Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why

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.

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.

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.

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.

Excellent book, different from the beaten path. I could not put it down.
I could relate from the experiences of panicking and letting your emotions out of control, it is deadly because in a survival situation you spend all your energy that way. I learned a lot on how humans behave, and what keeps you alive, and in the end what kicks in to help you until help comes!