Deep survival : who lives, who dies, and why : true stories of miraculous endurance and sudden death

"Unique among survival books...stunning...enthralling. Deep Survival makes compelling, and chilling, reading."—Penelope Purdy, Denver PostAfter her plane crashes, a seventeen-year-old girl spends eleven days walking through the Peruvian jungle. Against all odds, with no food, shelter, or equipment, she gets out. A better-equipped group of adult survivors of the same crash sits down and dies. What makes the difference? Examining such stories of miraculous endurance and tragic death—how people get into trouble and how they get out again (or not)—Deep Survival takes us from the tops of snowy mountains and the depths of oceans to the workings of the brain that control our behavior. Through close analysis of case studies, Laurence Gonzales describes the "stages of survival" and reveals the essence of a survivor—truths that apply not only to surviving in the wild but also to surviving life-threatening illness, relationships, the death of a loved one, running a business during uncertain times, even war. Fascinating for any reader, and absolutely essential for anyone who takes a hike in the woods, this book will change the way we understand ourselves and the great outdoors.

"Unique among survival books...stunning...enthralling. Deep Survival makes compelling, and chilling, reading."—Penelope Purdy, Denver Post

Publishers Weekly

When confronted with a life-threatening situation, 90% of people freeze or panic, says Gonzales in this exploration of what makes the remaining 10% stay cool, focused and alive. Gonzales (The Hero's Apprentice; The Still Point), who has covered survival stories for National Geographic Explorer, Outside and Men's Journal, uncovers the biological and psychological reasons people risk their lives and why some are better at it than others. In the first part of the book, the author talks to dozens of thrill-seekers-mountain climbers, sailors, jet pilots-and they all say the same thing: danger is a great rush. "Fear can be fun," Gonzales writes. "It can make you feel more alive, because it is an integral part of saving your own life." Pinpointing why and how those 10% survive is another story. "They are the ones who can perceive their situation clearly; they can plan and take correct action," Gonzales explains. Survivors, whether they're jet pilots landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier or boatbuilders adrift on a raft in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, share certain traits: training, experience, stoicism and a capacity for their logical neocortex (the brain's thinking part) to override the primitive amygdala portion of their brains. Although there's no surefire way to become a survivor, Gonzales does share some rules for adventure gleaned from the survivors themselves: stay calm, be decisive and don't give up. Remembering these rules when crisis strikes may be tough, but Gonzales's vivid descriptions of life in the balance will stay with readers. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Look out, here comes Ray Charles Memories of the future A map of the world A gorilla in our midst The anatomy of an act of God The sand pile effect The rules of life Thank God for surfboards Bending the map The right stuff "We're all gonna fuckin' die!" A view of heaven The sacred chamber A certain nobility The day of the fall. Compares the thought processes and actions of survivors and nonsurvivors in deadly situations, presenting case studies and discussing neurological and psychological research and ancient texts on survival; and lists twelve steps most survivors take in life-and-death situations as well as trying situations in everyday life [This book] combines hard science and storytelling to illuminate the mysteries of survival, whether in the wilderness or in meeting any of life's great challenges. [It] describe[s] the art and science of survival, will change the way you see your world.--P. [4] de la couverture [This book] combines hard science and storytelling to illuminate the mysteries of survival, whether in the wilderness or in meeting any of life's great challenges. [It] describe[s] the art and science of survival, will change the way you see your world.-Back cover IF YOU COULD see adrenaline, then you'd see a great green greasy river of it oozing off the beach at San Diego tonight.