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52 pages 1 hour read

Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2023

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Book Brief

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John Vaillant

Fire Weather

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Alberta, Canada • 2010s

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In the 2023 nonfiction book Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World, John Vaillant examines the catastrophic 2016 wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, exploring the roots of the disaster in climate change and human activity, which exacerbated the fire's intensity and devastation.

Informative

Suspenseful

Unnerving

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.5

8,597 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Fire Weather by John Vaillant receives praise for its gripping narrative and thorough research on wildfire phenomena. Reviewers commend the book's engaging storytelling and its timely relevance to climate issues. Some criticize it for a dense writing style, which might deter casual readers. Overall, it's lauded for its impactful exploration of environmental challenges.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Fire Weather?

Readers fascinated by environmental science, climate change, and gripping true stories will enjoy John Vaillant's Fire Weather. Similar to Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction and Timothy Egan's The Big Burn, this book appeals to those interested in understanding human impact on nature through compelling narrative and meticulous research.

4.5

8,597 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

John Vaillant

An environmental journalist and author known for his immersive storytelling and exploration of ecological themes, who documents the Fort McMurray wildfire in his book. He combines scientific analysis with personal stories and historical context for a nuanced exploration.

A labor relations adviser for Syncrude, who provides insight into the lives of those involved with the oil industry in Fort McMurray. Her personal journey reflects the emotional and psychological impact of the wildfire on residents.

The fire chief of Fort McMurray, who played a central role in the response to the wildfire, offering leadership during the crisis. His experiences reveal the immense pressure of firefighting and the challenges of crisis communication.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Alberta, Canada • 2010s

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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