Hurricane

Normally when you hear a Texan is telling a windy tale it means something entirely different. Janice uses a work of fiction to tell the very real story of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane that has been labeled "The Great Storm." You can't help but identify with these characters and the story will keep you enthralled. I first read this book when it came out, but as the hurricane season is here again, found myself picking it back up. If the people of New Orleans had read this book before Katrina came roaring ashore there wouldn't have been nearly as many people caught up in it. [...]

Sometimes our humble beginnings-the ones we can't wait to get away from-are the ones we're inevitably drawn back to. So is the case for successful newspaperman Brent Murphy when he becomes disenchanted with the fast pace of New York City and returns to his hometown Island of Galveston. His return coincides with an event of catastrophic proportions, the 1900 Galveston hurricane. Mrs. Thompson, a native Texan, has crafted an engrossing tale of tragedy, sadness, courage, and most importantly, hope. Experience one of this country's most talked about storms through the eyes of these well-developed characters. You will cheer for their bravery and cry over their loss. A wonderful tribute to the victims of the 1900 Galveston hurricane. A great read. Highly recommend.

I'm a survivor of Hurricane Camille of 1969, that tore through Gulfport, MS in 1969 and the worst storm to hit the US Mainland. So I couldn't wait to read Thompson's Hurricane. Instantly I was drawn into her fictional story of the historical and devastating storm of 1900, that hit the island of Galveston, Texas. Thompson vividly portrays the catastrophic and devastating effects on human life and property in sharp contrast to hope, survival and faith. I read this book this past weekend, while in Mobile, AL with the threat of tropical storm Arlene in the background, so it was perfect reading material. Drama and well developed characters tell the unfolding story of death and triumph as the storm moves into the gulf with such impact, that lives on the island are changed forever. I could almost taste the salt water, feel the roaring wind and slashing rain, so accurately described by Thompson, a native Texan. Though 6,000 people lost their lives in this terrible hurricane, many found strength and compassion to help their fellow islanders, and selfishly give of themselves, even in their own despair. This well crafted, minute by minute story, will pull at your heartstrings and make you say a prayer for every storm that enters your life. I highly reccommend it.

Batten down the hatches! Hurricane, by Janice A. Thompson, is a riveting account of disaster and human bravery, loss and gain, death and redemption. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the historic Galveston disaster, Hurricane is the story of lives lost...and at least one that was found. Brent Murphy, a prodigal newspaperman, returns home to Galveston Island after his attempt at New York greatness. Tired, world-weary, and knowing he will face the wrath of his father upon his return, he continues to postpone his visit home. Although he is not looking forward to the confrontation with his father, little does he know that the storm of his father's displeasure would be nothing compared to the approaching fury of one of nature's most powerful and destructive forces, the hurricane. Will Brent Murphy be able to first survive the storm and then find liberation from the events of his past? Hurricane, by Janice A. Thompson, provides a fascinating, historically accurate account of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, through the lives of her fully dimensional characters. The depth of the story attests to thorough and effective research, while the gripping descriptions of the storm itself will make you want to check the weather report for your local area! Two thumbs up! Craig Hart - CraigHart.net/ChristianLit Magazine

Galveston Island, September, 1900. Brent Murphy is coming home. After years away pursuing a career in journalism, Brent has a need to face his demons at home. Namely, his father, a stern man Brent never seemed able to please. Sister Henrietta Mullins, novice at St. Mary's Orphan Asylum, discovers the difference between childhood dreams and reality. As the days pass, her commitment to the Sisters of Charity, once embraced willingly, becomes harder to bear. Not to mention the Texas heat. Everett Maxwell, editor of the Courier, Galveston's local newspaper. Discouraged there was nothing happening, nothing newsworthy to write about, Everett will now do just about anything for a story. Emma Sanders, newly `capped' nurse, eagerly faces her first day on the job at the local hospital. She quickly becomes overwhelmed at the enormity of what each day brings. To the east, across the Gulf of Mexico, a deadly storm was brewing that would change these lives and Galveston forever. HURRICANE is a day-by-day count-down to the cataclysmic storm that all but wiped Galveston off the map. In the characters Janice Thompson introduces to us we see attitudes change, goals shift, and watch as selflessness takes hold and the determination to save just one life overcomes fear. Through despair, devastation and death, Ms. Thompson gives hope. Determined, dogged faith prevails over doubt and discouragement. And God's love and mercy shines through. A tremendous read. Janice Thompson, a native Texan, has done her research and put together a compelling fictional account of the most catastrophic natural event of the twentieth century in which 6000 lives were lost. I highly recommend this one.