Zeitoun
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Erin
Nov 04, 2012 12:31PM
So far I have read up to page 170 in this book and I love it so far. I am very intrigued by the main character and how amazing of a man he is. Something that I wanted to talk about was the idea of the culture of the characters and how it effects their actions through the story. The idea that Zeitoun felt destined to stay and protect his home and neighborhood seemed to have a lot to do with the way he was brought up. I was curious if anyone felt angry reading the parts where Zeitoun decided to stay? At times I felt like this was selfish because he should be with his family and he should be staying out of danger for the sake of his children and his wife.
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I can't really answer this question, but man what a great book, as well as a chilling one. This happened. In the United States.
I was not angry with his decision to stay behind. He saw to it that his family evacuated and were safe and was responsible to his properties and tenants. Nobody expected the complete devestation that ensued.
This is an inspiring book with more facts on Katrina than I ever knew! The injustice he Zeitoun suffered are infuriating. I recommend this book whenever I can. Quite a man, quite a family! Makes one want to grab a bureaucrat by the neck, too.
Erin wrote: "So far I have read up to page 170 in this book and I love it so far. I am very intrigued by the main character and how amazing of a man he is. Something that I wanted to talk about was the idea of ..."
Erin, I felt that way, too. His first responsibility was to family but I did understand his compulsion to stay, though it worked out badly!>
Erin, I felt that way, too. His first responsibility was to family but I did understand his compulsion to stay, though it worked out badly!>
I wish this were required reading for all Americans. It's chilling to realize that our so called "civilization" has such a thin veneer.
I loved this book. I was in New Orleans about a week before Katrina hit and have been obsessed with books on the subject ever since. Another good one is by Dan Baum which follows the lives of 9 people all from very different walks of life
Erin wrote: "So far I have read up to page 170 in this book and I love it so far. I am very intrigued by the main character and how amazing of a man he is. Something that I wanted to talk about was the idea of ..."
At first I felt the same way. I felt like his family needed him more than property, or any other reason he presented. But then as he started to save people and animals I understood why he stayed. His family was fine with Kathy. Together they saved more people. (view spoiler)
At first I felt the same way. I felt like his family needed him more than property, or any other reason he presented. But then as he started to save people and animals I understood why he stayed. His family was fine with Kathy. Together they saved more people. (view spoiler)
deleted member
Aug 12, 2014 09:13AM
0 votes
I think Zeitoun's faith in God and his plan for him was more powerful than Kathy's pleas for him to leave. Even if he were to leave with his family, he would not be doing anything particularly useful or valuable. He understood that by staying, he would be saving lives that would otherwise be ignored. I personally thought his decision to stay behind, endangering himself, was admirable; many people who were to aged or weak to take care of themselves were saved by him. This book was an incredible read!
I think very highly of this book, but there's a sad coda to the story: http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2...
I thought the National Guardsmen were shown in a poor light. These men were pulled away from home and thrust into an unknown situation. Doesn't anyone remember all the rumors of gunfire and looting, and the all around loss of control. When you enter a disaster area of that magnitude with a mindset of fear, bad things are going to happen.
I loved this book too and suggested it for our town's "community read". Didn't get selected but would have made for great discussion.
KEEP READING. If the rest of the book doesnt answer your questions , then ask
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