Deep Survival

True Stories of Miraculous Endurance and Sudden Death

By: Laurence Gonzales

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

After her plane crashes, a 17-year-old girl spends 11 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, 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 essence of a survivor and offers 12 "Rules of Survival".

In the end, he finds, it is what's in your heart, not what's in your pack, that separates the living from the dead. This audiobook will change the way we understand ourselves and the great outdoors.

©2003 Laurence Gonzales (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"The study of survival offers an illuminating portal into the human psyche, and Gonzales, knowledgeable and passionate, is a compelling and trustworthy guide." (Booklist)
"A superb, entertaining addition to a nature buff's library, or for anyone not tucked safely away in a bunker." (Kirkus Reviews)

Outstanding, best survival book of its type!!

This is a profound look at what a human being goes through in a survival situation. It is not designed to relay the gory details of survivor stories. Instead this book systematically disects and examines the way the human mind functions when it meets with disaster. I have never read a book that better describes and defines the attributes that separate "The Quick From The Dead". Gonzales also did a great job presenting this information in a personal way that keeps the reader on the edge of thier seat. Exellent book for anyone, especially if you ever venture into the wild. This should be required reading for SAR professionals.

flash forward flash back flash sideways

Very interesting parts. how the brain and perception can lead us astray.
I would say fascinating but the author doesn't show a whole lot of the humility he preaches.
he speaks of an " I love me" room at the end. this guys room must be sizeable

good book

Worth the time to read or listen. Provides an interesting perspective on what it takes to be a survivor.

Must Read For True Safety Professionals

If you want to gain insight into human behavior in extreme (possibly at work) circumstances, A MUST READ..............
HSE Director- Oil & Gas Industry

very interesting data and stories.

in depth, entertaining and well read. much more than I anticipated but well worth the read.