Paperback Edition: 234 pages
Publisher: Kirkland & Fort (November 7, 2010)
Kindle Edition: Published August 21st 2010
Website: LastBusOut.com
The true story of Courtney Miles' rescue of over 300 people in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This enhanced e-book includes over 75 photos and 25 links to videos and newscasts.
Let me admit to you that at first, I was very nervous reading this book. I have a brother who was in the Navy at the time of Hurricane Katrina and he has told me some horror stories of the things he had to do, and of the sheer number of people who needed help. He's also expressed to me frustration on how the media made it seem like the government was doing absolutely nothing, when that just wasn't the case. So, I was definitely afraid that this book would be just another book that didn't portray both sides of the story.
And then...I was pleasantly surprised.
This book is a must-read for everyone of all ages. It is about determination, family & survival and it is incredibly inspiring. Courtney Miles is a teenager without a driver's license living in one of the poorer sections of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast. After waiting three days for help, Courtney takes it upon himself to drive a school bus full of neighbors, friends and strangers to safety.
One aspect of this book that I loved was Courtney's religious beliefs. And it's because of his religion that he pretty much runs on faith throughout his entire ordeal. Everything is based on his idea that if it's God's Will, it will happen. His faith is also what makes his story even more incredible as he stops and picks up stranger after stranger on his journey to safety. When he finally arrives at an evacuation site, there were nearly 200 people on one school bus!
All of the links and photos within the story work well to enhance your experience while reading. The book goes on to follow Courtney's journey after Katrina and it is one that will leave you feeling satisfied and glad to know that sometimes in life, there are REAL happy endings. :)
5 out of 5 stars
Great review Maria! It really did sound like an intriguing read.
ReplyDeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for this amazing review. I had not even heard about this book before, but thanks to your review, I'm going to put it on my TBR list right now! :)
I helped in building projects down in Katrina, along with a few other medical students - and it was honestly a life-changing experience. Not just the labor, but meeting the people and hearing the stories. Above all, the RESILIENT and OPTIMISTIC attitudes of some who had lost EVERYTHING. Books like these add hope to the world. Love it! :)
~Hira~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz
Sounds like a book I would cry with.
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