Fascinating. Inspiring. Entertaining. 2010-03-03

Reviewer: Jeffrey E Ellis

The SURVIVORS CLUB is a fascinating look into the psychology and complexities of human survival. Drawing on historical examples of people who have survived a wide range of disasters, Sherwood pulls together themes and patterns which are altogether inspiring, revelatory, and fascinating.

Sherwood studies and interviews people who have survived collisions, airplane crashes, attacks, illnesses, and a host of catastrophes which threaten their lives. Some are simply remarkable stories; others are uplifting tales of faith and will; most simply mind-blowing.

So, what are the key factors for survival, for determining who makes it through and who doesn't? The answers seem as varied as the people involved. However, there are some interesting tells:

1. faith - belief in God gives hope, strength and courage. Faith is the opposite (and remedy for) fear, which is a real killer. AS deadly as starvation or disease, fear kills people. It paralyzes, saps the will to live, and eliminates hope.
2. family - having others love you and your love for them provides motivation to live: the will to carry through.
3. preparedness - those best prepared are the most likely to survive emergencies. Having at least considered what-to-do and given thought to it - rehearsal is even more effective- can be a life-saver. That is why the armed forces rehearse many life-threatening scenarios. A body and mind prepared to live is a key indicator.

There are also a myriad of other factors, determination, courage, stubbornness, intelligence, adaptability and so on. Each of us is wired differently but all of us contain some of the key elements for survival. The good news is, survival skills can be learned and improved.

Great book! I highly recommend!! 2010-03-03

Reviewer: L. Prosser

I own this audio book and am very glad I purchased it. I don't agree AT ALL with the negative reviews. The author does provide the science of survival. He visited the top experts in their fields of survival research. He even went thru some harrowing survival training himself (let's just say I wouldn't do it). He also gave some good statistics i.e. most people think if you're in a plane crash that everyone dies, when actually there is a good chance you could survive.
Great info, great stories, highly recommended to make a great addition to your library!!

I will save you $8.24 2010-02-27

Reviewer: JT

When you buy a book with a certain title you expect to find certain information in it.
Why would someone use "The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life" and not explain any actual survival techniques and secrets other than "pray" is something only Bob can explain.
I will save you $8.24: 1. Make sure you want to live 2. Believe in God 3. Have a flashlight.
It's a good thing that someone loaned this to me. I would be asking for my money back if I had paid for this book.
Ben Sherwood came up with an attractive title, too bad that's all there is to it.

Guilty Pleasure Book.. 2010-02-26

Reviewer: buddha18

i usually read motivational books, but i plowed through this fun read - definitely worth it - (last book i bought from amazon was Live Like A Fruit Fly)

Great tips, tricks & things to think on 2010-02-26

Reviewer: Erica Spitulski

I think this was a fantastic book that makes you think and analyze your own mental preparedness for disasters and emergencies. I think it's a great read for anyone who would like some bare bones methods to survive tragedy, as well as in-depth, thought provoking means to examine your own personality and how it can work for or against you in urgent times. I will definitely pass it along to friends to read, as I think we can all use these "secrets" to best be up for disasters, emergencies and extreme challenges.