True story about New Orleans and Katrina. It's good but not on my favorite's list. If you want to know what it was like during and after Katrina for those who stayed to help then this is the book for you.

The true story of a prominent citizen of New Orleans who stays behind during Katrina in order to help others. Unfortunately, because he is looks like he could possibly be related to a terrorist, he is arrested in his own home and imprisoned. The ineptness of FEMA results in his horrific abuse. How can this happen in our country? Although the foreign press and local press pick up the story it is not written about in our national press. A sad commentary on us.

You know we saw a lot of TV coverage that provided us with ongoing news of what the community was experiencing, but this read takes it to a whole new level. To think of what this family endured and the consequences they paid for who they were is unfathomable .... whether you were Zeitoon, or his wife Kathy, would you have been able to sustain sanity in the midst of this tragedy??? Wonderfully written!

Most of us really enjoyed this, but other than outrage at the story and tragedy, there didn't seem to be much to discuss.

Very discussable; brought back memories of Katrina and made it more personal for me.

A great book. I was really suprised. I was prepared to read a boring non-fiction book for book club. This is a really well written book. I really liked it. It is chronological, so it's really easy to follow. Some of their story seems a bit stretched, but it's NOT the whole story of what happened before, during, and after Katrina, it's the story of ONE family. Great read, LOTS of discussion potential.

I was curious to read from someone who stayed behind in New Orleans, but I had no idea how this story would unfold. What happened to Zeitoun was riveting. I read this book in a day because I couldn't put it down. So enlightening.

We only know what is reported by media. The aftermath of Katrina had many pitfalls. The fact people were imprisoned based primarily on profiling was unknown by most. What other facts are withheld from the public? Why? Who decides?
This book brings forth facts and reality.

With a story like this, I would expect to care about the characters and what happens, to be outraged and relieved. I got none of that. Written as reportage, it was a bit boring.

Provided a glimpse of New Orleans during Katrina that was very eye opening and disturbing. However the writing style was often disjointed particularly when giving background on the main character with irrelevant details that did not add to the story.

Non-fiction. The true story of one man\'s decision to remain in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. The reader will be quickly drawn in to the story of the Zeitouns. After reading the book, be sure to follow the Zeitouns during the next few years. A must read.

As an immigration attorney who works with refugees and immigrants, I was particularly moved by this book.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written. Eggers really knows how to draw you in and keep the suspense going.

Disturbing, surprising, leaving questions and head-shaking over the government's treatment of its citizens in an emergency, this book is really a personal story of one man, one family, surviving Katrina. Hard to believe this can happen in America, and yet, it's not hard. The value of helping people in trouble, the selflessness that is twisted by authorities, the shadow of the aftermath of such an experience--Eggers does a humane job of putting us there, in the canoe, in the cage, in the desperation. Leads to a lot of questions and reflections!