Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why

After her plane crashes, a seventeen-year-old girl spends eleven 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—how people get into trouble and how they get out again (or not)—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 "stages of survival" and reveals the essence of a survivor—truths that apply not only to surviving in the wild but also to surviving life-threatening illness, relationships, the death of a loved one, running a business during uncertain times, even war.

Fascinating for any reader, and absolutely essential for anyone who takes a hike in the woods, this book will change the way we understand ourselves and the great outdoors.

Spotlight Reviews
Well written and scholarly (2008-11-27)
Customer Review : 5
This book is not only extremely well written, but offers much scientific insight. The stories of survival provide flavor for his text and illustrate well his concepts. What I found most surprising is the applications of survival stories to everyday life. Gonzales concludes by offering practical advice for surviving in business and personal daily life. This book far exceeded what I expected.

Couldnt get passed the first several chapters... (2008-11-20)
Customer Review : 1
I was hoping for a great book about stories of survival, what they did, lessons learned and who died, and why - Like the title says. This book, however doesn't even come close to what its advertising. The narrative is chaotic and the ideas somewhat obscure. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Deep Survival (2008-11-09)
Customer Review : 5
3 yaers ago I heard about this book from a radio announcer. Bought it and read it. Since, I have given it as a gift to many friends and colleagues. I teach a college class on brain incorporated teaching and use key ideas from this book on how the brain works. It has helped me to understand my own thinking. I have quoted from it to friends and family who have had accidents because they were in states of stress, where all the mind can think about is the destination but the surroundings, being highly important, are often neglected. Case in point, a relative, while being late to their destination, and giving instructions to their teenager out window of the car while driving, they ran over the dog. Devastated as they were I sent copies of pages from this book to them. They said the pages did ease their distress in understanding how and why these things happen when teh brain is in this state of mind. The stories in this book are unforgettable, not gruesome as one might think, and very personal. Highly recommended.

Deep Survival is Awesome! (2008-10-27)
Customer Review : 5
Once you start reading this book you won't be able to stop! Mr. Gonzales writing is very engaging and his story's will keep you locked into the book that you find yourself wanting to make the chapters last. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and strives to understand the human element in nature.

Deep Survival (2008-10-21)
Customer Review : 5
Probably one of the most engaging books I've read this year. Gonzales is an amazing story-teller, bringing together harrowing stories from the headlines with the latest in brain and psychology research to make a highly entertaining book. As an avid outdoorsman myself with a few close calls, every word rings true to the real world. I savored the last few chapters, not wanting the book to come to an end.