National Bestseller The true story of one family, caught between America’s two biggest policy disasters: the war on terror and the response to Hurricane Katrina. Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun run a house-painting business in New Orleans. In August of 2005, as Hurricane Katrina approaches, Kathy evacuates with their four young children, leaving Zeitoun to watch over the business. In the days … business. In the days following the storm he travels the city by canoe, feeding abandoned animals and helping elderly neighbors. Then, on September 6th, police officers armed with M-16s arrest Zeitoun in his home. Told with eloquence and compassion, Zeitoun is a riveting account of one family’s unthinkable struggle with forces beyond wind and water.
A New York Times Notable Book
An O, The Oprah Magazine Terrific Read of the Year
A Huffington Post Best Book of the Year
A New Yorker Favorite Book of the Year
A Chicago Tribune Favorite Nonfiction Book of the Year
A Kansas City Star Best Book of the Year
A San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year
An Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Decade
more
When you think you had any idea about Hurricane Katrina and have seen all it means in news releases and meetings and papers, in comes a book that speaks to the courage and generosity of man who does not consider himself a Hero. It is impossible not to feel part of his adventures, of canoeing to feed stranded stray dogs and people. Rescuing those so homebound and disabled that they literally would have died without him. Zeitoun is a beautiful narrative where you feel that you were there with Zeitoun as Katrina started and has it roared through New Orleans and then with him in his attempts to find out what was going on and in associated rescue efforts. He is a caring man with a boat and strong will and creativity. His can do attitude is obvious as he knows how important it would be to have struggled to get a home and then loose everything around him…,He shows trust, love and generosity, even to point of risking his own life! Readers will not read a tirade or a political piece but a piece of a person’s life story that is unimaginable. Because he was a pioneer, self starting volunteer, he is mistaken to be a looter instead of a volunteer helper. But this is a book that will tell the story for every of the humanity of the Hurricane from an insiders perspective. This will not be like anything you saw on news reports. I want to know how Zeitoun in now. Where he is and how is his family. Really sad to read the last page of this book.
Great book. Compelling story. Good for book discussions.
This account of the misfortunes of an Arab American after Katrina is eye-opening and haunting. I could not put down this book, If you like documentaries and good writing, you have to read Zeitoun.
This book reveals true experience Katrina Hurricane. Dave Eggers books are always informative and thought provoking.
The book club I belonged to several years ago selected Zeitoun and we had a week to read it. I enjoyed the book and hadn’t realized how many horrible things happened in New Orleans besides the actual impact of the hurricane. Based on some reality, the story helps a non-Louisiana native understand the true impacts of the hurricane, not only on the land but on the people.
The imagery and language were strong, and the characterizations were very intricate. Since reading the books, I’ve spent time in Louisiana (both rural and New Orleans) and hear so many different stories of what actually happened.
I may re-read this one in preparation for the next American Crime Story TV anthology. I enjoyed the “OJ Simpson” season 1 so much and am excited to see what they can do with the impacts of Hurricane Katrina. And this book will help me prepare and remember as much as I can before diving in.
i got a boner when the guy fucked his daughters and did anal on them
Great read. The story should be told and retold. Loved the real people! I am going to read this book again…as soon as I read all the new titles I’m collecting! LC NY