When Hurricane María made landfall in Puerto Rico in September 2017, it left no part of the archipelago unscathed. The hurricane triggered floods and mudslides, washed out roads, destroyed tens of thousands of homes, farms, and businesses, caused the largest blackout in US history, knocked out communications, led to widespread food, drinking water, and gasoline shortages, and caused thousands of deaths. The seventeen oral histories collected in Mi María: Surviving the Storm share stories of surviving the storm and its long aftermath as people waited for relief and aid that rarely arrived. Zaira and her husband floated on a patched air mattress for sixteen hours while floodwaters rose around them. The road washed out in front of Emmanuel as he desperately tried to drive his pregnant wife who had begun labor to the hospital. Luis and his father anxiously counted the days that the dialysis clinic remained closed and lifesaving treatment was unavailable, while Miliana’s mother was sent home from the hospital —undiagnosed— only to fall critically ill in her own home. Weaving together long-form oral histories and shorter testimonios, the book offers a multivocal peoples’ history of disaster that fosters a greater understanding of the failures of governmental disaster response and the correlating perseverance of the people impacted by these failures, highlighting the colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. Ultimately, the ways in which these oral histories demonstrate the strength of community response to disaster in Puerto Rico are pertinent to other parts of the world that are being impacted by our current climate emergency.

"This book is an enduring resource for our times. Journey here and discover your own strength." —Chip Conley, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Modern Elder Academy In Surviving Storms, bestselling author and spiritual teacher Mark Nepo explores the art and practice of meeting adversity by using the timeless teachings of the heart. We live in a turbulent time. Storms are everywhere, of every size and shape. And like every generation before us, we must learn the art of surviving them, so we can help each other endure. In order to stand firm against life’s unavoidable storms, we need to know our true self, deepening our roots and solidifying our connection to all Spirit and all life. Then we, like a firmly rooted tree, can endure the force of trials and heartbreak. A profoundly timely resource, Surviving Storms describes the heart’s process of renewal and connection with insight and accuracy. Though we must each map the territories of our souls for ourselves, this spiritually practical book is an indispensable guide, bringing us to common passages and paths and urging us forward on the journey. Once the rubble clears, we, like those before us, are inevitably called to build the world one more time, admitting that we need each other.

Lottie I spent months going from one biker club to another, desperately searching for a long-lost brother my mum abandoned. Turning up at the Kings Reapers MC was purely coincidence, but it worked out for the best cos meeting Lake put an end to my search. So why doesn't finding him, stop my pain? I'm a hot mess, that's how a social worker once described me, and poor Lake did nothing to deserve having me as a sister. Then, one day, I cave because the world becomes too much and who turns up to save me but Storm, newest member of the Kings Reapers. Running away from his own demons, the mysterious biker is too much. Too intense. Too hot. Too bossy. Too dangerous. So, of course, I'm attracted to him. Storm London was a fresh start, that's how I sold it to my sister, Taya. Riggs needed more men, and I jumped at the chance to escape cos that's what I do, run. I swore I wouldn't get involved with any woman, especially not Lake's long-lost sister. Lottie is all kinds of messed up and she's a complication I don't fuckin' need. My priority is getting Taya and my son, Seb, settled. That is, until the day I have to collect Lottie from the hospital. Her eyes are screaming pain and they call out to me for help. Because if anyone knows pain, it's me. Separately, we're suffering . . . but together, we're toxic. But I know we met for a reason and I ain't letting her slip away from me. I can fix her, she can fix me, and then we'll live happily ever after, right? Right?

"On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina reached New Orleans. It was a category 5 hurricane, with winds up to 175 miles per hour. The entire city had been ordered to evacuate. But those who could not leave sought shelter around the city, and had to endure as, in a single day, 80% of New Orleans flooded, some areas covered in 20 feet of water. Iron Will: Surviving the Storm recounts five stories of deadly storms and their impact on those forced to weather them. Those who want to survive must be prepared to face high winds, loss of electicity, intense flooding, and more." --Back cover.

You're a meteorology student fascinated by storms. But Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Situations can quickly turn deadly when extreme weather is involved. What do you do when, You're in a van full of people and a tornado suddenly appears to be headed right for you? A hurricane gains strength along the Florida coast but you're unable to convince people to leave their homes? A flash flood suddenly strikes, putting you and your friends and family in mortal danger? Experience the life or death dilemmas that face storm chasers. YOU CHOOSE what you'll do next. The choices you make will either lead you to safety or to doom.

It is a day in the country, and everthing is hot and still. Then the hazy sky begins to shift. Something is astir, something soundless.

*Winner of four national awards for excellence in book publishing.*Superstorm Sandy was an epic storm, the greatest natural disaster in the Jersey Shore's recorded history. Throughout Southern Ocean County it disrupted lives and rearranged neighborhoods. It was a defining moment and, for many, a hard lesson about complacency, natural forces, and building castles on shifting sand.In this full-color book, readers experience the superstorm from its inception through the devastating impact of its tidal surge on the Long Beach Island area. And, like its survivors, you come away shaken but determined, with a new appreciation for the power of nature and the fragility of things we hold dear.This is the first book with a comprehensive narrative story of the storm -- not just photographs and captions. And although it focuses on the Long Beach Island community, that narrative also represents much of the experience of the entire Jersey Shore. Weather experts explore the incredible meteorology of Hurricane Sandy and its metamorphosis into a hybrid superstorm. Residents and first responders share their personal stories -- their fears, their bravery, their fortitude, and, ultimately, their acceptance.Because so few people actually remained on the front lines, these first-hand stories from inside the storm are an extraordinary look at landfall and human response. Each of us was affected by the tribulations our battered shore endured after landfall. And, in the end, the triumph of our spirit defines us all -- how we picked ourselves up, got to work on recovery, and generously helped others by lending a hand, donating, or offering a shoulder to cry on. The stories in Surviving Sandy help guide us to rebuild stronger -- and smarter.This softcover edition includes 256 color photographs from the height of the storm, the aftermath and the recovery; it includes a Foreword and Introduction from Great Storms of the Jersey Shore authors Margaret Thomas Buchholz and Larry Savadove.Winner of four national awards -- including a Gold Medal (Nature & Environment), and three Silver Medals (Political/Current Events; Cover Design; and Regional) -- in the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards.

A workbook for cancer survivors that addresses the emotional needs of patients, partners, family members, and friends by offering them a format to tell the story of how they've been touched by cancer. It offers a perspective that focuses on the whole person, their potential, and their natural drive toward authenticity.

Description: Depression and related illnesses threaten to wreck the lives of many teens and their families. Suicide driven by these illnesses is one of the top killers of these young people. How do teens become depressed? What does depression feel like? How can we identify it? What helps depressed teens? What hurts them? How do families cope with teen depression? In A Relentless Hope Gary Nelson uses his experience as a pastor and pastoral counselor to guide the reader through an exploration of these and many other questions about teen depression. Nelson has worked with many teens over the years offering help to those who find themselves confronted by this potentially devastating attacker. The author also uses the story of his own son's journey through depression to weave together insights into the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, biological, and relational dimensions of teen depression. Through careful analysis, candid self-revelation, practical advice, and even humor, this pastor, counselor, and father reminds us that God's light of healing can shine through the darkness of depression and offer hope. A Relentless Hope is written for teens, parents, teachers, pastors, and any who walk with the afflicted through this valley of the shadow of death. Endorsements: ""Whether you are a youth struggling with depression, a family member of a depressed teen, or a pastor, counselor or teacher providing support and help in such circumstances, this book is a must read as the most informative and helpful volume available on the subject."" --Merle R. Jordan Professor of Pastoral Psychology Emeritus, Boston University School of Theology ""This story of a family is an incredible gift of honest reflection. So many families deal with the issue of teen depression. . . As the dean of a theological school I am aware of the numbers of youth that my students deal with who are in this book. Depression, self-medication with alcohol and drugs, self doubt and even considerations of suicide as an answer--all are in our communities and probably in even a small church. This book is about an attitude that avoids denial, attempts to keep a sense of humor, and believes in the miracle of life. Thank you, Tom, for allowing your story to be told."" --Maxine Clarke Beach, Vice President and Dean, Drew Theological School This is a story of amazing grace! I love the challenge Gary gave the reader throughout the book: ""Never give up on loving!"" I was reminded in a very tangible way of the limitless capacity of God who loves us the same way--He never stops! What an incredible mantra for all of us: ""Never give up on loving. . . . Never!"" I wonder how different our world would be if we practiced this command? --Rev. Dale Seley, Pastor Downtown Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia About the Contributor(s): Gary E. Nelson, DMin, is a United Methodist minister who for thirty years has worked with teens and their families as a local church pastor and as a pastoral counselor. He currently pastors a church in West Virginia.