Summary
Survive! by Les Stroud, a well-known survival expert, is a practical guide to mastering basic survival skills. Dispelling outdated myths, the book offers a toolkit and modern strategies for both new and experienced adventurers in challenging environments. Throughout, Stroud includes personal stories and relatable scenarios, emphasizing that survival during any disaster depends on resilience, focus, and adaptability.
Plot
Survive! by Les Stroud presents a guide to surviving various situations. Stroud, known for his work as "Survivorman," draws from experiences in extreme environments to stress the importance of mental and physical readiness. This approach aims to instill calm resilience and resourcefulness.
The book outlines essential survival tactics. Stroud describes skills like fire-making, shelter construction, and water sourcing. He identifies fire-starting as a fundamental skill crucial for safety, warmth, and water purification.
On food survival, Stroud explains how to identify safe edible plants and discusses precautions for consuming insects or undercooked meats.
The narrative includes survival anecdotes that demonstrate the utility of a multi-tool. Stroud provides evidence-based alternatives to outdated myths, stressing the priority of securing shelter over concerns like wildlife threats or dehydration.
Characters
Alexis Marshall: Alexis causes an accident that paralyzes Jon-Jon Robinson. She experiences guilt and faces pressure from her husband related to business matters. Her situation explores themes of morality and accountability.
Jon-Jon Robinson: Jon-Jon faces significant changes after the accident. He deals with dependency and depression, which reflects the impact of unforeseen hardships and his quest for redemption.
Trish Robinson: Trish, Jon-Jon’s mother, manages her son’s care and the family’s financial problems. Her faith and persistent prayers provide hope and motivation.
Dwayne Robinson: Dwayne, Jon-Jon’s father, feels anger and resentment towards Alexis. This complicates family dynamics and examines trauma and forgiveness.
Marquita Lewis: Marquita enters the Robinsons’ lives, dealing with single parenthood and family responsibilities. Her role emphasizes interconnected relationships and unexpected support.
Survival techniques covered
Survive! presents fundamental survival techniques. Stroud emphasizes the importance of reliable fire-making tools like butane lighters or weatherproof matches. He also explains traditional methods, such as using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight or creating sparks with an empty lighter.
Stroud outlines practical water acquisition, recommending solar stills or heated stones for purification in the absence of conventional options. For shelter-building, he suggests constructing shelters near water sources and using lightweight tarps.
In navigation, Stroud advises using compasses instead of relying on natural indicators like moss growth. These techniques are based on Stroud’s extensive experience. They provide readers with necessary skills to navigate and adapt to various survival situations.
Survival myths debunked
Survive! critically examines common survival myths, identifying their risks and proposing safer alternatives.
Rationing water: Stroud disputes the belief in water rationing, stating it can cause dehydration and reduce cognitive and physical functions. He advises drinking when thirsty and seeking water sources.
Sucking venom from snake bites: Stroud warns against cutting a snakebite and sucking out venom. He recommends immobilizing the affected limb and seeking medical assistance.
Moss grows on the north side of trees: Stroud finds navigating by moss growth unreliable. Moss grows in moisture-rich areas, not just on the north side. He suggests using dependable tools like compasses.
Drinking urine: Drinking urine during dehydration is discouraged by Stroud, as it contains salts and toxins. He recommends building a solar still for drinkable water.
These insights provide a practical view, increasing awareness of effective survival strategies.
Survival gear essentials
In Survive!, Les Stroud details crucial equipment for wilderness preparedness. A multi-tool is critical for tasks such as cutting and food preparation. A portable shelter, like a tarp, offers necessary protection against harsh weather. Fire-starting tools, including butane lighters and waterproof matches, are vital for warmth and cooking. Compasses and whistles are essential for navigation and communication. Stroud also recommends bringing duct tape for repairs and first aid. These tools enhance survival prospects in challenging environments.
Mental preparedness for survival
In Survive!, Les Stroud examines the role of mental preparedness in survival scenarios. He argues that maintaining a hopeful outlook can increase resilience. Stroud advises focusing on controllable aspects of a situation to help manage panic. Assessing the environment thoroughly helps individuals understand an emergency and devise a practical action plan. He describes fear as a tool that, when harnessed, can enhance alertness, strengthen mental fortitude, and improve decision-making to increase survival chances.
Quick facts
Les Stroud emphasizes taking personal responsibility for survival in any situation, relying on thorough research and local experts over guides.
Survive! highlights the importance of both mental and physical preparedness in survival scenarios.
Les Stroud provides detailed guidance on selecting and customizing survival gear.
Real-life anecdotes from Les Stroud and others illustrate survival tactics in Survive!
The book updates WWII-era survival techniques with modern methods.
Survive! emphasizes hydration in winter due to increased dehydration risk.
Stroud introduces a system of “three zones of assessment” for survival situations.
Survive! features practical tests for edible plants and insects to facilitate survival in diverse wilderness environments.
Stroud critiques dramatic TV portrayals, prioritizing realistic survival education.
Survive! includes practical tips on shelters, survival kits, water sourcing, and hunting techniques.
About the author
Les Stroud, known as "Survivorman," is a Canadian survival expert, producer, musician, and author. Stroud has significantly influenced survival literature and media throughout his career. His series, Survivorman, features him surviving alone in remote locations with minimal supplies. He films and endures these challenges solo, establishing a new benchmark for survival shows. Stroud has authored several works on survival, combining his expertise to educate readers. His connection to nature and storytelling skills make him a prominent figure in wilderness survival education.
