Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America

By: Jim Murphy

Narrated by: Taylor Mali

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

On March 12, 1888, hurricane-force winds and unrelenting snow began to bring the East Coast, from Virginia to Maine, to its knees. During the next three days, the Great Blizzard raged out of control, devastating every community in its path.

Through the eyes and words of survivors and victims alike, as well as the careful research for which Newberry Honor Award winner Jim Murphy is known, listeners will experience one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history and understand why, from that day on, life in the United States was forever changed.

For family listening, ages 8 and up.

©2000 Jim Murphy (P)2002 Audio Bookshelf

Critic Reviews

"Brings listeners back to the day two storms converged...accounts of survivors and victims provide a captivating blend of gravity, immediacy and drama." (Publishers Weekly)

Timeless Tale

This is a well written report on the freak blizzard that covered the Northeast in 1888 and brought about changes in the law and in people's habits. Power lines were buried; garbage and manure were no longer allowed to he dumped in the streets and more responsibility was required from the factory owners for their employees welfare. There were stories of fortitude and occasional gallantry as well as a few of sociopaths in human form. Though 125 years have passed many circumstances seem similar to today. Natural disasters serve to remind us that for all of technological advances in our world we're never exempt from the laws of nature. Hurricanes Eileen or Sandy demonstrated that in the northeast in 2011 and 2012. I lived in Boston in the eighties where the blizzard of 1978 had already become legend. It's apropos that nature reminds us occasionally that our power is limited.

Stormy Weather...

Each generation endures Storms of the Century that are promptly forgotten by succeeding generations. This book takes you into the heart of New York and New England for a breath taking tour of a storm that challenged the way we did things back in the late 19th century. One can feel the snap of the wind or the bitterness of the cold in the prose as well as the reading. A fine short read.

Worth a listen

I have a great interest in weather, so his lack of information as it related to accumulations of snow, left me a bit empty in the end. Having said that, the author does a wonderful job placing you in the position of each character. Why they decided to go out, why they stayed, and when they risked life to help others. It was a enjoyable, and when the memory of details in the story fade, I will listen to it again.

Wow!

I was on the edge of my seat at times and couldn't put this story down. I loved the details in this story.

Put on a sweater.

This is a good historical look at how difficult the weather made life in the past. I grew up with blizzards, but in a rural midwestern area. This looked at blizzards in the city. I liked it.

Great Filler Book

Read this after a more intense book. Pretty good. Easy listening, great detail. All around good story. Maybe should have given it all 5 ‘s.

Interesting Information

The book didn't captivate me, but it was informative. I was unaware of this natural disaster so I enjoyed learning, but it lacked a bit in writing style.

Can't Stop

I could NOT stop listening. Story grasp at my heart and I found myself on my couch with several pillows and blankets all snuggled as if it was freezing. It is not freezing it is hot and humid with my AC running at a steady 68F degrees.

History

From a historical point of view this book tells more than about just the blizzard. It tells of Details about laws that we have today because of such a catastrophe..It’s I enlightening. .

Bundle up

This is a fascinating account of a killer storm. A vivid description of nature’s fury. You won’t want to put it down.