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Overload
#1 New York Times bestselling author Arthur Hailey’s suspense-charged novel presents a terrifying What happens when a terrorist attack shuts down the power in America’s largest state?
In the middle of a sweltering July heat wave that has no end in sight, California’s Golden State Power and Light is on overload. An emergency brownout is already in effect. Then, GSP&L’s newest and largest generator explodes. With four people dead and a widespread loss of power, a fringe group takes responsibility. But for GSP&L vice president Nim Goldman and his family; his adversary, investigative reporter Nancy Molineaux; detective Harry London; and beautiful quadriplegic Karen Sloan, whose every breath depends on electric power, the terror is just beginning . . .
A dramatic and timely story of the people and the events leading to a crisis, Overload presents a fascinating view of the little-known world of electric power production that is vital to contemporary life.
In the middle of a sweltering July heat wave that has no end in sight, California’s Golden State Power and Light is on overload. An emergency brownout is already in effect. Then, GSP&L’s newest and largest generator explodes. With four people dead and a widespread loss of power, a fringe group takes responsibility. But for GSP&L vice president Nim Goldman and his family; his adversary, investigative reporter Nancy Molineaux; detective Harry London; and beautiful quadriplegic Karen Sloan, whose every breath depends on electric power, the terror is just beginning . . .
A dramatic and timely story of the people and the events leading to a crisis, Overload presents a fascinating view of the little-known world of electric power production that is vital to contemporary life.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1978
About the author
Arthur Hailey
100 books782 followersArthur Hailey was a British/Canadian novelist. After working at a number of jobs and writing part-time, he became a writer full-time during 1956, encouraged by the success of the CBC television drama, Flight into Danger (in print as
Runway Zero Eight
). Following the success of Hotel in 1965, he moved to California; followed by a permanent move to the Bahamas in 1969.
Each of his novels has a different industrial or commercial setting and includes, in addition to dramatic human conflict, carefully researched information about the way that particular environment and system functions and how these affect society and its inhabitants.
Critics often dismissed Hailey's success as the result of a formulaic "potboiler" style, in which he caused an ordinary character to become involved in a crisis, then increased the suspense by switching among multiple related plot lines.
Hailey would spend approximately one year researching a subject, followed by six months reviewing his notes and, finally, about 18 months writing the book.
Many of his books reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and more than 170 million copies have been sold worldwide in 40 languages. Many have been made into movies and Hotel was made into a long-running television series. Airport became a successful film with dramatic visual effects.
A Canadian citizen whose children live in Canada and California, Hailey made his home in Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential resort on New Providence Island in the Bahamas with his second wife Sheila.
In 2002, Hailey told John Marquis, editor of the Bahamas' principal daily newspaper The Tribune, that he was lucky in having supportive parents who encouraged him to believe in himself. Brought up in a working-class home, Hailey never lost the common touch following his phenomenal success. 'I have worked hard, but I have also been very lucky,' he said.
Each of his novels has a different industrial or commercial setting and includes, in addition to dramatic human conflict, carefully researched information about the way that particular environment and system functions and how these affect society and its inhabitants.
Critics often dismissed Hailey's success as the result of a formulaic "potboiler" style, in which he caused an ordinary character to become involved in a crisis, then increased the suspense by switching among multiple related plot lines.
Hailey would spend approximately one year researching a subject, followed by six months reviewing his notes and, finally, about 18 months writing the book.
Many of his books reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and more than 170 million copies have been sold worldwide in 40 languages. Many have been made into movies and Hotel was made into a long-running television series. Airport became a successful film with dramatic visual effects.
A Canadian citizen whose children live in Canada and California, Hailey made his home in Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential resort on New Providence Island in the Bahamas with his second wife Sheila.
In 2002, Hailey told John Marquis, editor of the Bahamas' principal daily newspaper The Tribune, that he was lucky in having supportive parents who encouraged him to believe in himself. Brought up in a working-class home, Hailey never lost the common touch following his phenomenal success. 'I have worked hard, but I have also been very lucky,' he said.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 6, 2017
In Overload,Hailey cautioned about the possibilities of blackouts and serious power shortages as he explored the inner workings of a giant power utility in California.
Thrown in for good measure are terrorists,explosions and a touching story about a paralyzed patient who depends on electricity to stay alive.
The subject matter is a bit dry and technical and this wasn't as successful as several of Hailey's other books.
But the central issue of power shortages remains very relevant.
I'm reminded time and again of this book as electricity has played a constant game of hide and seek for decades in Pakistan,particularly in the middle of scorching summers.And at the same time,it has become prohibitively expensive too.Hailey might as well have been writing about Pakistan.
Thrown in for good measure are terrorists,explosions and a touching story about a paralyzed patient who depends on electricity to stay alive.
The subject matter is a bit dry and technical and this wasn't as successful as several of Hailey's other books.
But the central issue of power shortages remains very relevant.
I'm reminded time and again of this book as electricity has played a constant game of hide and seek for decades in Pakistan,particularly in the middle of scorching summers.And at the same time,it has become prohibitively expensive too.Hailey might as well have been writing about Pakistan.
August 7, 2020
Every Hailey novel (and I've read quite a handful of them) is a little jewel. There is a strong plot and some secondary ones, characters are alive and have deepness, the author seems to do a beautiful documentary work in order to present his opinions on very different subjects, there are twists and turns, but there is one thing, perhaps more important than everything else:
Hailey had vision: he foresaw the declines of American industries, hostage crisis and California's energetical problems. That alone would be enough to see him as one of the best authors of his times...
Hailey had vision: he foresaw the declines of American industries, hostage crisis and California's energetical problems. That alone would be enough to see him as one of the best authors of his times...
August 7, 2011
On the surface this book is supposed to be about the behind the scenes drama concerning electricity. Who gets it, who pays for it, who produces it, etc. But really, how can you write an exciting novel about the electric company? No, what this book is really about is the hero's many, many, I mean many sexual conquests. Just about every woman he meets immediately wants to fall at his feet and spread her legs for him. He even has an affair with a quadriplegic woman. That's right, a woman paralyzed from the neck down, with no sensation or movement in a majority of her body, and he has sex with her.
Still, I would recommend this book because it was an easy, entertaining read. If you enjoy bad books that unintentially make you laugh or shake your head in wonderment that it ever got published, Overload is for you.
Still, I would recommend this book because it was an easy, entertaining read. If you enjoy bad books that unintentially make you laugh or shake your head in wonderment that it ever got published, Overload is for you.
December 8, 2025
Arthur Hailey brings a great story to readers with this well-crafted novel. I have read many of his stories, each completely different, but always full of great ideas, characters, and dialogue. The summer was so very hot, to the point that the heat wave had no end in sight. Golden State Power and Light (GSP&L), situated in the heart of California, was overloaded by all the needs during this heat wave. The company had no option other than to instill forced brownouts in order to save energy, though this emergency situation was anything but what the executives would like. Soon thereafter, chaos ensued when the company's main generator exploded, killing many and injuring others with horrible fallout. Power losses were significant and a fringe group claimed responsibility, hoping to make an impact for all those who rely on GSP&L. There were significant situations that soon emerged, with a number of key characters each playing roles in different vignettes. As Arthur Hailey does with many of his books, these characters eventually came together to ensure the key themes resonate for the attentive reader. Another stunning novel that tells so much and leaves the reader wanting even more!
Arthur Hailey is an author whose work I am thoroughly enjoying, with each piece completely unique. This story presents a raw glimpse into the world of utilities and those who are affected in many ways. It builds with a variety of narrative approaches, all of which flavour and enrich the larger story, while offering perspectives that keep the reader enthralled. Momentum gains traction with each chapter, allowing topics to come across as honest and edgy. Hailey uses some dramatic spins and great storytelling to ensure the reader flips pages until all is revealed, though not necessarily for the good. This is one book whose ideas mesh well and keep the reader wondering, while entertaining them in equal measure.
Characters set about creating their own backstories and development throughout the piece. Readers may enjoy the varied personalities and sentiments they offer or find one of particular interest and see how they grow by the story's completion. Many characters advance the plot of their own matters while flavouring the piece to highlight new layers, sometimes coming together while at other times dividing things in ways that cannot be mended. There are business executives trying to stay afloat, those who rely on electricity to stay alive, a terror cell wanting to create havoc, and even a sharp journalist who wants to break a story for all to read. The emergence of truths and deceptive ways amongst all characters helps pave the way for an even better piece, which Hailey delivers in his subtle manner.
Surprises are core in a story of this nature, as it begs to create an entertaining foundation. While the reader can tell what's likely going on in each chapter, twists embedded in the narrative add something more to the reading experience. The unpredictable side of the story leaves much for the reader to ponder. While Hailey keeps the major storylines separate, the tension spills over at key moments to ensure a degree of connectivity. Set decades ago, some of the ideas are still prevalent and keep the reader entertained as they assess everything going on. The reader surely waits to see what’s going to lead to a formal conclusion of the panic, only to be left with some cliffhangers that do not end things as expected. I am so pleased to have discovered Arthur Hailey's work and cannot wait to keep reading more from his vast collection.
Kudos, Mr. Hailey, for a story whose premise and delivery were gripping from the outset.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Arthur Hailey is an author whose work I am thoroughly enjoying, with each piece completely unique. This story presents a raw glimpse into the world of utilities and those who are affected in many ways. It builds with a variety of narrative approaches, all of which flavour and enrich the larger story, while offering perspectives that keep the reader enthralled. Momentum gains traction with each chapter, allowing topics to come across as honest and edgy. Hailey uses some dramatic spins and great storytelling to ensure the reader flips pages until all is revealed, though not necessarily for the good. This is one book whose ideas mesh well and keep the reader wondering, while entertaining them in equal measure.
Characters set about creating their own backstories and development throughout the piece. Readers may enjoy the varied personalities and sentiments they offer or find one of particular interest and see how they grow by the story's completion. Many characters advance the plot of their own matters while flavouring the piece to highlight new layers, sometimes coming together while at other times dividing things in ways that cannot be mended. There are business executives trying to stay afloat, those who rely on electricity to stay alive, a terror cell wanting to create havoc, and even a sharp journalist who wants to break a story for all to read. The emergence of truths and deceptive ways amongst all characters helps pave the way for an even better piece, which Hailey delivers in his subtle manner.
Surprises are core in a story of this nature, as it begs to create an entertaining foundation. While the reader can tell what's likely going on in each chapter, twists embedded in the narrative add something more to the reading experience. The unpredictable side of the story leaves much for the reader to ponder. While Hailey keeps the major storylines separate, the tension spills over at key moments to ensure a degree of connectivity. Set decades ago, some of the ideas are still prevalent and keep the reader entertained as they assess everything going on. The reader surely waits to see what’s going to lead to a formal conclusion of the panic, only to be left with some cliffhangers that do not end things as expected. I am so pleased to have discovered Arthur Hailey's work and cannot wait to keep reading more from his vast collection.
Kudos, Mr. Hailey, for a story whose premise and delivery were gripping from the outset.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 12, 2025
4.5
Я змушена зняти трошки оцінки за головного героя, це якийсь мрак а не чоловік. Хейлі писав його в тестостероновому угарі? Чувак спав тупо з усім що шевелиться, або навіть не дуже сильно шевелиться (але не те, що ви подумали). Дуже неприємна особа
Але вся інша частина книги чудова, виявилось робота електростанцій (різних типів) це надзвичайно цікаво. Навіть про махінації з лічильниками було захопливо читати
З іншої сторони у нас є екоактивісти, які заради досягнень своїх цілей не соромляться звертатись до терористів: давайте підірвемо станції, аби вони перестали нищити природу. Угу, ну да, довго ви без світла протримаєтесь. Наївні.
Топова тема, топовий сторітелінг, гидкий ГГ
Я змушена зняти трошки оцінки за головного героя, це якийсь мрак а не чоловік. Хейлі писав його в тестостероновому угарі? Чувак спав тупо з усім що шевелиться, або навіть не дуже сильно шевелиться (але не те, що ви подумали). Дуже неприємна особа
Але вся інша частина книги чудова, виявилось робота електростанцій (різних типів) це надзвичайно цікаво. Навіть про махінації з лічильниками було захопливо читати
З іншої сторони у нас є екоактивісти, які заради досягнень своїх цілей не соромляться звертатись до терористів: давайте підірвемо станції, аби вони перестали нищити природу. Угу, ну да, довго ви без світла протримаєтесь. Наївні.
Топова тема, топовий сторітелінг, гидкий ГГ
April 22, 2011
http://iandbooks.wordpress.com/
If you want to read about a profession or an industry and have fun reading it then Arthur Hailey is your man. He has written few books, but each of them is a detailed account of how a particular industry works. His research is superb and he uses the actual facts about the industry to build a story and he does it wonderfully. Overload is a book about Electricity generation companies in America. The book is a fiction but at the same time it tells you how the Power industry works.
I read this book some twenty years ago, still some things about the book are as fresh in my mind as though I read it last night. I really cannot forget the details that he provides about safety procedures that are used for disabled people in hospitals and for old and disabled people who stay at home and whose life depends on Electricity. The way hero of the book goes out of way to take care of such people during power outage is really touching. Of course, he has fictionalized it and romanticized it.
The book also talks about fight between environment safety and development. People use newer equipments and need more power but at the same time there is huge opposition to creation of newer power plants. The fact of the matter is that newer power plant will create damage to environment but is the damage worth it. If the damage is not worth it then who needs to make sure that we do not need more power. Until and unless, we reduce power consumption as users, the demand will keep on increasing. The solution is not in stopping of development. At the same time damage to environment is also a concern. The questions are very relevant even today specifically in developing countries who are undergoing similar conflicts on development and environment safety. Maybe there are better ways possible, if we can only think in more innovative ways.
He mentions about damage to environment even if a large solar power plant is created. That is something that I have not digested till today. He gave his logic but somehow I felt it was too shallow. Is there somebody out there who can help me on this?
If you want to read about a profession or an industry and have fun reading it then Arthur Hailey is your man. He has written few books, but each of them is a detailed account of how a particular industry works. His research is superb and he uses the actual facts about the industry to build a story and he does it wonderfully. Overload is a book about Electricity generation companies in America. The book is a fiction but at the same time it tells you how the Power industry works.
I read this book some twenty years ago, still some things about the book are as fresh in my mind as though I read it last night. I really cannot forget the details that he provides about safety procedures that are used for disabled people in hospitals and for old and disabled people who stay at home and whose life depends on Electricity. The way hero of the book goes out of way to take care of such people during power outage is really touching. Of course, he has fictionalized it and romanticized it.
The book also talks about fight between environment safety and development. People use newer equipments and need more power but at the same time there is huge opposition to creation of newer power plants. The fact of the matter is that newer power plant will create damage to environment but is the damage worth it. If the damage is not worth it then who needs to make sure that we do not need more power. Until and unless, we reduce power consumption as users, the demand will keep on increasing. The solution is not in stopping of development. At the same time damage to environment is also a concern. The questions are very relevant even today specifically in developing countries who are undergoing similar conflicts on development and environment safety. Maybe there are better ways possible, if we can only think in more innovative ways.
He mentions about damage to environment even if a large solar power plant is created. That is something that I have not digested till today. He gave his logic but somehow I felt it was too shallow. Is there somebody out there who can help me on this?
February 12, 2024
This book was written in 1978, but could have been written today. It concerns the energy grid and the environmental movement against the building of new power plants. We still go back and forth between energy independence, and depending on OPEC. Now we are bringing in electric vehicles into the mix.
How about this comment: "Time until we stop purchasing oil we can't afford, stop spending money we don't have, and begin developing our own untapped resources." I agree with all 3. I believe in energy independence, and a balanced budget.
Good plot and a good read.
How about this comment: "Time until we stop purchasing oil we can't afford, stop spending money we don't have, and begin developing our own untapped resources." I agree with all 3. I believe in energy independence, and a balanced budget.
Good plot and a good read.
May 21, 2012
Whenever I re-read an Arthur Hailey book, I wonder why there aren't many writers like him. And that feeling persists even after 30 years!
May 15, 2020
თითქოს სულ ერთნაირად წერს არტურ ჰეილი - კონკრეტული სფერო, ამ სფეროს შიდა სამზარეულო და იქ მოღვაწე ადამიანების პირადი და საქმიანი ცხოვრება, ტერორისტები და ბრძოლა გადარჩენისთვის... ეს ყველაფერი ერთფეროვანია, მაგრამ საოცრად საინტერესო. "გადატვირთვაშიც" ზუსტად ასეა - კითხვისას გგონია, რომ ენერგეტიკა, როგორც ბიზნესი, საზოგადოებისთვის აუცილებელი მიმართულება და პოლიტიკა ისაა, რაც ამ კონკრეტულ მომენტში ყველაზე მეტად გაინტერესებს (არადა აქამდე შეიძლება არც კი გიფიქრია ამაზე). კიდევ ერთხელ რწმუნდები, რომ აქაც, ისევე როგორც ყველგან, ჩვეულებრივი ადამიანები მუშაობენ და არა ხალხის ძარცვაზე ორიენტირებული "უიარაღო ყაჩაღები" და რომ არტურ ჰეილი სასწაულად "მოხერხებული" მწერალია - ყოველი მორიგი წიგნით კიდევ ერთხელ გვაჩვენებს, რომ 21-ე საუკუნისთვის მიუღებელმა დეტალიზაციამ და უცვლელმა სტილმა შეიძლება კი არ დაგღალოს, ისე ჩაგითრიოს, რომ ბოლო გევრდამდე სხვაზე ვერაფერზე იფიქრო.
October 9, 2024
Δυνατό, αλλά μπορούσε να είναι λίγο συντομότερο
January 2, 2022
This is the story of Ardythe and Nimrod. I'm not kidding. These are two main character names that the author actually thought would be a good idea. Nice biblical references I guess, but who ever heard of Ardythe? And did he not know and did no editor tell him of the usage of nimrod in common parlance?
The novel has a character make a rather shocking suggestion I never heard before; that the second atomic bomb the US dropped on Japan was unnecessary to winning the war as Tojo was about to surrender, but that it was done anyway just so the scientists could find out if it would work. I have never seen such a suggestion before.
One problem here is that this doesn't really become a page turner until about page 260. That's an awful lot of setup to get through.
Another problem is that the novelist had a lot of axes to grind. He seems pretty clearly against Nixon going off the gold standard, against industrial regulation and also against activists/environmentalists. He also appeared to believe, in 1979, that the world was going to run out of oil in the next year.
He must not have thought much of daytime talk shows either. His description of the problems with them is so dead on that he must have experienced at least one himself.
You can learn a lot about the power industry in this book, but the as to the rest it's pretty meh. Of this, Hotel and The Moneychangers, the last still seems his best book.
The novel has a character make a rather shocking suggestion I never heard before; that the second atomic bomb the US dropped on Japan was unnecessary to winning the war as Tojo was about to surrender, but that it was done anyway just so the scientists could find out if it would work. I have never seen such a suggestion before.
One problem here is that this doesn't really become a page turner until about page 260. That's an awful lot of setup to get through.
Another problem is that the novelist had a lot of axes to grind. He seems pretty clearly against Nixon going off the gold standard, against industrial regulation and also against activists/environmentalists. He also appeared to believe, in 1979, that the world was going to run out of oil in the next year.
He must not have thought much of daytime talk shows either. His description of the problems with them is so dead on that he must have experienced at least one himself.
You can learn a lot about the power industry in this book, but the as to the rest it's pretty meh. Of this, Hotel and The Moneychangers, the last still seems his best book.
October 10, 2024
Kind of apocalyptic!
This was not my first time reading this doomsday thriller, as I first read it back in 1997. I learned about how a coal-fired power plant operated, and how a terrorist group conducted savage attacks against a California power and light corporation and its property. This book was very exciting, as at the end, the terrorist leader loses his life when he tried to plant bombs in the pump house of a power plant. At the very end the Federal Government announced the issuing of the New Dollar, which would be backed by gold and be worth ten existing dollars. Even today, the Federal Government should replace the existing dollar with the New Dollar, because I believe that the Dollar must be backed by gold.
This was not my first time reading this doomsday thriller, as I first read it back in 1997. I learned about how a coal-fired power plant operated, and how a terrorist group conducted savage attacks against a California power and light corporation and its property. This book was very exciting, as at the end, the terrorist leader loses his life when he tried to plant bombs in the pump house of a power plant. At the very end the Federal Government announced the issuing of the New Dollar, which would be backed by gold and be worth ten existing dollars. Even today, the Federal Government should replace the existing dollar with the New Dollar, because I believe that the Dollar must be backed by gold.
August 6, 2021
Overload is the thriller about high intensity environment of the power industry. The entire story revolves around the impending power famine in the state of California.
At this time when Golden State Power & Light, the giant corporation supplying electricity to California, is planning to manage power distribution by way of pre-planned blackout, one of the huge power generating plan went out of service after a terrorist attack, causing more power shortages.
The rest of the story revolves around the struggle of the corporation against environmental activists and other anti-corporate fundamental powers. Along with this personal lives of power company employees have been touched upon.
After reading this book, one can have a pretty good idea of operations of a private power corporations and what it typically takes to get power at our homes.
At this time when Golden State Power & Light, the giant corporation supplying electricity to California, is planning to manage power distribution by way of pre-planned blackout, one of the huge power generating plan went out of service after a terrorist attack, causing more power shortages.
The rest of the story revolves around the struggle of the corporation against environmental activists and other anti-corporate fundamental powers. Along with this personal lives of power company employees have been touched upon.
After reading this book, one can have a pretty good idea of operations of a private power corporations and what it typically takes to get power at our homes.
July 22, 2020
Read in 1979. Concerning the electricity production industry in California. And this was 512 pages?
July 11, 2023
If it was anyone else other than Arthur Hailey who wrote it , it would have been termed a bore, but the way the author weaves the story with detailing is just phenomenal.
February 14, 2020
Ако ми бъде простена една малко по-свободна метафора, бих сравнил романите на Артър Хейли с коктейли-шедьоври, миксирани от барман-естет, който ти ги предлага с усмивка и една сламка за по-голямо удоволствие.
В този смисъл "Свръхнатоварване" не прави изключение, въпреки че книгата не е толкова популярна, като другите бестселъри на този велик разказвач: "Хотел", "Летище", "Колела".
Смесвайки тревогите на енергетиката на САЩ в края на 70-те години на миналия век с проблемите на средностатистическото американско семейство и желанието за живот нa една млада парализирана жена, Хейли поднася роман, който наистина си струва.
Книгата ме грабна и с чисто човешките си послания за възкресената любов между двама души, старите грешки и необходимите прошки в името на това да се спасиш душата си от свръхнатоварване. Или поне да се опиташ.
В този смисъл "Свръхнатоварване" не прави изключение, въпреки че книгата не е толкова популярна, като другите бестселъри на този велик разказвач: "Хотел", "Летище", "Колела".
Смесвайки тревогите на енергетиката на САЩ в края на 70-те години на миналия век с проблемите на средностатистическото американско семейство и желанието за живот нa една млада парализирана жена, Хейли поднася роман, който наистина си струва.
Книгата ме грабна и с чисто човешките си послания за възкресената любов между двама души, старите грешки и необходимите прошки в името на това да се спасиш душата си от свръхнатоварване. Или поне да се опиташ.
June 10, 2013
Review first published on: https://bookwormrambling.wordpress.com
I bought this book when I was twelvish/ thirteen..around that time but only got around to reading it at nineteen. And I’m really glad I did, I don’t think I would’ve fully absorbed the depth of it had I read it back when I bought it.
‘Overload’ is a fictional novel about the power industry and how electricity generation companies in the United States function. The book follows Nim Goldman, vice president of GSP&L (the main power provider for the state of California), in the midst of all the drama that comes with being in charge through a very rough power famine. The plot explores the dilemma of utility companies and the difficulties they face as they fight to satisfy the ever increasing demands for electricity. It goes to show the amount of challenges that face a corporation fighting to stay afloat through terrorism, power theft, extremely bureaucratic procedures imposed by politicians to win over the public, all while keeping the peace with environmentalists protesting their every move.
Though it is the only book I ever read for Arthur Hailey, it was enough for me to deem him a truly great writer. He managed to offer a very professional and deep insight into the power industry without taking away from the fun in his novel. What made this particular novel, and subsequently the writer, so great in my opinion is the thoroughly researched quality of the information around which he built his novel. This is a writer who made sure to do his homework before delving into the fictional world he’s creating. And nothing makes me happier than gaining some factual knowledge from a work of fiction I’m reading, it’s like an added bonus I always welcome with open arms.
One aspect of the book that was particularly interesting to me was the conflict between the environmentalist movements and those in charge of the power industry. Being someone who is interested in environmental preservation and renewable energy, this gave me a more in depth view on the -behind the scenes- politics involved in the field and the magnitude of the effort it would take for such monumental changes in our power consumption to take effect. It also shed light on the everlasting debate of environmental conservation versus industrial development. Is the price we pay for development really worth it? It’s a little sad how this book was published in 1986, yet most of the issues it tackles are still relevant today. Goes to show how little attention the problem has been handed.
The book truly was an ‘overload’ of highly interesting topics from environmental issues and the handling of electric power to the diminishing fuel resources and terrorism to infidelity and its effect on family life to the safety procedures taken to consider the special needs portion of the population. It’s a highly packed and interesting read with intermingling varied topics.
I bought this book when I was twelvish/ thirteen..around that time but only got around to reading it at nineteen. And I’m really glad I did, I don’t think I would’ve fully absorbed the depth of it had I read it back when I bought it.
‘Overload’ is a fictional novel about the power industry and how electricity generation companies in the United States function. The book follows Nim Goldman, vice president of GSP&L (the main power provider for the state of California), in the midst of all the drama that comes with being in charge through a very rough power famine. The plot explores the dilemma of utility companies and the difficulties they face as they fight to satisfy the ever increasing demands for electricity. It goes to show the amount of challenges that face a corporation fighting to stay afloat through terrorism, power theft, extremely bureaucratic procedures imposed by politicians to win over the public, all while keeping the peace with environmentalists protesting their every move.
Though it is the only book I ever read for Arthur Hailey, it was enough for me to deem him a truly great writer. He managed to offer a very professional and deep insight into the power industry without taking away from the fun in his novel. What made this particular novel, and subsequently the writer, so great in my opinion is the thoroughly researched quality of the information around which he built his novel. This is a writer who made sure to do his homework before delving into the fictional world he’s creating. And nothing makes me happier than gaining some factual knowledge from a work of fiction I’m reading, it’s like an added bonus I always welcome with open arms.
One aspect of the book that was particularly interesting to me was the conflict between the environmentalist movements and those in charge of the power industry. Being someone who is interested in environmental preservation and renewable energy, this gave me a more in depth view on the -behind the scenes- politics involved in the field and the magnitude of the effort it would take for such monumental changes in our power consumption to take effect. It also shed light on the everlasting debate of environmental conservation versus industrial development. Is the price we pay for development really worth it? It’s a little sad how this book was published in 1986, yet most of the issues it tackles are still relevant today. Goes to show how little attention the problem has been handed.
The book truly was an ‘overload’ of highly interesting topics from environmental issues and the handling of electric power to the diminishing fuel resources and terrorism to infidelity and its effect on family life to the safety procedures taken to consider the special needs portion of the population. It’s a highly packed and interesting read with intermingling varied topics.
July 10, 2013
Simply stated, Overload is a mediocre book; something to read if you are bored out of your wits. Don't expect much from the story.
The only properly formulated part of the book is where the author tries to convey the dilemma faced by the utility companies. And he has done this very well, I must say. The difficulties faced by the industry, as mentioned in the book, are 100% similar to real life. The amount of research that must have gone into this is highly appreciated.
But that is where the good stuff ends. The behaviour of the characters feels somewhat artificial. So does most of the story. There are few points of brilliance but those just get spoiled by many other events. There is not much attention to detail apart from where electricity industry is involved. The names like Power & Light for People sound seriously juvenile, making me think that this is the limit of the author's imagination.
All in all, the book feels like a textbook about the electricity industry's workings with some space being made for a ragtag story about some guy's womanizing adventures.
The only properly formulated part of the book is where the author tries to convey the dilemma faced by the utility companies. And he has done this very well, I must say. The difficulties faced by the industry, as mentioned in the book, are 100% similar to real life. The amount of research that must have gone into this is highly appreciated.
But that is where the good stuff ends. The behaviour of the characters feels somewhat artificial. So does most of the story. There are few points of brilliance but those just get spoiled by many other events. There is not much attention to detail apart from where electricity industry is involved. The names like Power & Light for People sound seriously juvenile, making me think that this is the limit of the author's imagination.
All in all, the book feels like a textbook about the electricity industry's workings with some space being made for a ragtag story about some guy's womanizing adventures.
May 6, 2018
You open an Arthur Hailey book expecting nitty gritties of the industry he is writing on. Going by this experience with his other books, Overload doesn't disappoint.
The Good: Through the Golden Power and Light organization, Hailey covers various kinds of power sources, may it be geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, coal, or even solar. Each of these is touched upon, if only perfunctorily, giving you a fair idea on the resources available. Since it is set in the sixties, the focus is on different energy sources as it is today.
The Bad: The villain(s). Although the fanaticism is portrayed well, the reason behind it remains obscure.
The Ugly: What's with lead characters and their unparalleled sexual prowess that makes women jump upon them? In this book, limits are crossed when the women involve a widow of one day, a quadriplegic, a friend's wife and her sister, or a journalist the primary character spends the whole book hating. Several pages could've been cut off had this part been excluded, not to mention that the book could've earned another star.
The Good: Through the Golden Power and Light organization, Hailey covers various kinds of power sources, may it be geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, coal, or even solar. Each of these is touched upon, if only perfunctorily, giving you a fair idea on the resources available. Since it is set in the sixties, the focus is on different energy sources as it is today.
The Bad: The villain(s). Although the fanaticism is portrayed well, the reason behind it remains obscure.
The Ugly: What's with lead characters and their unparalleled sexual prowess that makes women jump upon them? In this book, limits are crossed when the women involve a widow of one day, a quadriplegic, a friend's wife and her sister, or a journalist the primary character spends the whole book hating. Several pages could've been cut off had this part been excluded, not to mention that the book could've earned another star.
August 1, 2011
Whilst clearing bookshelves recently, I thought I'd re-read this book, which I remember enjoying reading in my younger years. After all, the subject of energy supply is once again a current hot topic; as economic availability of oil and gas reserves decreases, and the world human population continues to increase unsustainably.
Alas, I gave up at page 74. The plot was far too predictable and plain corny; and no, I didn't remember it from reading the book first time around. I just got to the point where I couldn't mentally take another well hackneyed idea; another well-worn Americanism.
My copy, together with a whole heap more of Arthur Hailey's other books will be going out to a charity shop tomorrow.
Alas, I gave up at page 74. The plot was far too predictable and plain corny; and no, I didn't remember it from reading the book first time around. I just got to the point where I couldn't mentally take another well hackneyed idea; another well-worn Americanism.
My copy, together with a whole heap more of Arthur Hailey's other books will be going out to a charity shop tomorrow.
March 31, 2015
I used this book to put me to sleep when I had problems to fall asleep. It had done its job perfectly. Never I have read a more boring book than this. Since my sleeping pattern significantly improved I gave this book at least 1 star.
November 3, 2025
The more I think about this book the worse it gets, I'm not even sure what the book was about. The story followed the main character that went around having sex with every woman he encountered. The plot was completely lost. Don't waste your time reading it.
September 19, 2012
I think I'll give this book a pass. Not my type. Way too boring ... Maybe, will come back to it later, some time in the future.
November 13, 2012
This book is unintentionally hilarious. Sex with a quadriplegic! A man has his special area blown off! Homegrown terrorist sucked through a dam! And a main character named "Nimrod". Seriously.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2015
Must read for Power Engineers....Nice thriller.
February 5, 2016
Arthur Hailey have a way of making a boring topic fun to read,Initially,the first few pages were some how boring to me but when the action start it was hard to put down .
November 11, 2018
I got hooked by author Hailey in my misspent youth. That's my excuse.
But by the time he wrote this one, he'd run out of gas.
Don't bother.
But by the time he wrote this one, he'd run out of gas.
Don't bother.
November 12, 2018
The only book by Arthur Hailey I haven't liked. I could kick the protagonist. Douchebag.
October 15, 2021
I usually like Arthur Hailey's books and can't put them down. It was a struggle though to get through 15 pages for this particular book.
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