How to survive the unsurvivable. ( )

Who survives plane crashes, being mauled by a mountain lion, devestating illnesses and accidents? The author, a former newsman for both ABC and NBC, answers these questions and many more with stunning examples of the strength of a human being and the reasons they survived. Sometimes it comes down to nothing more than luck but oftentimes a person's survival can depend on many different factors including hope, intelligence, faith and even old-fashioned stubborness. Scientific studies are cited throughout the book to show how you can increase your odds of survival in many difficult situations. For example: Where is the safest place to sit in an airplane? Statistics show that the rear of the plane is the safest, unless of course the plane should crash tail down. The best advice is the "5 Row Rule" meaning most people can only move an average of 5 rows after a crash before being overcome by fire or fleeing passengers so sit within 5 rows of an exit. If you become lost in the woods it is best to stay put, taking reasonable precautions against weather and animals, and not wander further away. Come face to face with a bear? Do not turn and run! Stand tall and calmly (really?) back away. Of course, reading all of the correct things to do does not mean that we will do them when the occasion arises. The author himself did absolutely all of the wrong things when his home's burglar alarm sounded in the middle of the night. The book is interesting and, at the very least, uplifting in the stories of survival by some very inspiring people.

The author includes a website for the reader to take a survival personality test for themselves (thesurvivorsclub.org) and of course I had to do it. Of the five personality types I am a "connector" which basically means I would probably fail miserably at survival because I am too focused on my loved ones My three survival tools are love, hope and adaptability. Although the first two are lovely I would hope the adaptablility would kick in when I'm in trouble!
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Sherwood, Ben
The Survivor’s Club: The Secrets and Science That Could Save Your Life

Nonfiction
The premise of The Survivor’s Club is that too many people die in disasters who shouldn’t. Studies done to find out why some people survive when others do not reveal surprising insights that could save your life. From the first anecdote involving a misstep and a knitting needle, you will be riveted. You might recognize some stories from the news, but Sherwood supplies clarifying information and answers the question, "What happened to these people?" One example is Dr. Phil. I didn't know he had a sister and certainly wasn't aware of the tragedy that befell her. Hers is just one of the incredible stories in this book, stories that will haunt you long after you've read the final page. You will learn from this book and, as incredible as this may sound, be uplifted as well.
Recommended August 2009

very well done, nicely done progression

The first half or so of this book is especially brilliant, with an almost perfect blend of real-life survival experiences and scientific data. It is engrossing, fascinating, and very educational, while also being rather inspiring. Unfortunately, the book loses a lot of steam in the last section of the book. It doesn't grip you so much, the information isn't all quite so fascinating or useful, and then the final part is about the online survivor profile, so it doesn't exactly end on a high note. Basically, it goes from extremely interesting to just moderately so. Thus, I split the difference. Five stars for the first half, and three for the last half. A four star book in total. Still, even if you decide to stop reading halfway into it, I'd definitely say you should at least give this one a shot. ( )