Zeitoun by Dave Eggers LMB

    Zeitoun written by Dave Eggers, winner of the American Book Award, LA Times Book Award, and the Northern California Book Award, is an incredible story of heroism, and bravery.  This novel dares you to question the American government, and the way they handle disaster situations.  The disaster, chaos, and true anarchy that is formed after the hurricane strikes truly reveals how unstable our society is.
    The novel starts off in a flashback to Abdulrahman Zeitoun’s home town, the early mornings when the men would go fishing, and the simplicity and happiness that came from it.  It eventually begins to describe his daily life, and the natural routine he went through everyday.  Slowly the idea of Hurricane Katrina is brought into perspective.  The warnings were blown off numerous times but when she finally strikes, the reports were right.  Countless people lost their homes, families, and belongings.  Zeitoun however was there for everyone.  He put his life on the line everyday, gave up all of his food and water supply.  Just for the satisfaction of helping others.
    His mission to rescue others however, quickly turned into a mission to find and rescue him.  One day while at his house he had rented out, he was captured, by men he believed to be apart of the police force, and taken unwillingly to a prison camp.  The rest of the story from there on is a tale of true perseverance, and bravery.  Kathy, Zeitoun’s wife, unable to think clearly due to the overwhelming stress she was dealing with.  Jumped to conclusions due to the inability to contact him after a few days, and believed her husband to be dead.  She still tried however, searching for any clue of her husband, any possible hint or idea that he might be alive.
    This thrilling novel really brings to light the significant amount of chaos, and damage that can be caused after a natural disaster.  The confusion between people, and the government officials, and the unjust manner of everyone truly shows how society can fall apart in a matter of moments.  I highly suggest to read Zeitoun, it showed me how different society is from what I believed it to be.  But also how you can have hope in people you would never expect such bravery from.