Taming Storm Surges: When Ecology. Engineering, and Faith Meet

By Bob Onan

Storm surges and flood tides regularly attack the coastal barrier islands of Bangladesh, then surge inland. Tibetan mountain rivers laden with snow and glacial melt and accelerate downhill. These waters flood the villages, croplands, and animal habitat in Bangladesh. They spread death, destruction and disease. This first novel is about vulnerability to these forces of nature which create loss of dignity, minimal health care, and economic deprivation for the people. The story begins on a stage of despair. A veneer of phony opulence covers the abject poverty of the people. But one person, a medical doctor from Bangladesh, has seen enough. His skills enable him to diagnose these problems of his country. His focus is health care yet his search for solutions and remedies leads him into un-chartered international waters. There he finds assistance, colleagues, love, faith and success.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1880654334
• ISBN13: 9781880654330
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Pogo Press
• Length: 351 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Taming Storm Surges

A great read. Although a novel it seems very believable and among other things it shows how interconnected the world is now because of technology. Besides that it has a nice love story in it.

Why Hasn't This Been Done!

It reminded me of a James Mitchner novel, with a wealth of detail written in a very engrossing style, connected through characters you could relate to and identify with. As a person with a technical background I was extremely pleased to find the author's ideas about taming the almost annual humanitarian disasters caused by the typhoons sweeping in from the Pacific to be more than just plausible - but realistically doable. The personal connection I made with the characters made me want to see the project started, and wonder why it hasn't already been done. I bought several copies to pass around my friends and family and I recommend it very highly.

A consuming read

I have often considered writing a book and even made a few initial efforts only to recess after being overwhelmed by the vast amount of backround and detail necessary to a successful result. With that being said, I am absolutely dazzled at the information and knowledge contained in this story. Making it even more impressive is the inate detail of multidisclipinary sciences ranging from Bangladesh to Holland to Colorado. The author accomplished the rare feat of making fiction seem real.

A novel that should come true

This world-ranging story about creative forces captured my imagination and drew me into the solution to life threatening problems. The author's brilliant skill and experience makes this readable, exciting book important and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Taming Storm Surges

Ordinarily I avoid novels, but this one held my attention from page one. I first thought this story was a detailed report of actual happenings. As a Civil Engineer I was amazed by the author's technical ability and detail. His knowledge of the flood control structures in Holland and the problems in Bangladesh makes this book an outstanding example of what might be done to improve living conditions in a third world country. The story flows effortlessly and will hold your attention from start to finish.