase.
I really enjoyed reading about how Reed started his tornado chasing career. If you've seen any of his videos, you know that he is a single-minded, eccentric personality, yet he is also hard-working and very much devoted to his craft. The diligence, perseverance, and sacrifice he portrays is inspiring. He is truly an accidental celebrity. He loves chasing and doing all he can to help further our understanding of extreme weather in the pursuit of saving lives. In his mind, his popularity merely helps to fund those goals. It was great getting to see inside his mind and life and understand what motivates him!
The book can be a bit technical, but he does do a great job at explaining different meteorological terms so that the average person can try to understand them. I need visual explanations to understand those concepts though. The book also desperately needs a sequel. Reed has done SO MUCH since this book was published almost 15 years ago. I think it needs a revisit so he can continue the story!
I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Reed's work or who is curious about the life of a tornado chaser. I can totally tell how the movie Twisters (2024) was based off of him and his life! Definitely check out his Youtube channel if you want to learn more. NEVER STOP CHASING!!
Reed Timmer is a meteorologist and professional tornado chaser with a wildly popular Youtube channel who also features on the show Storm Chasers. But he didn't start out as a celebrity, nor did he ever expect to be. From a young age, he was always determined to follow his passion, and when tornado chasing captured his heart, he devoted his life to learning all he could and pushing the boundaries of science and social expectations all in the name of the perfect chase.
I really enjoyed reading about how Reed started his tornado chasing career. If you've seen any of his videos, you know that he is a single-minded, eccentric personality, yet he is also hard-working and very much devoted to his craft. The diligence, perseverance, and sacrifice he portrays is inspiring. He is truly an accidental celebrity. He loves chasing and doing all he can to help further our understanding of extreme weather in the pursuit of saving lives. In his mind, his popularity merely helps to fund those goals. It was great getting to see inside his mind and life and understand what motivates him!
The book can be a bit technical, but he does do a great job at explaining different meteorological terms so that the average person can try to understand them. I need visual explanations to understand those concepts though. The book also desperately needs a sequel. Reed has done SO MUCH since this book was published almost 15 years ago. I think it needs a revisit so he can continue the story!
I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Reed's work or who is curious about the life of a tornado chaser. I can totally tell how the movie Twisters (2024) was based off of him and his life! Definitely check out his Youtube channel if you want to learn more. NEVER STOP CHASING!!
February 25, 2019
Reed Timmer grew up in Michigan but chose his college – the University of Oklahoma – primarily because of its location right in the epicenter of Tornado Alley. Always obsessed with science and weather, nothing gets Reed more fired up than the power of the sky. Reed tells his story – of finding his way storm chasing – while completing his bachelor’s…and masters…and eventually doctorate in meteorology.
I know there’s a lot of hate out there about this book – but 1, it’s Reed’s autobiography – so of course it is primarily about him, from his perspective. Also, I highly admire his passion to let nothing get in the way of him going after what he wants in life. While Reed is so passionate about the adrenaline rush of chasing down an awe-inspiring storm, he has a lot of knowledge (and time…and money…and ruined cars…) to back his passion. And, he is taking something he is so excited about and wants to turn his hobby into a way to give back to others – to increase scientific knowledge about what actually happens during a tornado to increase public safety and knowledge.
I’ll give this 8.5 of 10 for enjoyment! And 4.5 of 5 for meteorology. I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1998 when an F5 tornado went through and I saw the devastation that these storms can cause. Living in Tornado Alley still now, I have some knowledge about these storms, but it is really fascinating how meteorologists still don’t seem to have a great idea when and where exactly these storms will form. I’m all for more knowledge being developed – they scare me so much! I enjoyed reading about what it truly is like to go chasing storms up and down thousands of miles of the Midwest, and I think you will too!
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
I know there’s a lot of hate out there about this book – but 1, it’s Reed’s autobiography – so of course it is primarily about him, from his perspective. Also, I highly admire his passion to let nothing get in the way of him going after what he wants in life. While Reed is so passionate about the adrenaline rush of chasing down an awe-inspiring storm, he has a lot of knowledge (and time…and money…and ruined cars…) to back his passion. And, he is taking something he is so excited about and wants to turn his hobby into a way to give back to others – to increase scientific knowledge about what actually happens during a tornado to increase public safety and knowledge.
I’ll give this 8.5 of 10 for enjoyment! And 4.5 of 5 for meteorology. I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1998 when an F5 tornado went through and I saw the devastation that these storms can cause. Living in Tornado Alley still now, I have some knowledge about these storms, but it is really fascinating how meteorologists still don’t seem to have a great idea when and where exactly these storms will form. I’m all for more knowledge being developed – they scare me so much! I enjoyed reading about what it truly is like to go chasing storms up and down thousands of miles of the Midwest, and I think you will too!
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
November 23, 2019
Przyznaję się, u mnie fascynacja tornadami też zaczęła się po filmie "Twister", który od lat niezmiennie uwielbiam i oglądam średnio kilka razy w roku. Jak zobaczyłam tę książkę to nie mogłam się powstrzymać przed kupnem. Zabierałam się za czytanie z ogromnym zapałem i apetytem na dużo świetnej zabawy z łowcami burz. Mój entuzjazm jednak opadł dość szybko.
Kłopot z oceną tej książki wynika głównie z faktu, że autor nie podołał trudnemu zadaniu opisania tej fascynującej, spektakularnej siły natury, jaką jest tornado. Do tego trzeba mieć jednak trochę talentu, tak jak do komentowania sportu w radiu :) Jeżeli wyłączymy wrażenia wizualne trzeba czymś wypełnić lukę, a to dość trudna rzecz. W tym przypadku zabrakło czegoś, co podkręciłoby emocje. Oczywiście autor opisał wiele polowań na burze, jednak wszystkie w podobny sposób, więc żadne z nich nie zostało na dłużej w mojej pamięci. Za to opisy jego problemów finansowych, studenckiego życia i rozkręcania interesu wryły mi się aż nadto. Jak się ogląda Reeda w trakcie pogoni za tornadem to widać te emocje, fascynację i momentami wręcz szaleństwo. W książce nie udało mu się uzyskać takiego efektu. Brakowało mi też zdjęć, jest ich kilka, ale to stanowczo za mało.
Plusem za to były opisy zjawisk meteorologicznych i słowniczek na końcu, dla osoby kompletnie nie mającej pojęcia o temacie to ciekawy dodatek.
Nadal wolę oglądać burze niż o nich czytać, więc książki nie polecam, chyba jedynie fani Reeda będą w stanie ją docenić.
5/10
Kłopot z oceną tej książki wynika głównie z faktu, że autor nie podołał trudnemu zadaniu opisania tej fascynującej, spektakularnej siły natury, jaką jest tornado. Do tego trzeba mieć jednak trochę talentu, tak jak do komentowania sportu w radiu :) Jeżeli wyłączymy wrażenia wizualne trzeba czymś wypełnić lukę, a to dość trudna rzecz. W tym przypadku zabrakło czegoś, co podkręciłoby emocje. Oczywiście autor opisał wiele polowań na burze, jednak wszystkie w podobny sposób, więc żadne z nich nie zostało na dłużej w mojej pamięci. Za to opisy jego problemów finansowych, studenckiego życia i rozkręcania interesu wryły mi się aż nadto. Jak się ogląda Reeda w trakcie pogoni za tornadem to widać te emocje, fascynację i momentami wręcz szaleństwo. W książce nie udało mu się uzyskać takiego efektu. Brakowało mi też zdjęć, jest ich kilka, ale to stanowczo za mało.
Plusem za to były opisy zjawisk meteorologicznych i słowniczek na końcu, dla osoby kompletnie nie mającej pojęcia o temacie to ciekawy dodatek.
Nadal wolę oglądać burze niż o nich czytać, więc książki nie polecam, chyba jedynie fani Reeda będą w stanie ją docenić.
5/10
April 10, 2025
A professional coming of age story of a future weather scientist at the right place at the right time. Reed Timmer a self-described weather junkie who heads off to the heart of weather Mecca, Norman, Oklahoma to study meteorology at one the most rigorous programs in the nation. While several reviewers wag their finger at this as an ego blast, hey mom look at me story, I won't apologize for that. When you peel back Reed Timmer's intensity and how co-writer Andrew Tilin portrays him - reckless and self-absorbed, you read about the rapid evolution of weather science. Timmer acknowledges himself as an outcast in the storm chaser community. But it is his behavior and timing that land him as the star of Storm Chasers. The show ignited an intense interest in weather, an interest in science. Is that bad? It is often the people who push the boundaries who make the breakthroughs. I'm not about to jump into my trusty minivan and chase a tornado because of it. Timmer and team have I hope improved early warning systems that can save lives. As our weather becomes more extreme, perhaps we need a few extreme people help us meet the future.
December 15, 2021
I did not look closely at the book when I got it then realized who the author is - I have seen him on Discovery's TV show about tornado chasers. In the show, he comes off as very intense and might be an obnoxious person to be around for long. In the book, he is lower-keyed and does explain a lot of the weather stuff that goes on.
This is mostly an autobiography and was not quite what I thought it might be. Not sure how to explain it; the book is a lot of glorifying the extreme tornado chasing almost as a sport. Yes, I am sure that he wants to understand tornadoes more than we do but the actual being there and getting as close to or in a tornado is the most important part. That seems to be some huge thrill that no drug could deliver and any science captured is icing on the cake but not the reason for breaking up with girlfriends, blowing off family dinners, running off instead of studying, etc.
That part did not really resonate with me.
This is mostly an autobiography and was not quite what I thought it might be. Not sure how to explain it; the book is a lot of glorifying the extreme tornado chasing almost as a sport. Yes, I am sure that he wants to understand tornadoes more than we do but the actual being there and getting as close to or in a tornado is the most important part. That seems to be some huge thrill that no drug could deliver and any science captured is icing on the cake but not the reason for breaking up with girlfriends, blowing off family dinners, running off instead of studying, etc.
That part did not really resonate with me.
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July 23, 2024This was interesting and fun! I wish he’d waited a little longer to do this bc it’s definitely well before the peak of his career, but it’s not like he would’ve known that lol.
Regarding the complaints that he’s too egotistic… well, like it or not, he really is that bitch and I’m glad that he confidently acknowledges his accomplishments lol. I’m from Iowa and he was a mononym like Cher in my house, but I get how some people wouldn’t know him at all… but he very much is everything he says he is lmao. Also I can’t imagine anything that would be more insufferable than a biography from one of those annoyingly humble people who spends the whole book like “uwu… I mean… um… I did some cool things I guess… 👉👈🥺” nah fuck that! Believe in yourself! Own it!!! Don’t let anyone call your self esteem ego!!!!!!
Regarding the complaints that he’s too egotistic… well, like it or not, he really is that bitch and I’m glad that he confidently acknowledges his accomplishments lol. I’m from Iowa and he was a mononym like Cher in my house, but I get how some people wouldn’t know him at all… but he very much is everything he says he is lmao. Also I can’t imagine anything that would be more insufferable than a biography from one of those annoyingly humble people who spends the whole book like “uwu… I mean… um… I did some cool things I guess… 👉👈🥺” nah fuck that! Believe in yourself! Own it!!! Don’t let anyone call your self esteem ego!!!!!!
June 8, 2024
As a person who likes whether I found the content to be interesting and some if not many of the details about specific weather features particularly tornadoes of course, but also resources and information sources was interesting. I guess the book serves as a very limited view of the storm chaser community so to speak, although we don't really hear from anybody but read and his views. The book is also not very self reflective and basically it's just a stating of facts places and may be a little bit of spin. Nonetheless, I liked it and if this is your thing it's a good read and interesting sometimes ways I never anticipated. Who would've guessed that University professors might look down their nose if their students behavior? Craziness.
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June 13, 2019DNF on page 143.
I think I was misled by the subtitle of this book, “violent tornadoes, killer hurricanes, and death-defying adventures in extreme weather.” It sounds like I’m about to read a book talking about the science behind those storms, maybe talk about the equipment needed to chase them down safely, etc...
What I got in the 50% of the book I read was Reed Timmer’s life story? and frankly I didn’t care... maybe if I had watched “Storm Chasers” I would have found it interesting but instead I found it boring and egocentric.
I think I was misled by the subtitle of this book, “violent tornadoes, killer hurricanes, and death-defying adventures in extreme weather.” It sounds like I’m about to read a book talking about the science behind those storms, maybe talk about the equipment needed to chase them down safely, etc...
What I got in the 50% of the book I read was Reed Timmer’s life story? and frankly I didn’t care... maybe if I had watched “Storm Chasers” I would have found it interesting but instead I found it boring and egocentric.
February 2, 2018
So bizarre to have been in the middle of this book when one of its protagonists (should I call him that?) suddenly died in real life. I was raised to have a fascination with natural disasters, so I can relate to Timmer's enthusiasm for chasing these storms. This is a book that I judged by its cover, and it didn't disappoint. It's just one of those, I-wish-I-was-there-and-not-just-reading-about-it kind of books. Overall, worth the listen.
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