Cascadia

It is time for the Northwest United States to pack their ‘go bags’! When Buzz Bernard writes a novel, you can bet he has done his research and writes from authority. From Northern California to Vancouver, people best be at peace with Jesus because the tsunami is really due. In the story, when everyone thinks Rob is nuts, scoffs and ridicules him, that is when you hear God saying, “Get out!” He sent His messenger(s), whether Rob believed it or not. I have loved every one of Buzz’s books—EYEWALL, PLAGUE, SUPERCELL, and BLIZZARD. When you read one, you must have them all. CASCADIA will heighten your awareness and make your heart race for sure. You will not put it down.

Although you know from the get go that the big event - a devastating earthquake followed by a huge tsunami on America’s Pacific Northwest Coast - is going to happen, and despite the story being wrapped around 4 July and a man urging people to expect the worst who isn’t believed, like a geological retelling of ‘Jaws’, this is a good read. Until a few decades ago, it was thought the ‘big one’ would be in California, but it seems when it happens - and it will because it has throughout history - movement of tectonic plates off the Pacific Coast of Oregon and Washington will be far more destructive. If you like disaster fiction or are interested in reading about the natural scenario described, you should enjoy this novel.

At the time I scheduled this review I had not thought about what I would be teaching in my classroom around the time this review was due. It just worked out that we are reading stories on disasters. My students have been reading about Tsunamis and the earthquakes that cause them, specifically the 2004 tsunami. An interesting point in the article they read dealt with geomythology. Scientist are using stories told by Native Americans to back up stories of earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred in the past. Those were things I thought about as I read this wonderful thriller by “Buzz” Bernard.One of the reasons I really like his work is you can tell how much research he does. I’m not sure how difficult that is for him with his background. I felt like I was reading a real life event. His main character has to face one of the biggest challenges of his life. Dr. Elwood is a geologist who keeps having nightmares about a quake that devastates the northwest coast. The more he has the dreams the more he believes the quake will actually happen. The challenge he faces is whether he should risk his career to go public with what he ‘believes’ will happen or if he should keep quiet to protect his career. If he is wrong it would be career over. If he doesn’t tell anyone and his dreams come true then he lost the opportunity to save lives. I wondered if meteorologists and geologists every actually go through this. I found it interesting that the “Thunderbird and Whale” reference was also mentioned in the articles my students read. This is such a well-written book I could see it as a movie. I want a book like this that will keep me reading from cover to cover. I enjoy books that are so realistic I wonder how much truth there is to them. I definitely recommend you read this book and any of his other books. You won’t be sorry you checked out this author.I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

love reading book

First off, I seldom rate five stars unless the read hits me like Herman Wouk or Tom Clancy. Having said that, this rates at the top of the genre.It didn't take but a few pages and I knew I would enjoy this one. Character development, details of the town, and historical references added a lot to the tale. You can't help but root for some of the people as they face the challenges of nature and their fellow victims.This is sure to please those who love disaster and apocalyptic stories.

I couldn't put this novel down! And I had to look up the Cascadia fault. The geological information in this book is really interesting along with all the characters and their stories.