Reviews

The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger

drbelp's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative fast-paced

3.0

stefnevells's review

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adventurous dark informative sad

3.0

kaatesob's review

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adventurous informative sad tense

5.0

midwifereading's review

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5.0

NOTE: I have not seen the movie, so I had no idea what I was in for. And I am so glad.

This book does not mince words, and expects the reader to understand a lot of sea, fishing, and boat lingo. Though I am not familiar with many of the terms, it didn't impede my ability to comprehend the story pieced together so masterfully by the author.

It's a harrowing, matter-of-fact, true, and vivid telling of what happened over the last few days of October, 1991, just off the east coast.

There is an especially surreal description of what it's like to drown, based on reports of people who have, essentially, drowned and survived.

I was moved, stunned, held captive by the narrative. There is nothing wordy, artsy, or unnecessary in this tale. It is simply the story in the most forthright, brutal terms, so there is no mistaking the unimaginable reality of what happened during that storm.

This book is a gut punch, and absolutely worth it.

kierli's review

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dark informative tense slow-paced

4.5

Incredibly comprehensive look at the people, culture, job, fish, ships, the whole picture. 

switt713's review

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adventurous informative sad tense medium-paced

3.75

pecosedie's review

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adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

4.0

This harrowing and at times frightening story of the bravery of fishermen and the deadly storms they face is almost too real.  The book also pushes you to consider the wives, children, friends, rescuers, and all those impacted by those who head to the sea and sometimes never return.  Admittedly, I was at times lost by the complexity of the oceanography and meteorology, but this true story is one I will not soon forget.

book_concierge's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5 stars

It's an interesting book but not so gripping as [b:Isaac's Storm|239186|Isaac's Storm A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History|Erik Larson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403179592s/239186.jpg|1605]. Still, I learned more about fluid dynamics, the physics of meteorology, and the fishing industry. I'm glad I read it, but I'm not actually recommending it to anyone.

blacksheep333's review

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

3.25

agomes's review against another edition

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adventurous informative mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0