Waters Dark and Deep: One New Orleans Family's Rescue Amid the Devastation of Hurricane Katrina

At this point, most of us that live outside the areas directly affected by Katrina have moved on to other things: the threat of terrorism, the next natural disaster, or even the latest celebrity break-up. Ms. Thomas's story helps to draw our attention back to the continuing disaster that has affected thousands by focusing our attention on just a few: these seven children. Through their experience, captured by Ms. Thomas's unbiased and unpretentious writing, we are reminded of the horror and suffering visited on so many others. And we need reminding. A well-written, well-researched story, and one that cried out to be told. Highly recommended.

Wow. That pretty much sums it up. The incredible story of this typical New Orleans family and what they went through during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath is almost unbelievable. Although the tragedy of the disaster and the bureaucratic response got the headlines, this book tells the story of how individuals, sacrificing of themselves make all the difference in the world. If you have lost faith in the American government, this book will restore your faith in the American people. When I was reading this book, I couldn't help but be drawn in by Katie Thomas's writing. Straight forward, unbiased and compelling, the writing leaves nothing out, but isn't cluttered with overly descriptive narratives meant to show off the author's vocabulary rather than to entertain and inform the reader. This book should be mandatory reading for all people involved in disaster response and all people who need a little inspiration.

The story told in the book Waters Dark and Deep draws you in to the lives of seven young children in the days following Hurricane Katrina. Katie Thomas writes a story so vivid that it allows the reader to explore the full range of emotions that the the families and countless volunteers and rescue workers dealt with in the days and weeks following this tragic storm. The book is a great tribute to the numerous people who were involved in the reunification of the seven children and their families. A story of tragedy and everyday hero's that will restore your faith in the human spirit!

Waters Dark and Deep is a story that celebrates the spirit of humanity and compassion. It tells the story of how collectively, independently, creatively and stubbornly people spring into action to help out in any way necessary or possible in times of need. Katie Thomas draws the reader into the story by letting us really see each one of those individuals. She lets us get to know them, and know them well, in a very short span of time. And then, she throws the reader right back into that whirlwind of tension, stress, and worry. There were so many unique heroes to celebrate in this story. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to know their stories and felt that while I was reading this book, I was able to be in their presence.

I was one of the volunteers that helped take care of the seven young children when they were brought to Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina, so this book brought back many memories to me. It told the story of how the seven children were separated from their parents in the days following Katrina, and showed the great extents that so many people went to in order to make sure that the families were reunited. Katie Thomas did a great job of relaying the feelings that everyone involved with the children felt. A great read about seven truly amazing children.