In The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why, Amanda Ripley explores the psychological and social dynamics of individuals facing catastrophic events. The book investigates real-life accounts and scientific research to understand how people react during disasters, emphasizing adaptive behaviors and decision-making processes that can enhance survival outcomes.

Informative

Suspenseful

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

10,544 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Amanda Ripley's The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why offers a compelling analysis of human behavior in catastrophe. Readers praise its engaging storytelling and thorough research, though some criticize its repetitive conclusions. Overall, it illuminates survival instincts and psychology, appealing to both general readers and specialists.

Who Should Read The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why?

Readers interested in psychology and disaster preparedness will enjoy The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley. Similar to Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, it suits those curious about human behavior and survival instincts during crises.

4.4

10,544 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley explores the psychology and behavior behind disaster survival, drawing on real-life accounts and scientific studies.

The book delves into the "survival arc," a concept highlighting the phases of denial, deliberation, and decisive action people undergo during emergencies.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Amanda Ripley mixes narratives of disaster survivors with insights from experts in various fields to uncover how humans react and adapt in extreme situations.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The Book Brief page features content created with AI tools guided by SuperSummary experts. Read our content pledge to explore how we innovate using AI combined with deep literary knowledge.

Book Details

Pages

266

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

•

•

Topic

•

•

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult