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iceangel32's review against another edition
3.0
Not exactly what I thought it would be, not bad. I learned a little about severe weather. I was looking for something with stories of storms, this was more about the chasing and Reed's story of why and how he chases. Like I said not bad not exactly what I was looking for.
vikingwolf's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book after watching the brilliant series Storm Chasers on TV. Reed Timmer on that show took some dangerous risks to get close to storms, causing friction between him and other storm chasers, a topic that is covered in this book. The crazy thing about watching him on TV is seeing him running about in a storm with his camera...wearing flip flops which seemed somewhat silly to me. I would have thought that good footwear was important if you plan to film in places where you need to run, or climb across debris to help people.
This book talks about the weather, storm chasing and other such adventures. Where I found the TV version entertaining, I found the description of some of his adventures disturbing, somewhat reckless and downright stupid at times. I did get annoyed by some of what he did which makes him look every bit as dumb as his fellow professionals declare.
I found the book interesting enough and I think Reed does a lot of good work in trying out new technology to study storms and try to help save lives. There is a certain element of risk to that but I hoped he has learned from some of the silly stunts in this book that there is a difference between calculated risk and suicide. I do admire the work that storm chasers do on the science front, raising the alarm by alerting local media, and helping with rescues after a tornado strikes so I don't want to be over-critical of the guy because I find him likable. Just cut out the mega dangerous stuff!
This book talks about the weather, storm chasing and other such adventures. Where I found the TV version entertaining, I found the description of some of his adventures disturbing, somewhat reckless and downright stupid at times. I did get annoyed by some of what he did which makes him look every bit as dumb as his fellow professionals declare.
I found the book interesting enough and I think Reed does a lot of good work in trying out new technology to study storms and try to help save lives. There is a certain element of risk to that but I hoped he has learned from some of the silly stunts in this book that there is a difference between calculated risk and suicide. I do admire the work that storm chasers do on the science front, raising the alarm by alerting local media, and helping with rescues after a tornado strikes so I don't want to be over-critical of the guy because I find him likable. Just cut out the mega dangerous stuff!
ajaggers324's review against another edition
4.0
Exciting, some interesting bits of science thrown in, overall an interesting look into the world of a storm chaser
kizzywh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
5.0
I must admit, this is one of the best books i’ve read in a long time. informative, and easy to understand, even for someone who isn’t familiar with all the terms.
alliekb17's review against another edition
4.0
I have had this book on my shelf to Read for 10 years. I was a meteorology major and NWS storm spotter. Reed Timmer is someone I admired and still do. A lot of his story is misunderstood and I think this book provides clarity. The writing style wasn’t bad either. Definitely some relatable content if you have ever took part in storm chasing.
meliaraastair's review against another edition
4.0
Reed Timmer grew up in Michigan but chose his college – the University of Oklahoma – primarily because of its location right in the epicenter of Tornado Alley. Always obsessed with science and weather, nothing gets Reed more fired up than the power of the sky. Reed tells his story – of finding his way storm chasing – while completing his bachelor’s…and masters…and eventually doctorate in meteorology.
I know there’s a lot of hate out there about this book – but 1, it’s Reed’s autobiography – so of course it is primarily about him, from his perspective. Also, I highly admire his passion to let nothing get in the way of him going after what he wants in life. While Reed is so passionate about the adrenaline rush of chasing down an awe-inspiring storm, he has a lot of knowledge (and time…and money…and ruined cars…) to back his passion. And, he is taking something he is so excited about and wants to turn his hobby into a way to give back to others – to increase scientific knowledge about what actually happens during a tornado to increase public safety and knowledge.
I’ll give this 8.5 of 10 for enjoyment! And 4.5 of 5 for meteorology. I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1998 when an F5 tornado went through and I saw the devastation that these storms can cause. Living in Tornado Alley still now, I have some knowledge about these storms, but it is really fascinating how meteorologists still don’t seem to have a great idea when and where exactly these storms will form. I’m all for more knowledge being developed – they scare me so much! I enjoyed reading about what it truly is like to go chasing storms up and down thousands of miles of the Midwest, and I think you will too!
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
I know there’s a lot of hate out there about this book – but 1, it’s Reed’s autobiography – so of course it is primarily about him, from his perspective. Also, I highly admire his passion to let nothing get in the way of him going after what he wants in life. While Reed is so passionate about the adrenaline rush of chasing down an awe-inspiring storm, he has a lot of knowledge (and time…and money…and ruined cars…) to back his passion. And, he is taking something he is so excited about and wants to turn his hobby into a way to give back to others – to increase scientific knowledge about what actually happens during a tornado to increase public safety and knowledge.
I’ll give this 8.5 of 10 for enjoyment! And 4.5 of 5 for meteorology. I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1998 when an F5 tornado went through and I saw the devastation that these storms can cause. Living in Tornado Alley still now, I have some knowledge about these storms, but it is really fascinating how meteorologists still don’t seem to have a great idea when and where exactly these storms will form. I’m all for more knowledge being developed – they scare me so much! I enjoyed reading about what it truly is like to go chasing storms up and down thousands of miles of the Midwest, and I think you will too!
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
hcramer22's review against another edition
DNF on page 143.
I think I was misled by the subtitle of this book, “violent tornadoes, killer hurricanes, and death-defying adventures in extreme weather.” It sounds like I’m about to read a book talking about the science behind those storms, maybe talk about the equipment needed to chase them down safely, etc...
What I got in the 50% of the book I read was Reed Timmer’s life story? and frankly I didn’t care... maybe if I had watched “Storm Chasers” I would have found it interesting but instead I found it boring and egocentric.
I think I was misled by the subtitle of this book, “violent tornadoes, killer hurricanes, and death-defying adventures in extreme weather.” It sounds like I’m about to read a book talking about the science behind those storms, maybe talk about the equipment needed to chase them down safely, etc...
What I got in the 50% of the book I read was Reed Timmer’s life story? and frankly I didn’t care... maybe if I had watched “Storm Chasers” I would have found it interesting but instead I found it boring and egocentric.
dianne_aguilera's review against another edition
5.0
I had never heard of Reed Timmer before selecting the audio version of this book from the library (I've never had cable/pay TV so I haven't seen his shows before). I give the book itself 5 stars but I give the audio version 3 stars. While I hadn't heard of Reed Timmer, I'm familiar with the reader/performer of this audio book and I think he is better at reading the Rick Riordan novels that my son listens to than this non-fiction account.
Many documentary books give full accounts of every detail of the subject. I enjoyed that this book doesn't. While it was clear from the book that the majority of storm chases end up as busts and I learned a lot about stormy weather in general, the book really only recounted the harrowing chases, which definitely made it more exciting to read.
I plan to look this guy up online and take a look at his videos.
Many documentary books give full accounts of every detail of the subject. I enjoyed that this book doesn't. While it was clear from the book that the majority of storm chases end up as busts and I learned a lot about stormy weather in general, the book really only recounted the harrowing chases, which definitely made it more exciting to read.
I plan to look this guy up online and take a look at his videos.