Zeitoun in WACKY READING CHALLENGES

May 12, 2016 Book Concierge rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, book-club, nature, library, concierge, survival, social-commentary, louisiana

EDITED, July 2019 - Multiple reports from residents of NOLA have pointed out that Abdul Zeitoun is a con man and felon. The veracity of much of Eggers' tale is in question ... probably because the Zeitouns gave him false information. I'm leaving my rating and review as it stands because of the qualify of Eggers' writing of the story. But to call it NONfiction is probably a stretch.

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Book on CD performed by Firdous Bamji.

This is a true story of what happened to one family in P EDITED, July 2019 - Multiple reports from residents of NOLA have pointed out that Abdul Zeitoun is a con man and felon. The veracity of much of Eggers' tale is in question ... probably because the Zeitouns gave him false information. I'm leaving my rating and review as it stands because of the qualify of Eggers' writing of the story. But to call it NONfiction is probably a stretch.

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Book on CD performed by Firdous Bamji.

This is a true story of what happened to one family in Post-Katrina New Orleans.

Kathy and Abdulrahman Zeitoun own and operate a contracting firm specializing in remodeling and refurbishing homes. In August 2005 as Hurricane Katrina heads for New Orleans, Kathy flees the city with their four young children, eventually winding up with friends in Phoenix. Abdulrahman (commonly known by his last name, Zeitoun) remains behind to watch over their properties. After the storm he paddles around the city in his canoe, helping numerous elderly neighbors escape, checking on the properties of various friends and clients, and caring for neighborhood pets that have been left behind. There is a working phone in one of the properties he owns, and Zeitoun faithfully calls Kathy each day at noon. He also speaks with his brother and sisters in Europe.

Kathy and his siblings urge Zeitoun to leave. They are watching news reports that show increasing chaos and they fear for his safety. But Zeitoun assures them that he is nowhere near the looting, the stadium, or the convention center. He has food and water and shelter, and two friends. He is fine, and he is doing good helping others.

Then, on Sept 6 the phone calls abruptly stop. He has simply disappeared. The city has completely shut down; Kathy cannot call the police or fire department or FEMA or the National Guard for help. She can only wait for word. Days turn to weeks….

This is a fascinating and infuriating story. I was shocked, stunned, angry, heartbroken, dismayed and completely riveted by the tale. Eggers does a great job putting the reader into the setting – the peace and quiet of no electronics, the heat and humidity, the stench of rotting vegetation, and the unsettling sight of armed men patrolling (?) your once-peaceful neighborhood.

Firdous Bamji does a marvelous job narrating the audio book. He has good pacing and his performance enhances the reader’s impression of Zeitoun as a thoughtful, faithful man, an everyman’s hero. And the way he voices Kathy when she has finally had ENOUGH, and starts yelling at the Homeland Security people … well, I wanted to stand up and cheer! ...more

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