Deep Survival

True Stories of Miraculous Endurance and Sudden Death

By: Laurence Gonzales

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

great book

This book was exciting and on a great topic. Would reccomend to anyone interested in survival!

Well worth it

Excellent content, honestly written, and very well read. Not a generic “how to be a badass in the woods”, more of a checklist-reminder to have your wits about you.

I want to be a survivor

this book was truly fascinating. now that I finished I now feel like less of an expert than eve, but at the same time more likely to take risks and to live life to the fullest not hoping for trouble but knowing how to prepare for it and avoid the pitfalls. like its stated in the book, " there is a difference between getting hurt and hurting". highly highly recommend

Invaluable, dramatic insights into survival

Fascinating tales of incredible survival, but also tragic, often avoidable, death. Mr. Goznales analysis and insights into mistakes and successful actions made by those who are 'lost" or confront dire situations are well researched and written. Circumstances are described with gripping detail, along with what to do, and what not to do to increase one's chance of survival. The book begins with the dramatic story of how his father, a World War II bomber pilot, survived a 27,000 foot fall from his shot up plane, without a parachute! Mr. Rudnicki's narration helps make this book engaging and exciting from beginning to end. The lessons in this book make it worth more than one listen. Its subtitle, Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why, is quite apt for this potentially life saving book.

eye opener

Now I understand why I sometimes make the choices I do. I'm an irrational emotional decision maker sometimes. Good book for anyone who has actually survived a catastrophic accident.

Great resource for intermediate Adventurers

If you have even a modest amount of experience in adventuring or outdoor exploring, this book will explain and reinforce some of the things that you have experienced in tight moments.

In my opinion, the most valuable part of this book for most people will be the early chapters where the author explores reasons that people behave the way they do.

I've led a lot of outdoor youth programs in some remote areas and every time before I go out on a large venture or program now, I reread or listen to this book. The repetition and humility is very useful.

Amazing book.

A must read for all my fellow female solo hikers. love the science behind our brain function.

Remarkable Stories That Inspire Deep Thought

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I would in turn recommend it to others.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

Stefan Rudnicki is a great performer. About half-way through, I did adjust the speed to 1.25x which seemed about perfect for me and still sounded completely natural. His voice keeps you interested and focused on the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book really made me think. As someone that enjoys spending time in the wilderness, I thought I knew the dangers I faced. This book made me realize that disaster has always been much closer than I imagined. The best part of this book is that it offers important tools to not only recognize and avoid dangerous situations, but how to survive once you're in one.

Awesome book

A well crafted exploration of survival. Using examples of extreme survival to build a case for everyday living.

Many Examples of How to Stay Alive

This was quite interesting! The narrator told many stories of how people, when faced with the cards stacked against them, somehow were able to (mostly) survive. Various techniques and mindsets are shown and suggested as often being what people have (attitude, common sense, different outlook, etc) done, displayed, that has ended up keeping then alive. a very I retesting read , in my opinion. Thank you.