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A Paradise Built in Hell

The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster

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A Paradise Built in Hell

By: Rebecca Solnit
Narrated by: Emily Beresford
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About this listen

The most startling thing about disasters, according to award-winning author Rebecca Solnit, is not merely that so many people rise to the occasion, but that they do so with joy. That joy reveals an ordinarily unmet yearning for community, purposefulness, and meaningful work that disaster often provides. A Paradise Built in Hell is an investigation of the moments of altruism, resourcefulness, and generosity that arise amid disaster's grief and disruption and considers their implications for everyday life. It points to a new vision of what society could become - one that is less authoritarian and fearful, more collaborative and local.

©2009 Rebecca Solnit (P)2014 Audible Inc. Disaster Relief History Social Psychology & Interactions Sociology

Critic Reviews

"The freshest, deepest, most optimistic account of human nature I've come across in years." (Bill McKibben)

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A classic on emergent response to disaster

This is a well-researched look at the emergent community response in times of disaster that provides some good examples of how and why this happens. The narration is very good and it's a great audible book.

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Excellent

A thorough and well researched and insightful book with a biting critique of the New Orleans Disaster.

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Fabulous book

A great book providing insights into community in the non routine. Well researched. Thanks Rebecca

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