The Devastating Impact of the California Wildfires: A Story of Heartbreaking Loss in Paradise

Gail Tavis: The book was very interesting as it talks about the Paradise Fire. Because of the book, I understand a little about what happened to cause the fire.

United States on Dec 19, 2023

Donald L. Ricco Jr.: A terrible tragedy that happened very near to us, and affected so many people that we know.
Hard to revisit it, but important to remember!

United States on Dec 07, 2023

Merve Eksi: The item arrived better than described – brand new with no scratches whatsoever. I'm extremely pleased with my purchase and highly recommend this seller. And I am excited to start reading!!

United States on Jul 25, 2023

Vicki M.: As this book points out, the fire in Paradise was predicted for decades. My husband's brother lost everything but his life and the lives of his pets. The fire literally roared down on him, and he, like many of the people in the book, had only a few minutes to escape. He was among the lucky ones. Despite knowing the potential for danger, people did not or were unable to prepare, often due to age, physical infirmity, or the simple geography of their homes in relation to the fire. When it did happen, many lives were lost because the risk and the escape plans had not been understood or practiced by many residents. The book also plays tribute to the firemen and residents whose quick thinking played a role in saving many lives. This is a morality play for anyone who lives in an area prone to natural disaster. Highly recommended, but have a hanky ready.

United States on Mar 02, 2021

Miguel: I knew very little about the fires beforehand, but felt completely transported by the writing. I loved how the authors explained the (frankly terrifying) trend towards bigger, near-unstoppable fires in the region, and the possible reasons for this. These big ideas were seamlessly woven together with individual stories (hopeful and tragic in equal measure).
The structure was great - effectively split into the build up, main event, and aftermath. At times it's intense reading (one of the chapters is aptly named 'Hell'), but the last section ties it together nicely, and is moving and thought-provoking.
Loved it!

United Kingdom on Jun 15, 2020

Eileen Phelps: This book is a must read, absolutely. There are a number of books about historical fires that are interesting but don't serve as a warning about what can happen today. We get complacent.
I live part time in California about 70 miles from Paradise and know some of the people who have moved to Grass Valley & Nevada City temporarily. Our Alta Sierra Ranches property lost much of our back yard to a forest fire a couple of years prior and our house was saved only by the wind changing direction and taking two nearby houses instead.
We had four minutes to evacuate and no warning because the fire began about 200 yards down the road and the flames were fifteen feet high by the time they reached us. My son just looked out the window and discovered it. People who do not live in places like this can have no idea what wind can do with a spark and how fast it can do it.
As we fled, a plane was already spreading retardant and a fire truck came up our driveway two minutes later. It stayed there for about five days, putting out hot spots. I can not thank them enough.

United States on Jun 10, 2020