The Storm of the Century - by Al Roker (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this gripping narrative history, Al Roker from NBC's Today and the Weather Channel vividly examines the deadliest natural disaster in American history--a haunting and inspiring tale of tragedy, heroism, and resilience that is full of lessons for today's new age of extreme weather.

On the afternoon of September 8, 1900, two-hundred-mile-per-hour winds and fifteen-foot waves slammed into Galveston, the booming port city on Texas's Gulf Coast. By dawn the next day, the city that hours earlier had stood as a symbol of America's growth and expansion was now gone. Shattered, grief-stricken survivors emerged to witness a level of destruction never before seen: Eight thousand corpses littered the streets and were buried under the massive wreckage. Rushing water had lifted buildings from their foundations, smashing them into pieces, while wind gusts had upended steel girders and trestles, driving them through house walls and into sidewalks. No race or class was spared its wrath. In less than twenty-four hours, a single storm had destroyed a major American metropolis--and awakened a nation to the terrifying power of nature.

Blending an unforgettable cast of characters, accessible weather science, and deep historical research into a sweeping and dramatic narrative, The Storm of the Century brings this legendary hurricane and its aftermath into fresh focus. No other natural disaster has ever matched the havoc caused by the awesome mix of winds, rain, and flooding that devastated Galveston and shocked a young, optimistic nation on the cusp of modernity. Exploring the impact of the tragedy on a rising country's confidence--the trauma of the loss and the determination of the response--Al Roker illuminates the United States's character at the dawn of the "American Century," while also underlining the fact that no matter how mighty they may become, all nations must respect the ferocious potential of our natural environment.

From the Back Cover

In this "vivid and absorbing account" (Booklist), Al Roker from NBC's Today examines the deadliest natural disaster in American history--a haunting and inspiring tale of tragedy, heroism, and resilience that is full of lessons for today's new age of extreme weather.

On the afternoon of September 8, 1900, two-hundred-mile-per-hour winds and fifteen-foot waves slammed into Galveston, the booming port city on Texas's Gulf Coast. By dawn the next day, the city that hours earlier had stood as a symbol of America's growth and expansion was now gone: Eight thousand corpses littered the streets and were buried under the massive wreckage. Rushing water had lifted buildings from their foundations, smashing them into pieces, while wind gusts had upended steel girders and trestles, driving them through house walls and into sidewalks. In less than twenty-four hours, a single storm had destroyed a major American metropolis--and awakened a nation to the terrifying power of nature. Blending an unforgettable cast of characters, accessible weather science, and deep historical research into a sweeping and dramatic narrative, The Storm of the Century brings this legendary hurricane and its aftermath into fresh focus.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating, multifaceted story." -- USA Today

"Compelling. ... Uplifting." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Vivid details abound in Roker's telling of the hurricane and its aftermath... [which] reads like a novel. ... Engrossing." -- Chicago Tribune

"Gripping reading and a well-crafted cautionary tale. ... [Roker] brings important new energy, details and meteorological insights to this retelling." -- Dallas Morning News

"[A] vivid and absorbing account of the infamous Great Galveston Hurricane. ... Spellbinding and informative." -- Booklist

"[A] compelling work. ... Focusing on the human experience of the storm, Roker follows survivors before, during, and after the hurricane in order to elucidate what people on Galveston Island encountered as the storm raged through the city." -- Library Journal

"Reads like a blockbuster movie script." -- Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

"Roker revisits the 'worst natural diaster of any kind, ever to hit the United States.' ... He sets the stage for the drama with a comprehensive, but accessible history of Galveston at the time." -- Publishers Weekly

ONE OF USA TODAY'S "25 HOT BOOKS FOR SUMMER" -- USA Today

"Personalize[s] the event. ... Roker's best research uncovers more of the rescue and recovery effort. ... Roker's new book is a fine effort." -- San Antonio Express-News

"This book, skillfully crafted by Al Roker, is a must read! It has changed my thoughts about weather predictions forever." -- Craig Daily Press (CO)