Quakeland

November 1, 2017

The only people in America who need to worry about earthquakes are those living in California, right? Wrong, says journalist Miles (fine arts, Chatham Univ., Pittsburgh). Starting the book with a description of the layers of the earth and a startling true story of the terrific damage an earthquake can cause in a matter of minutes, Miles will have listeners' attention as she proves that there are earthquakes everywhere in America. From Salt Lake City to Memphis (and a visit to the biggest FedEx hub) to Yellowstone National Park, the San Andreas Fault, Hoover Dam, and even New York City, interviews with expert seismologists and geologists warn about the dangers waiting under the earth. A larger section examines human-induced earthquakes caused by mining and hydrofracking and the incredible damage done to water tables and the stability of surrounding lands. Specifics, such as how soil can liquefy during an earthquake and intraplate faults, provide listeners with a solid foundation of knowledge. Narrator Bernadette Dunne does a fine job of hitting Miles's sarcastic notes, but the gravelly tone of her voice may grind on some ears. VERDICT An eye-opening examination of the true dangers that could and will occur across the land. Perfect for fans of the science and wit of Mary Roach and geology and seismology. ["A relevant topic that any reader will find compelling": LJ 9/15/17 review of the Dutton hc.]--Jason L. Steagall, Gateway Technical Coll. Lib., Elkhorn, WI

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kathryn Miles lays bare the U.S.'s lack of earthquake preparedness. The news is pretty grim, but Miles has a light touch and a sense of absurdist humor, and Bernadette Dunne's narration is conversational, energetic, and wry. Miles explains the science and tells lots of fascinating stories, and Dunne brings it all to life with warmth and spirit. Together, they are the proverbial spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down. Most communities don't build according to earthquake codes, and the dire state of dams is ignored. Seismic activity has increased, thanks to fracking for natural gas, and now Oklahoma has more earthquakes than any other continental U.S. state. Nuclear power plants sit atop fault lines. Miles encourages listeners to do what they can--pack a go-bag and have a family emergency plan to prepare for a natural disaster. A.B. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine