30 pages • 1 hour read
The Perfect Storm
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Book Brief
248
Book • Nonfiction
East Coast • 1990s
1997
Adult
18+ years
1140L
Super Short Summary
In The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger, the swordfishing boat Andrea Gail departs Gloucester, Massachusetts, in late September 1991 with six men aboard, only to encounter a catastrophic storm in late October. As captain Billy Tyne communicates the storm's ferocity, the Andrea Gail vanishes, leading Junger to investigate the incident through interviews and historical context, culminating in an exploration of the dangers faced by fishermen and the gripping power of nature. The book includes sensitive topics related to death and loss at sea.
Suspenseful
Dark
Challenging
Gritty
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
118,638 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger masterfully blends journalism and storytelling, vividly depicting the perilous life at sea. Praised for its intense narrative and detailed research, the book immerses readers in the harrowing true story. Some critics note a dense writing style and excessive technical jargon, but overall, it is a compelling and informative read.
Who Should Read The Perfect Storm?
Readers who enjoy thrilling, fact-based narratives with a focus on survival against natural forces will be captivated by Junger's The Perfect Storm. Fans of Krakauer's Into Thin Air or Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea will appreciate the intense, meticulously researched storytelling and depiction of human endurance.
118,638 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bobby Shatford
Bobby Shatford
A crew member of the Andrea Gail who needs money for alimony and lives above a bar where his mother works.
Albert Johnston
Albert Johnston
The captain of the Mary T, whose ship was closest to the Andrea Gail and who provides information about her fate.
Tommy Barrie
Tommy Barrie
The captain of the Allison, who was the last to communicate with Billy Tyne before the Andrea Gail's disappearance.
Linda Greenlaw
Linda Greenlaw
The captain of the Hannah Boden, the sister ship to the Andrea Gail, contributing insights about the vessel and its crew.
Ray Leonard
Ray Leonard
The owner of the Satori, a boat caught in the same storm as the Andrea Gail, experiencing a harrowing rescue.
Karen Stimpson
Karen Stimpson
A seasoned sailor aboard the Satori, who faces life-threatening conditions during the storm encounter.
Sue Bylander
Sue Bylander
A crew member of the Satori, who prepares for the worst while caught in the storm.
Dave Ruvola
Dave Ruvola
The pilot of the Air Guard helicopter involved in the rescue operation for the Satori crew, facing dire circumstances during the mission.
John Spillane
John Spillane
A rescue swimmer on the Air Guard helicopter mission, risking his life in the treacherous seas to save others.
248
Book • Nonfiction
East Coast • 1990s
1997
Adult
18+ years
1140L
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