88 pages • 2 hours read
Isaac's Storm
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Book Brief
336
Book • Nonfiction
Galveston, Texas • 1900s
1999
Adult
16+ years
1020L
Super Short Summary
Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson is a nonfiction account of the catastrophic Galveston hurricane of September 9, 1900, which killed between 6,000 and 10,000 people. The narrative focuses on Isaac Monroe Cline, a meteorologist who dismissed warnings from Cuban meteorologists and underestimated the approaching storm. The book explores weather prediction science, the historical context, and the hurricane's devastating impact on Galveston and its residents.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
75,265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Erik Larson’s Isaac's Storm captivates with its gripping recount of the 1900 Galveston hurricane. Praised for its meticulous research and vivid storytelling, it immerses readers in historical drama. Critics note occasional narrative pacing issues yet commend its compelling blend of science and human experience. Essential for history buffs and weather enthusiasts alike.
Who Should Read Isaac's Storm?
Fans of historical narratives and weather phenomena will appreciate Erik Larson's Isaac's Storm. Similar to readers of The Devil in the White City and Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken, this audience enjoys gripping, well-researched storytelling blending history, science, and human experience.
75,265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joseph Cline
Joseph Cline
Isaac's younger brother working at the Weather Bureau in Galveston, known for his commitment to sobriety and developing expertise in meteorology. He plays a crucial part in the family's storm survival efforts.
Willis Moore
Willis Moore
Head of the US Weather Bureau's central office in Washington, DC, whose authoritative control influences the agency's response to the Galveston storm. His complex leadership style impacts the meteorologists' predictive capabilities.
Dr. Samuel O. Young
Dr. Samuel O. Young
A Galveston Cotton Exchange secretary with a personal interest in meteorology, who decides to experience the storm firsthand. His adventurous spirit and immediate family concerns provide an intimate glimpse of the storm's impact.
Louisa Rollfing
Louisa Rollfing
A German immigrant living in Galveston with her family, who senses the storm's threat and faces challenges in ensuring her family's safety. Her determination and family dynamics highlight the personal stakes during the catastrophe.
336
Book • Nonfiction
Galveston, Texas • 1900s
1999
Adult
16+ years
1020L
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