51 pages 1 hour read

Rebecca Solnit

A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit examines people's behavior during and after disasters, exploring five major catastrophes and others to argue that disaster situations often reveal human cooperation and solidarity. Solnit contrasts this with the distrustful and militarized responses of elites, government, and military authorities, which can hinder community efforts and cause harm. Sensitive topics include descriptions of disasters and their aftermath.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Rebecca Solnit's A Paradise Built in Hell receives praise for its insightful exploration of human resilience and community spirit during disasters. Critics commend her engaging narrative and thorough research. However, some argue that her analysis can be overly idealistic and occasionally unfocused. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Paradise Built in Hell?

Readers with a keen interest in sociology, disaster studies, and the resilience of human communities will find A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit compelling. Comparable to Eric Klinenberg’s Heat Wave and Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine, this book will also appeal to those intrigued by the unexpected solidarity that emerges in crises.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Sociology

Anthropology

History: World

Themes

Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt

Natural World: Environment

Genre

Anthropology

Psychology

Philosophy