Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales (2004, Paperback, Reprint)

Gonzales' Deep Survival takes survivalism to a new level. This is definitely not another introductory guide to orienteering, first aid, knot-tieing, and the like. Instead, Gonzales delves deeply into the psychology of survival, the mind-body, right brain-left brain dynamics that separate the quick from the dead. He is particularly good at pointing out the mental tricks we play on ourselves when the stakes are high, such as denying we're lost even when we are, or sticking with our mental image of a situation even when it wildly conflicts with the objective facts. Deep Survival also contains some exquisite Zen-like insights into "who lives, who dies, and why." Choking is about thinking too much," Gonzales writes."Panic is about thinking too little." Or these gems of wisdom: "Don't get comfortable. Get confident. . . Be bold, cautious, and humble. . . and Be Here Now." Deep Survival delivers the goods.

This book showed me that to surive you need to have the correct "mind set" and that like the book says, "... The Rambo's are the first to go." I justed loved the way in which he trys to explain why others die and some live.

Well I bought this book because of my interest in extreme sports and nature of human psychology in extreme conditions. I got exactly what I wanted too. It is awesome book about survivals. It can teach you strategies how to stay alive. It is good written book with lots of informations. This book hooked me from the beginning to the end with great energy. I will recommended this book for people they love nature, and are really interested in it or for people they want to learn something new or for people who likes exciting survivals stories. Great book.

Presents a combination of his experience and scientific studies that help reader understand the "What were they thinking" actions of extreme risk takers AND the author gives the reader a gut check reality of the life threatening experiences that appear from nowhere in everyday life. I recommend it.

The name caught me and I was hooked. Many of my heros were referred to in his writing. He uses and quotes books I have read and reread about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The use of real-life medical terms , explain why some people make different decisions that keep them alive. It may allow you to see if you fit the mold of a survivor or not. Heros are all around us ,living ordinary lives after experiencing grand adventures.

This is a book for any outdoorsman. It reviews the way people react in outdoor survival situations, the qualities which people who have survived these situations. I found it very interesting. Each chapter is a different person, experience and noteworthy thoughts. It is an easy read.

I pick this up one day and thought...Sigh...I am so bored that even this looks interesting. Shock! I couldn't put it down. It is a FASCINATING look at People, "Accidents", and "Acts of God". It diagrams in layman's terms the physical, psychology, chemical and environmental factors that contribute to accidents and survival in a variety of situations. He also explains how the SAME incidents happen over and over in the same locations. Amazingly he also explains how a "system" (how something is set up) contributes to peoples psychology and accident survival. It is amazing how humans are made and how we are able to adapt for survival. He outlines also how are physical makeup contributes to survival and accident. I really enjoyed this book.