Isaac's Storm

How much blame, if any, do you believe Isaac should bear for the death and devastation caused by the storm? Was he simply following orders, putting trust in the system and exhibiting the same overconfidence shared by others during this era? Or is his inaction unacceptable given his expertise in the field of atmospheric sciences?

Despite his advanced expertise in the field of atmospheric sciences and his awareness of hurricanes that recently struck the Texas coast, Isaac is quick to dismiss concerns about hurricanes reaching Galveston in his 1891 news article. What reasons, both personal and political, are behind this attitude?

What errors in judgment do the US Weather Bureau and Isaac specifically make in the days leading up to the storm? Do you believe that a significant number of lives might have been saved had these parties behaved differently? Why, or why not?

Hurricanes and other forms of severe weather are natural phenomena, but humanity's response to them is often closely linked to politics. Can you explain why this is true, citing both events from the book and contemporary examples surrounding climate change and various hurricanes in the 21st century?

How does race and racism play into the narrative of the Galveston hurricane? Are you surprised that racial prejudice has an impact on the US Weather Bureau's forecasting methods? Do you believe race continues to be a factor in how the United States responds to severe weather?

What do you think causes individuals to stay in their homes during intense storms rather than evacuate to storm shelters? Cite evidence from the book to support your answer.

Explain the role that newspapers play in the book, both in the lead-up and the aftermath of the storm. In what ways do the newspapers accept without question both the scurrilous rumors on the ground and the official reports of federal agencies? What impact does this have on the people of Galveston? Do you believe the media has improved in its coverage of natural disasters since 1900?

Why do you think people criticize American Red Cross founder Clara Barton for her work in Galveston and other relief efforts? What causes people to question the methods and motives of humanitarian workers, both in general and in respect to Barton specifically?

In what ways does 1900 resemble 2000, the year Larson published Isaac's Storm? What events in the late-20th century caused Americans to become similarly overconfident about their country's economic, military, and technological prowess? How did events of the early-21st century call into question this confidence?