Superstorm Sandy
The Inevitable Destruction and Reconstruction of the Jersey Shore
In a concise but meaningful way, Superstorm Sandy summarizes the state of New Jersey’s response to 2012’s devastating Hurricane Sandy. To do this, the book examines the state from historical, political, and several socio-economic perspectives to determine how its circumstances impacted its response.
The book references climate change in its conclusion, but primarily focuses on the sociological fallout of Superstorm Sandy along the New Jersey shore. It also references the recent rise of tandem environmental and sociological areas of study. Analysis of storm resiliency between different classes features prominently throughout the book, especially highlighting the historic tension between New Jersey’s blue collar year-round residents, who produced the likes of Bruce Springsteen, and the wealthier tourists from out-of-state who make the resorts, vacation homes, and boardwalks such a success. In examining the roots of New Jersey’s storm response, Bates tracks historical data sets, including ethnic migrations and the rise of casinos, to provide a framework for the community-level response to Sandy. The result is a comprehensive view of the entire state from its foundation to the modern day. While the book is useful as an examination of the roots of the federal, state, and local reaction to Sandy, it could almost stand alone as a quick socioeconomic history of the entire state of New Jersey.
Though aimed at an academic audience, Superstorm Sandy is highly readable and has the potential for broad appeal. The final chapter, where the author discusses her family’s experience with the storm, is especially useful in that it places the previous, more cerebral chapters into immediate context. Highly recommended for policymakers, local governments, and active citizens working in any disaster-prone coastal area.
Reviewed by
Anna Call
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
