Storm of the Century: The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 (Adventure Press)

Book Description

The most powerful hurricane in United States history assaulted the Florida Keys in 1935, one of the darkest years of the Great Depression. With winds surpassing 200 miles an hour and a storm surge topping 20 feet, the “Storm of the Century” killed more than 400 people in a two-day span, devastating small villages and killing hundreds of World War I veterans working on a federally sponsored project—and kicking up a far-reaching political storm of acrimony and controversy in its wake.

Told from the alternating viewpoints of veterans and local residents who survived the storm, Federal Emergency Relief Administration employees, and governmental officials, Storm of the Century is an ambitious work of investigative journalism and historical research, panoramic in scope and haunting in its emotional immediacy. Featuring previously undisclosed documents from the original government investigation, noted journalist Willie Drye's vivid account of the storm's rampage is accompanied by fascinating revelations about how federal administrators ignored early hurricane warningsãand why supporters of Franklin Delano Roosevelt were deeply concerned about its effect on the election of 1936. Drye's bracing narrative expertly evokes the Florida Keys of the 1930s and delivers the first comprehensive explanation of how the economic crises of the Depression and the cruel mandates of political expediency collided full-force with the might of the hurricane itself and ultimately exploded into a national tragedy.

Customer Reviews:

Fact filled and mesmerizing account - worthwhile read.......2006-11-14

I was not even aware of the Hurricane of 1935 until I saw a recent special on television. I wanted to learn more, and this book filled the bill. Willie Drye laid the groundwork by telling about the residents of the Keys and what life was like then before the storm. He explained how isolated they became with one only road in and out and how the planned-for railroad would improve things immensely. The stories of the veterans who lived in the area to work on those railroads were well told. I found the book riveting and hard to put down until toward the end. Once the book turned to discussing the "blame game" and how the various agencies tried to save face in light of the deaths of so many veterans, it bogged down for me and lost a lot of its verve. Nevertheless, I would recommend STORM OF THE CENTURY as a fact-filled and interesting account of what was a horrific experience for people so ill prepared to survive it.

Great Book.......2006-05-17

Starts off a little slow and gets a little boring in the middle, but all-in-all Willie Drye does a great job telling the story of the hurricane and the political nightmare surrounding it. The parallels to this disaster and it's lack of leadership to Katrina and the bumbling leaders involved in it (Nagin/Blanco) are uncanny.

The Labor Day hurricane of 1935 . . . hmmmm, sounds familiar.......2005-11-29

Reading this book just a few months after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Mississippi gulf coast, and the subsequent political fallout that ensued there, is fascinating. Because in the 1935 hurricane that barreled through the Florida Keys with winds up to 200 mph (it's the most powerful hurricane to strike the US) we also have a set of "victims," accusations of governmental neglect, and finger-pointing and fudged reports that came with official investigations.

The 1935 hurricane (storms weren't named back then; this one occurred on Labor Day so is often referred to as the Labor Day hurricane) begins years before it actually formed off the Bahamas, and many miles to the north. The story really commences in Washington, DC, in 1932, when thousands of WW I veterans marched on the capital demanding the bonus money they were promised for fighting in the Great War. They set up camps in Washington, and, mainly because the Depression was affecting much of the population, were not very popular. When FDR became president, he decided to ship the vets off to Florida to help construct the road that was stretching from Florida's mainland across the Keys to Key West. Since 1912 the Florida East Coast Railroad ran tracks to Key West, but no road ran the full distance. (Interestingly, the storm killed the railroad for good along the Keys; the road and most other things were built or rebuilt.)

By early 1935, these veterans began arriving in the Keys and were lodged in work camps. Thus the "victims" were in place. Drye tells what life was like in the camps (much discontent, drunkeness, and violence), and how the men felt they were merely shuttled out of sight and forgotten.

The storm formed off the Bahamas late in August and was first predicted to hit Havana, Cuba. Hurricane tracking techniques were still pretty primitive in 1935, with most of the information coming in from ships at sea. The weather bureau, however, located the storm about 200 miles too far south, and its predictions for the Keys minimized the dangers at first. The first finger-pointing of blame after the tragedy was directed at the weather bureau.

Then the storm hit. It was compact and ferocious, destroying everything in its path. Drye relates first-hand experiences by those caught in it. Some survived, many did not (hundreds died). Many of the survivors - and victims - were the veterans who had not been taken off the Keys as they should have been. Here's where the governmental neglect charges come in. Apparently a train had been readied and was even on its way to take the men out, but delays in ordering it prevented it from getting to the camps in time. In fact, the train itself was blown off the tracks by the tremendous winds and the storm surge.

The first official report on the disaster said no one was to blame, it was just "an act of God." This outraged many people and additional hearings were held, but the results were the same. Drye includes some of the testimony taken during the hearings, and it's not surprising to see the half-truths, outright lies, and protect-my-own-rear-end declarations pile up.

Drye tells this story dramatically, informatively, and well. He refuses to cross over into melodrama where the temptation to do so is great (the first-hand accounts). He includes a few collateral and secondary events (the ordeal of the passenger ship "Dixie" on its way to NYC from Texas that got caught right in the middle of the hurricane, and some things about Ernest Hemingway who was at home in Key West at the time) that add to the interest of the book. And one can't help but draw comparisons to the Katrina disaster of 2005. An excellent book. Highly recommended.

Very thorough account.......2005-06-13

This was an excellent story, meticulously researched by the author and presented as if he were actually there to witness it all. Awesome, suspenseful hurricane tale.

Great Story.......2004-09-01

This is the first book I have ever read on a natural disaster. It was a great story. It was rich in history and science, but not too overdone. I'm from the coast that does not have hurricanes and the description of the storm blew my socks off. Great props to the author even if you could tell what his political motivations were.

Book Description

The Rough Guide to Vietnam is the ideal companion for exploring Southeast Asia''s most intriguing destination. A full-colour introductory section includes photos of the country''s highlights, from the waterborne markets of the Mekong Delta to the faded elegance of Hanoi. Lively coverage is given to towns and attractions and opinionated reviews give an up-to-the-minute impression of the country''s best-known sights. There is practical advice on exploring everything that may concern the independent traveller, from negotiating Vietnam''s borders to dining in street kitchens. The Contexts section includes enlightening articles on Vietnamese history, religion, music and film. "The Rough Guide to Vietnam is strongly recommended" The Daily Telegraph

Customer Reviews:

Descriptive, but not horribly useful.......2006-08-25

I'm writing this from Ho Chi Minh City where I've been for the last month or so. I have not traveled much outside the city, so my perspective is limited to the parts about Vietnam in general and HCMC specifically.

My primary issue with the book is that it gives little sense of relativity within the different topics. It speaks about $4 burger joints and $25 formal restaurants sequentially on a page and without going to them you would not know they are so vastly different. Everything is given a cursory overview. I'd prefer to know what places have better food, service, ambiance, relative pricing, etc. Prices are only mentioned on the pages regarding hotels. Once you are here, it feels like the writer just walked down a few streets in HCMC, wrote down names and addresses and a one sentence blurb from looking through the window.

I prefer a book that gives me a sense for places I don't want to miss and places I definitely should. If that is what you are looking for, this is not it.

not as good as lets go and lonely planet.......2006-04-25

I would have checked 3.5 stars if possible, 4 is too high, 3 is too low. I didn't like the hotel section as much as other guide books. And I didn't like the price rating system, I prefer to have the prices in US$ or VD. Also the map in the front is not comprehensive enough.

The Lonely Planet was much better.......2004-06-05

I had the Lonely Planet and my friend had the Rough guide and the difference was quite great. The section on the Mekong Delta for example was vastly more in depth in the LP and I would have been totally lost if I had used the Rough Guide.

Rough Guide Outdoes Lonely Planet Again.......2002-01-13

I was very happy to have Rough Guide Vietnam for my travels in northern Vietnam during December, 2000 - January, 2001. For one thing I felt like I wasn't getting channeled down the Lonely Planet path, as most independent travelers were carrying that book and using it like their Bible. Also, whenever anyone compared my Rough Guide to their Lonely Planet, they said they found RG to be better. Rough Guide goes into more depth than LP in describing the sights and history. LP's maps are a little more comprehensive, but RG's listings of hotels are more user-friendly than LP. I very much enjoyed the book.

Rough Guide better than Lonely Planet, Footprint.......2001-01-12

Just came back from a three week trip to Vietnam with three books: the Lonely Planet, the Rough Guide, and Footprint Handbook.

The Rough Guide is the best guidebook around for the country. It is superior to the Lonely Planet guide in the breadth and depth of coverage and especially its accuracy. I liked LP for other countries but here they did a very poor job.

I have not found even one instance where Lonely Planet provided information that Rough did not have. If you are traveling to the north, you may want to consider reading Footprint before you leave -- it has some interesting information.

Book Description

The Rough Guide Map Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia combines clear modern mapping andbang-up-to-date research and is the essential companion to anyonetravelling around these three fascinating Southeast Asian countries. Whether you''re travelling through Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Louang Phabang in Laos or visiting Phnom Penh in Cambodia , the Rough Guide Map provides invaluable information to help youfind your way. It is printed on waterproof and rip-proof Polyartâ¢ paperand includes detail on everything from road numbers and airports to train stations and main points of interest.

The Rough Guide to Vietnam 5 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

Average customer rating:

Didn't get me lost.....and that is saying something
Covers the entire country in great depth, but has a few irksome qualities
great travel guide to vietnam
As good as it gets

The Rough Guide to Vietnam 5 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)
Rough Guides
Manufacturer: Rough Guides
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Vietnam | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Southeast | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Rough Guide | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 1843536161

Book Description

The Rough Guide to Vietnam is ideal for people who want to travel independently and discover more about this incredibly diverse country. It includes lively reviews of the best places to eat, from street kitchens to the upmarket restaurants of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and practical advice on activities, from home-stays in ethnic minority villages to boat trips around Ha Long Bay and visits to its national parks. There are extensive, user-friendly descriptions of VietnamÂ's many sights, including HuÃ©Â's Imperial city, temples and pagodas and VietnamÂ's impressive colonial architecture, as well as its deserted beaches and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Customer Reviews:

Didn't get me lost.....and that is saying something.......2007-09-07

I traveled in North and Central Vietnam for about 2.5 weeks in Feb 2007 with friends and they had the Lonely Planet guide, I had the Rough Guide. I found that the Rough Guide had a bit more detailed information about food, culture and sights. It was most apparent when we went to see the ruins of a Chiam village near Hoi An (My Son).

I loved the hot tip on the used book trade in Hoi An too. Great trades available in hotels and shops.

I am plannng to do Cambodia and Laos in February, and I am planning on bringing a Rough Guide (if available).

Covers the entire country in great depth, but has a few irksome qualities.......2007-07-03

I visited Vietnam in the summer of 2007, touring mainly the north of the country, and used THE ROUGH GUIDE TO VIETNAM, fifth edition. I was immediately impressed by the depth by which the Rough Guide writers covered the country. It's a big book, meaning it weighs down a bag significantly, but no matter where you want to go in Vietnam, it's here.

I cannot comment on the accommodation listings, as I travel by means of Internet hospitality associations and prefer to avoid hotels or hostels. I gave much study to the restaurants listings while on my way to Vietnam, but ultimately didn't use them. The authors give plenty of street kitchens, but travelers shouldn't have difficulty finding such fare, as it's available everywhere you look. Still, the authors do deserve kudos for including a colour section on the concept of street food, encouraging travelers to put aside their fears and partake of this very delicious Vietnamese tradition. The walking tours are easy to follow, and the maps are the clearest you'll find, as one can expect from a Rough Guide publication.

Downsides? Well, I was disappointed by two facets of this Rough Guide. The first is that recent history is completely biased towards the Communist forces fighting for independence, with no understanding of the French and American sides. Other guidebook describe in detail the horrors that ensued in the South after the North claimed victory, and the poverty that created the plight of the boat people, but I felt this guide skirts the issues. The other disappointment was that the guide shows travelers towards the fragile lands of Vietnamese minority people. When minority peoples move their markets to another village to avoid tourists, it seems insensitive for the book to send even more in. Whatever happened to the philosophy that these independent guidebooks had in days of yore, that some places shouldn't be included in the book to challenge travelers and preserve secluded spots?

As I write this, the Lonely Planet guide is quite old, leaving the Rough Guide as the easiest guidebook to find for the independent traveler (the Let's Go guide is good as well--and lighter--but has less detailed coverage).

great travel guide to vietnam.......2007-06-27

As someone who is Vietnamese, I think that this is a great book for both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese readers. In addition to being extremely detailed, it also has a great section with colored photos about Vietnamese cuisine that I think is great for those who may not be familiar to this country's unique flavors. Furthermore, at the very beginning, it has a top ten list of places to see in Vietnam for those who want to narrow down their trip to the most essential places.

As good as it gets.......2007-02-15

This is a very well-researched guide, and proved extremely useful on a recent 2 month trip to Vietnam. The food and lodging reviews were mostly spot on, with lots of useful practical information on getting to and from places. I've always liked the Rough Guides, and this one is right up there.

Average customer rating:

Rough Guide Map Vietnam

Manufacturer: Rough Guides
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Map

Vietnam | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1843533618

Average customer rating:

Rough Guide to Vietnam
Jan Dodd
Manufacturer: ROUGH GUIDES (PENG)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JZ71PS

Vietnam: The Rough Guide, First Edition (1st ed)

Average customer rating:

Vietnam: The Rough Guide, First Edition (1st ed)
Jan Dodd , and Mark Lewis
Manufacturer: Rough Guides
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Vietnam | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Southeast | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1858281911

Book Description

Izzie, Lucy, and T. J. crowded round and stared at me, like they were waiting for a circus freak to begin her act. I shook my head. "You're going to have to open your mouth some time," said Lucy. "Come on, put your hand down." I shook my head. "It's horrible. I look like a can opener."

Nesta is devastated. She has to wear braces. She thinks that no boy will ever look at her again without thinking of the killer shark in Jaws. And practicing a smile that doesn't show her teeth isn't helping. There's only one option: to become a recluse.

Lucy, Izzie, and T. J. try to help Nesta understand that her looks haven't changed, but Nesta's not convinced. Things change, however, when she meets Luke, who not only restores her confidence in her ability to attract boys, but also introduces her to a whole new side of her personality.

Customer Reviews:

Braces and a lot else.......2006-01-16

A lot happens in this book but I wished there was more about Nesta's braces. She's 15 and gets braces and doesn't want anyone to see but then she finds the guy of her dreams Luke and he becomes her boyfriend. There are complications but not really because of her braces. I don't think in real life she would not mention them so much. It's frustrating because so few girls in books have braces and I hoped there would be more about having them here. Otherwise it's fun because a lot of what happens to Nesta is funny, but it gets serious too when Nesta's father doesn't want her to see Luke anymore and won't tell her why. I like the tips and stuff at the end of the chapters too.

As much as I like these books, I think they're getting old.......2005-06-24

I'm a huge fan of Cathy Hopkins, and I love her Mates, Dates, and...series. Unfortunately, as I started reading MATES, DATES, AND SEQUIN SMILES, I relized that the books are getting a bit old.

MATES, DATES, AND SEQUIN SMILES is another story that revolves around Nesta - the vain, somewhat self-absorbed girl out of the four friends. But when she finds out that she needs to get braces, she's mortified - what guy is ever going to fall for a girl with braces?! Nesta makes a big deal out of getting braces, and decides that nobody can see her until she gets them off. To fill her spare time, she decides to take an acting class that's going to be held at a local school. Nesta figures that there will only be adults taking the class, so she's safe going in public with her braces. Until she meets Luke...

MATES, DATES, AND SEQUIN SMILES was cute, but I really feel like the series is getting a bit old. It's good summer reading, but I'd recommend getting it from the library instead of buying it.

really good series!!!.......2005-06-14

This is the 7th Mates, Dates book and it is in Nesta's perspective. Nesta is kind of obsessed with her looks and she is known as one of the prettiest girls in her school and is very popular with the boys and stuff. Her friends mention that she is a bit shallow though because of it and because her last boyfriend was rich. She is determined to prove that she isnt shallow. Then she finds out she has to get braces and hides in her room and wont come out. Her friends comfort her that it isnt the end of the world and she is still pretty and she decides she will go out in public again, but keeps her hand over her mouth to hide her teeth. Then she meets Luke and he doesnt care that she has braces. But when her dad meets him, he has a grudge against him just from finding out what his last name is. Nesta and Luke try to find out what might have happened in the past between their families. Read the book to see what happens!!

THE BEST!.......2005-06-02

This is definatly the best mates, dates book to date.... The story is told from Nesta's point of view! She is soooo funny. In the book she mets a boy named Luke. Due to things that have happend between their fathers in the past nesta is not allowed to see Luke anymore.....It was definatly I good book that I couldn't put down!

Mates, Dates, and Sequin Smiles.......2005-06-01

Mates Dates, and Sequin Smiles
By Cathy Hopkins
This is the sixth book in the Mates, Dates sequel. I would not recommend reading this book unless you have read the first five. If you haven't read the first five, you will be very confused.

In this book, Nesta is the narrator. She is used to being the prettiest girl in school. She could deal with all the boys liking her and all the girls hating her, expect her three best friends, Lucy, T.J , and Izzie. The one thing she couldn't deal with... was braces.

When she found out she was having braces, she made a plan not to talk for a year. If you have read the first books, you will know that this will not work. So, she decided to take an acting class with Iizze that all old people go to, or so she thought. One day at acting class, Nesta met Luke. She liked him from the first time she saw him

This is a really good book; it makes you want to read more. Most girls will like these books, because it is about a group of four best friends. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in this series of books, or if you start the series you should definitely continue onto the sixth book.

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