DOC The Fire Line: The Story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots by Fernanda Santos in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Still Unanswered Questions...By terrylynnI remember very clearly the day this tragedy unfolded and it was a horrifying story and it seemed so sad at the time that these brave young men died is such a horrific way. From the start I wondered how such a thing could have happened. I know that there are procedures in place that ensure the safety of woodland fire firefighters like the Granite Mountain Hotshots. They are trained over and over to avoid the very situation they found themselves in during the Yarnell fire. So what happened? It was this question that I hoped to have answered when I ordered this book. And while the book is compelling; well written and informative; I'm not any wiser as to what caused this accident. It's obvious that this author put her heart and soul into this book and I'm sure that it was a painful process.. especially her time spent with the families of the men who were lost. And I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this sad event. But if you are expecting to learn who or what was to blame for this; you may be disappointed. The book is thoughtfully written and my impression is that Santos makes a concerted effort not to point fingers or assign blame which is commendable but it leaves the reader feeling by the end of the book that something is missing and it's the answer to the question why.... why did this happen; how could it have been prevented; or could it have been? Was anything learned from this tragedy that will keep it from happening again? Sadly we are still left to ponder these questions. Four stars for Fernanda Santos and The Fire Line: The Story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and One of the Deadliest Days in American Firefighting.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This was a good read and the author did a top-notch job of ...By David B.This was a good read and the author did a top-notch job of revealing the human element of this tragedy. She's a journalist and she went straight for the heart--the "people stories"--which is what good journalists do. There were several errors that a good book editor should have caught; and I was disappointed that there was no analysis of the investigations into what actually happened and if there were errors in command decisions; etc. Having been around the fire service for almost four decades; this book raises some important questions--rarely asked--about insurance coverage and other "worst case scenarios" for individuals engaged in an occupation that is; at the same time; noble; exciting and exceedingly hazardous. I read the book slowly; deliberately. Now I want to visit the scene to see for myself; and reflect. This book goes on my shelf next to John and Norman MacLean's fire books...no higher compliment.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. EnlighteningBy mattThis is a well researched and very well written book. The author provides intimate details of the men who died fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona in June of 2013. She also provides valuable insight into the profession of wildland firefighting. Finally; the author skillfully relates the story of the fire and the tragedy that unfolded. All of this is done quite well in my view; and makes for an engaging read.I did find some things missing in the narrative. Little insight is provided by the lone survivor; Brendan McDonough. That may be because he wrote his own book; and chose not to contribute to this narrative. Finally; the author really made no attempt to wrap the book up with the results of investigation s into the fire; nor is any real analysis done of what went wrong. I've done some online reading elsewhere to get further insight.I most definitely recommend the book; but also note that just a few pieces are missing. May God bless the families of the 19 that died in selfless service.