Not a Book Report, But

grease-man

grease-man

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Apr 9, 2006
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I just finished reading "Deep Survival" by Laurence Gonzales a couple of days ago. Great book IMHO! It is not a "how to" type book, but deals more with the physiological and psychological aspects of survival, plus a whole lot more. If you haven't read it yet, perhaps consider it. It was a whole lot better that I thought it would be. In fact, one of my co-workers is reading my copy, after I shared some of it with her. Now, to get my hands on a copy of "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive" and some others...:D -Matt-
 
I've read it and enjoyed it a lot. I was especially interested to see the idea of occasional daydreaming / escapism as a valuable technique - IIRC it supposedly gives your mind a rest from the situation, alleviates boredom, and in general is mentally refreshing. Some people in the book talked of imagining what kinds of food they'd eat once they returned - seems like it would give you a goal.

Our culture is very anti-sit-there-and-think, it encourages people to do something rather than just think about it, and if inaction is necessary, heaven forbid someone think about something other than what's right in front of them. I still remember the conditioning from public school to always appear busy, to always pay attention, to never start thinking about something that doesn't have to do with what the teacher's saying. It amazes me sometimes how US culture is so anti-meditative.

The book is worth it for the extreme survival stories alone; knowing what those people went through and survived gives one a bit of, "if they survived *that*, I can survive *this*."
 
Thanks, I will have to check that book out. I am in the middle of reading 98.6 Degrees right now and it is great. I doubt you will be disappointed.
 
Absolutely a must read book IMHO. The psychology of survival and of getting lost.

KR
 
I'm glad I picked this book as my first in the "survival" arena. I feel better prepared mentally I think, and from what a lot of you guys say and this book really drives home is, survival is a state of mind as well as a physical endeavor, with your brain being the most important thing (piece of equipment) in the equation. Of course, being prepared with some necessary gear is very important too. I like the fact that the book can be applied to areas of life other than the survuval aspect. Thanks to those here who recommended this book! -Matt-
 
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