Tornado Books

Don't start this book unless you have time to finish it in one sitting. I never expected it to be such a good read, so engrossing and emotional. Because I was only a few miles from part of the May 3rd tornado and have a friend who lost a twin brother in the Woodward tornado I expected to find the typical stories of the death and destruction of those storms contained in one book. How surprised and delighted I was that after a short time of deep attention I learned more than I knew was even out there. I've lived in Oklahoma all my life and have seen the weird destruction within my own hometown (the roof blown off my dad's office with one picture on his desk gone and the other still setting there undisturbed!) Those of us living in "tornado alley" are not terrified by tornadoes but have a healthy respect for them because we know if we pay attention that we can save ourselves. Our kids know how to protect themselves before they even start school. Gary England (who's like kinfolk) always speaks directly to the youngsters, instructing them on what to do if they happen to be alone. We suffer extreme property loss but because of the work of the people depicted in this book the loss of life is minimal. We have family living in other parts of the country and realize how blessed we are here to have the weather forecasting that we do. We know within blocks of where the tornado, or even thunderstorms, will hit as well as when. Now I know the nuts and bolts behind this fantastic gift we have where we need it the most. Thanks to Nancy Mathis who did such deep research in every area of this story and brought it together with her great writing talent. If there's one criticism is that there's a lot of technical material that I found hard to understand but my husband loved it! This is a good book and I'm buying several to pass around to family and friends!

A compellingly detailed narrative that's concisely written and superbly researched. Gives you just enough science and history to make sense of the events, but focuses on the human cost of this extraordinary storm.

I thought the book Storm Warning by Nancy Mathis was outstanding. Besides explaining a lot about the history of tornadoes there is a book background on the late Japanese tornado expert Ted Fujita.

The May 3, 1999 tornado stunned central Oklahoma--but yet, it was not entirely unusual. As I grew up in Norman, Oklahoma (the center of weather research and now home to the National Weather Service), tornadoes were a fact of life. Springtimes in Oklahoma always included the hours spent in front of the television, watching the supercells. Even the non-scientific minds among us learn to grasp the basics of supercells, of the hook echo, of the wall cloud. We are willing to watch the storm on TV until it is within 10 miles of us, and then, and only if it is heading in our direction, will we descend to our storm cellar.

Nancy Mathis has captured the feeling of the springtime in Oklahoma; the awe, the fear, and the respect with which tornadoes are regarded. The book weaves together many stories of common people from this area, people just like any other central Oklahoman. And she compellingly tells the story of how lives are shattered, molded--simply changed by the power of the tornadoes.

The May 3 tornado (the big one--A9) passed within 15 miles of my house; I had been playing golf that afternoon on a course in Moore that was destroyed--in fact, had we played the back 9, we would have been on the course when the twister hit. But the sky looked ominous, with the clouds at different elevations moving different directions--signaling significant wind shear, a factor in tornado formation that Mathis discusses in this book. It was simple stories like this that Mathis used to create the feel of the book.

Mathis captures the history of tornado forecasting and the personalities involved wonderfully. She tells the story of the meteorologists excellently. I believe this book to be the best available at telling the story of the tornado in totality and of the people it impacts. I have just a few quibbles with this book--the occasional instances of strong language (always in quotes) require editing before youngsters can read it. The book is not particularly scientific, and there are no photos or charts explaining the science. That is not the intent of this book. The story is so gripping (and graphic), that some children could have difficulty stomaching it. But this gripping retelling is what makes the book so good--for the story of the tornadoes is so extraordinarily exciting, and the springtime afternoons in Oklahoma so spellbinding, that only a book written in that way can accurately tell the story of the May 3 tornadoes.

I have been hesitant about writing a review for this book because I am very clearly biased. I felt very honored that Nancy Mathis chose to include my daughter in the book. I got to participate in the portion of the book that discussed the people involved in the storm. Those parts were emotional for me to read. I got to see a tiny portion of the research that went into the book and after reading the book, I realize that there was a tremendous amount of research done for the book. I learned a great deal about the history and science of weather forecasting. I also learned about home construction. I don't think I have ever read a book quite like this one.

The book was perhaps more interesting since I have not been back to Ruskin. I was also a classmate of Judy Hembree and others in the book. We did not dwell on the tornado aftermath in the 60s, but now realize that it shaped our reaction to crisis.

Nice read.

I really think this is a must read for those that face disaster, natural or man-made, or anyone who is obsessed with the weather ;). I found it to be a bit thick, as far as style is concerned, if it weren't for the personal accounts, it would have read a bit too much like fiction, at a risk of making it less "real" to posterity. Don't get me wrong, I loved this book and I found it inspiring as much as anything, but I grew up with the tale of the tornado. My father was in this tornado, and told me the story of it throughout my childhood- often by request, as I was always terrified and fascinated by tornadoes, I dread every spring here in tornado alley, but saw "twister" opening day- with my dad! I guess this tornado kind of bonded my dad and me, almost 30 years after the fact, because it always made me feel safe on stormy spring nights with the sirens going off that if the "big one" didn't get him, then whatever was out there now wouldn't either, and I was safe too. The story goes that he was watching a western on tv after dinner, and that my aunt and grandma were in the kitchen cleaning up. My grandfather had gone outside to have a smoke and "do some cloud watching", as there was not really a weather prediction system then, most people in these parts instinctively knew when to watch, and what to watch for. My grandfather seemed to know the sky was up to no good, and after a while of watching the clouds he turned to my dad in the family room, and told him in a grave voice to go get his mother and sister (sign of the times, he put a ten year old boy in charge of his mother and older sister), and to tell them to get in the car. I guess they gathered a few things, and the family dog, and got in the car and sped away. My dad says that they did not have a basement, and although they say never to try and outrun a tornado, my grandpa must of known which way it was goin to go, because, my dad says, after they had been in the car not more than a few minutes he looked out the back of the car to see nothing but blackness dropping down behind them. They got away, and when they came back the next day, their house was incredibly still there! It was one of maybe two houses still standing in that immediate area, the neighbors houses on both sides were destroyed. He said the neighbors to the right would not have survived but they thought that my grandparent's had a basement and had gone over to take refuge, it was all over before they could leave, and it was only because of that they survived, as their house was leveled. My family was lucky, but my dad's third grade teacher died in the storm. I'm glad that a book has been written that can teach people the lessons of this tornado, that in the face of tragedy all is not lost, that people can rebuild, sometimes for the better. But I hope that people do take it seriously, not just as a bit of sensationalism.

This book is a gripping and compelling story of the May 20 1957 tornado in the words of the survivors 20-30 years later. It has personal interest to me as a life-long Kansas City resident, tornado obsessor and '50s buff. In the mid to late 1980s, I resided in apartments which were adjacent to the railroad tracks and just south of the Ruskin shopping center. I figuratively could not put the book down once I started. My only criticism would be the large number of spelling and grammar errors.

I haven't thought about this tornado in some years, but was reminded about it a few days ago, by someone I've recently met, who was also there.

I was very little at the time, turning three-years-old just a few months before. Even though I was very young, I remember CLEARLY that day and the events that have stayed with me forever.

My dad had loaded us up in the car to take my mom, me and my brother (he was only 6 months old at the time) to do some shopping at the Ruskin Heights shopping center. After getting something to eat, my mom took me into a store to try on some shoes. (I remember those little black patent leather Mary Janes, and remember wanting them badly! Oh...and I'm still a shoes hound today.) While we shopped, my dad was waiting outside in the car with my brother, and was watching the sky, as was typical for people to do at that time, since weather forecasting was certainly no science back then. And he had a healthy respect for our locality, known as tornado alley.

He said as he watched, he felt very uneasy. He said the sky didn't look right him. As the clouds quickly turned to greenish black and began to circulate, he KNEW we were in trouble and we had to get out of there IMMEDIATELY. He ran into the store, and I CLEARLY remember him yelling for my mom and me. I was petrified at the look on his face. I remember her protesting...she wanted to buy me my shoes! He said if we didn't get out of there that instant, we were going to be in big trouble. I remember a couple of people were looking at us, kind of standing there frozen, as my dad was saying to LEAVE NOW. I remember my parents RUNNING out of that store, and my feet sort of flying out behind me as they had grabbed me and ran. We piled into the car and drove back home as FAST as possible. As we were driving away, stuff started flying around everywhere, and some debris hit the car as my dad drove us out of the area like a crazy person. I remember my mom screaming. We lived in the area, and I remember going immediately into our storm shelter when we got back home, even though we weren't in the path of the tornado. It seemed then like we were huddled in there for hours, but I'm sure it wasn't too long at all.

I found out later the store we were shopping in was FLATTENED in the tornado, and I'd heard some people were killed there...which we likely would've been had we stayed there shopping.

Reading this book after all these years has brought back the memories like they happened yesterday. Interestingly, I've had recurring tornado dreams almost all my life (probably because of that storm) and just found out a couple of months ago, that my brother does, too! I'm amazed that even though both of us were so young...and he was just a baby at that time...we both have vivid memories of what happened that day.

I came across this book on a visit to St. Louis and grabbed it. It may just be the best book ever written about a tornado--it's riveting start to finish and the spotlight is on people and their lives. It's a great movie in print with a terrific plot, memorable characters and a lot of heroism mixed in.

Being an amateur storm chaser, this book was an excellent depiction of what I want to see. With only a couple storms under my belt and some okay tornado/ mesocyclone pictures, this book let me see what years of storm chasing could bring.
I enjoyed the photos very much and some of the descriptions about the storms as well.
If you like energized storms, you may want to consider this book for your library.

An easy to read book with several relatively short narratives on chasing storms and other events. Included were some great pictures while others were a little disappointing-strictly because of the nature of the book.

Im so glad that Mike is finally getting the recognition he deserves. I started hanging out on his website when I was going to college at Dana in Blair several years ago, and you can see his photography and tracking skills grow over the years. The pics in this book + the commentary take what you have seen every summer and bring it down to you in a way that a straight science text can never do. Kudo's, Mike.

If you have ever...

Watched 'Twister' a million times
Tuned into the weather channel just to see what's happening
Sat outside to watch a storm, when you know you shouldn't
Marveled at the awesome power of mother nature...

Then this book might be right up your 'alley'.

With all playfullness aside this book is a brilliant collection of naritives and photographic art. The purpose of the book was to chronical storm chases yet, with one masterful click of a camera, Mike Hollingshead, and Eric Nguyen have created so much more than that! One read of this book can make you feel like were there and will change your outlook on natures fury forever.

Stacy Cole,
Gilbert, AZ

Excellent photography, and interesting real life stories from people who chase mother nature at her worst, make this book a must have! From tornadoes to ice storms, this book covers ever mode of severe weather. A must have!

Julie Williams has written an exceptional first novel. This insightful story in poems takes the reader on a journey in a young girl's life as she experiences the heartache of loss, struggles to understand those around her, discovers first love, and the boundries of friendship, and through it all learns how to become her own person. Allie Benton is a hero we can all cheer on!

A wonderful book, although I wouldn't call it poetry; more like a diary. I met the author and she is a wonderfully funny person. The story is one that holds your attention. Read it all in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Even my husband likes it and he doesn't do much reading for pleasure.

I am a 55 year old male man who didn't want to read "a story in poem" about anything. I was given this book and resisted reading it for a very long time. One night I started reading and I could not put it down. It was powerful and moving. It's about a 14 year old girl learning to live in this life. It's a poem. I cried like a baby! I am currently buying up every copy I can. I give this book to anyone I care about.

If you, or maybe your very close friend, had a difficult childhood. This book is for you. Poem and all! Poem just means all the unneeded words are missing. Read this book! (...)

My daughter and I each have a copy of this book and had the same experience reading it: we couldn't put it down. My daughter said that she carried such an ache around in her heart for this young girl. She said she felt as if she truly knew her and loved her. This is a powerful story told in the spare, searing language of penetrating poetry. As a teacher, I have been pondering ways I might bring this book into my classroom. It cries out to be heard as well as read. I have already recommended it to my colleagues.

I enjoyed this book immensely, as did (all!) the members of my book club. The descriptions are lovely, the characters real, the story poignant, the end satisfying.

In spare language, the author shows us through a heartwarming main character what it is like to lose a twin and a father. I felt her anguish about having an unstable mother, and going to a new school without the right clothes to fit in. I felt the heartbreak of her Native American friends who, in the sixties when the novel is set, are scorned by most of the townspeople. It's awesome how much insight and information was conveyed, and how much I was made to care, in such a short book.

I you like stories about tornados and kids with extraordinary powers, go get this book and read it. I really liked this book because it had suspense and the bigging made me want to keep reading it from start to end. I hope to read "In the Eye of the Tornado. Disaster Zone #2."

This book really caught my eye. I din't want to put it down. This book has suspence.I can't wait to read Disaster Zone No.2 "In the Heart of the Quake." Adam and Stieg Atwood are out trying to warn some people that a tornado is coming. Stieg knows were and when but there is something else. There Stieg and Adam meet the "Edes" who were rivals to the Atwood family. They seem friendly but not trustworthy to Adam. Together they are going to try to help people from the disaster that is about to hit.

I really enjoyed this -- and I'm 25. I rarely read children's books even when I was a kid. For someone with an interest in extraordinary intuitions as well as tornadoes, this book hit the spot! I might actually buy it...

This book is full of wonders!!!The writing is so good that I feel as if I'm there with Adam & Stieg. This book is great for children, they can learn about tornadoes just by reading this book. What's more, they can enjoy themselves reading it.

This book is about two boys, Steig and Adam. Steig has something called the Sense. The Sense is when Steig can sense big dangers like tornadoes or earthquakes. Steig and Adam are in their basement when Steig gets the Sense. He says a tornado was coming to Kansas. Now they're on they're way to Kansas.

To learn what happens next read the book.

I just couldn't put this book down! The author kept me guessing all the way to its surprising conclusion. I could feel the drama unfolding on every page amidst calm blue waters, white sand and majestic palm trees. Each one of the multi-dimensional characters could've been the murderer including the hero himself.

If you like a good mystery I highly urge you to read this one. Well written I could nearly smell the sea air on the pages. Diane

I enjoyed this murder mystery. It left me guessing up until the end. The final chapters unravel the riddles dropped along the way by the craftily created characters.

This story lassoed me on the first page and dragged me through to the last. I couldn't put it down.
A very poignant love story and an unfailingly gallant hero whose sufferings had earned him extraordinary understanding and compassion gave depth to this mystery/thriller.
The hero is heroic to the bone -- as were an astounding number of "our greatest generation." It is good for us to read about such men as we stare world-wide destruction down yet again.

A thoroughly enjoyable read! From the moment I started reading this intriguing mystery, I found myself setting sail on The Granada, along with a cast of characters worthy of Agatha Christie, and knew I was in for a thrill-a-minute Carribean cruise. How right I was!

I remember checking this book out at the local library and reading it cover-to-cover at least 4 times when I was between the ages of thirteen and sixteen. That was around 10 years ago, and I still remember bits and pieces of it. It was that good. Now, I suggest you pick up a copy of this before more people discover how good it is and it becomes a rare/collecible item. Highly recommended if you like reading non-fiction about tornadoes.

I own this book in its original printing. This book is so good I will not loan it out in fear of losing it. I am an avid storm watcher via Internet, etc. This book is like being there! I'm glad to see they have broght it back into print. A must read for anyone interested in severe weather and survivor stories.

I have read this book several times over the years, and it holds my interest all the way to the end each time. It reads easily and quickly, and yet gives great detail to the horrific events of Friday, May 31st, 1985. This book is even more important to me because I live about 43 miles away from where the nearest tornado hit- Newton Falls, Ohio. If you are a severe storm and/or tornado buff, or just want to learn more about this particular tornado outbreak, this book is for you.

This is the best tornado book that I have ever read. This incident happened about 50 miles from my hometown which makes it more exiting yet.The author's chronological story from the start to end keeps the reader's interest through out the whole book. I am currently looking fo a copy of this book

This is truely the best tornado book I ever read. I lived not far from several of where these tornadoes struck. An F4 tornado just passed south of my hometown, Warren PA, and struck Tionesta and Northern Forest County, killing 7. I found out about this rare, yet fascinating outbreak in PA. I recommend this book to be read by any tornado enthusiast.

Funny and fascinating. What an incredbile life!

I have not read the book as yet but I would like the opportunity to relate how Mr. England's reputation is in Oklahoma. I worked in the railroad industry for 15 years in Oklahoma which is greatly affected by weather extremes. Our supervisors used to tell us to watch Gary England for weather updates as his was the best in the state. Mr. England never failed us.

As a youngster growing up in Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary England had an idol in television meteorologist Harry Volkman. Flash forward 40 years. As a youngster growing up in Oklahoma City, I had an idol in Gary England. This is the first time I have known the entire story of what England has gone through in his 20+ years at KWTV. I have met with and talked to England on several occasions, and I will never know how he keeps his sanity while weathering 2 storms...the weather itself, and the world of television news.

It's obvious this guy is a weatherman, not a professional writer being paid to turn an ordinary life into something that sells books. The book isn't weighed down with lots of pretty words or meteorology lessons. It's simply written as a story of Gary England's life, and what a life that has been! As a young girl I was always fascinated by tornadoes, and at one point seriously considered being a meteorologist. After reading England's book I'm convinced I couldn't have handled the politics and pressure. I hated turning each page because it only brought me closer to the end of the book. I'm sure Gary has lots more stories to tell, and I hope he writes many more books to tell them! I'll gobble them all up.

One of the neatest things about reading this book is that now when I see Gary England on TV clips saying those now-famous words during the May 3, 1999 Oklahoma City Tornado, "You NEED to be underground to survive this one!" I look at him with a knowledge of his life story and how he got to be where he is, and I'm filled with such respect. Thank you, Gary, for suffering through petty politics to be able to save so many lives.

After reading this book, I felt that I was no longer alone in dealings with news directors. I have only been in television weather for 6 years and have had my fill of television business. My hats off to Gary for being able to stave off over a dozen new directors. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to venture into the "glamorous" life of television news, especially any aspiring meteorologist.

Hi! This is Renee' Seals, wife of Matthew (June '04). This book is absolutely WONDERFUL and accurate according to my husband and others I know from the area!

It breaks my heart to see and know what all he, his family and all of the other residents of Rock Creek went through. Thankfully, I was not involved in it and didn't lose anyone/anything dear to me at the time, though it did strike again very close to my home in Moody. Tragedies are strange animals -- what you think would bring you closer to your family can often be the final straw that breaks the camel's back. I know that God gave my husband peace and that is the ONLY way he made it through this. I cannot begin to know what he and Christie went through, losing one son, laying out there for hours waiting for help, and not knowing where the other two are, but I still see the hurt and pain and results of what happened that night. Quite honestly, I don't know how anyone could make it through such without God.

Only He can bring the peace and healing needed, and I am thanful I have seen some of that first hand. I pray continued peace and healing for all who went through the hell that night, as well as all who have this type of tragedy in their lives.

Jessica -- THANK YOU for portraying this story so well in book form. I learned new things reading through it myself.

Ms. McNew has given a correct and true account of what our community went through in the weeks and months, even years, following the F-5 tornado in April of 1998. This author made every effort to record each persons account of their experience and to verify her material before publication. I am as proud of Ms. McNew for this excellant reading, as I am my husband and all the men and women of the Concord Fire Department of which my husband was also a member of. The things he saw in the recovery effort to find missing people, the wailing and screaming of our neighbors pleading for help will forever be in his thoughts. Viet Nam couldn't have looked any worse, for our home-town litteraly looked like a bomb exploded. We thought it could never happen to us. Ms. McNew's book is a "can't quit reading" of the fear, heartache, destruction and sense of hopelessness that one feels in this situation. Any community that goes through this kind of tragedy will go for days without sleep, trying to dig your way out of all the destruction. Streets are covered with trees, crumpled cars, dead people, parts of homes, pets, washing machines and spewing gas and water lines from where the trees were ripped from their roots and splintered into pieces. People found themselves with only the clothes on their backs and possibly no shoes to wear to protect their feet from all the broken glass. The phone lines were gone, and within a short amount of time the cell phones didn't work because the repeater was jammed with too many calls. There was no way to even call your loved ones to let them know you are, or are not, alright. In an instant all your family heirlooms, pictures, Grannies old china cabinet that you inherited, Great-Granddads old shotgun....all of it gone. Thank you, Jessica, for a job well done!

At the time this event happened I was living in North Florida. It was three days after this storm that I found out what had happened. Not knowing if I had family to come back to, I raced back to Rock Creek. I drove past the street I had lived on for 19 years and did not even recognize it. I never really new the full extent of the damage since it was 3 days after clean up had begun that I arrived. This book has shown me a view, and a detail, in this story that few people in the community are willing to talk about. I am purchasing a copy for myself even though I have read the copy given to my parents, and will charish it for many years to come. This community is everything that she has described it to be, and I have found no exaggeration in any of the pages of this book. My dad was also involved in the search and resue efforts, and to this day he is still unable to sit through any conversation regarding the events of April 8, 1998. Jessica, my hat's off to you. You are an excellent writer and I look forward to seeing more of your work. Journalism could use a lot more people like you. Truth and integrity have been a long time gone in the media, and it is refreshing to see someone report the story the way it really happened. I hope that many people learn from this book, and I hope that the people this book was written about live happy and prosperous lives. They have litterally lived through "Hell on Earth".

"Eyes in a Storm" kept me riveted from page one, as though I was swept along with the tornado's winds! I couldn't wait to turn the page, yet was almost afraid to do so for fear of what was coming next. McNew's eloquent description of the community members made me feel as if I knew them, as if they were my neighbors, people in my community. Reading how they rebuilt their lives and their property and continue to do so to this day, made me take stock of what really is important in my life.

This gripping account of the tornado that ripped through the small Alabama townships sweeps you along just like a storm's powerful winds! Ms. McNew's eloquent description of the people and the community make you feel as if you know them, they could be your neighbors, members of your community. As a mother, I sat by the tree in the rain with Christy Seals and shared her worry over her family and felt the helplessness she did. More than once I was brought to tears reading about the havoc and destruction this storm caused, both in terms of personal and property loss. I highly recommend this to anyone who wonders beyond the headlines to seeing how people go on to rebuild their homes and, more importantly their lives, after experiencing a horrific event.

The forward by David Dockery, the president of Union University says much about how we should see "hope". He said "Hope is not escapism but it is the energizing motivation for faithful living in the here and now"(pg xi). As one reads the accounts of those that experienced the devastation, yet no loss of life, of the tornado of February 5th one sees this hope exemplified. This work speaks of the providence of God in the protection of people that by all accounts should not have survived and the stories of the individuals revels this as well. Dr. Dockery in speaking on providence said, "God's providence transcends experiences of men and women" (pg xi).

In Tim's introduction he shares that these stories are not to lift up the ones telling them but to "exalt an magnify the God sheltered our students under His wings." This book gives both short insights as well as longer stories of those that were intimately involved in the events of the day. Events that would indelibly reveal God to them in ways they, I would imagine, would have not contemplated the morning of the tornado. God has a way of waking us up from simply assuming His sovereignty to reveal it to us in ways we cannot imagine. The stories shared should not only effect those that were there in Jackson on February 5th but fellow believers should share in the wonder of God through the lives and stories of those touched personally by the storm. I would pray that as you read this book you do not simply file the accounts away as good illustrations but allow them to touch you in a manner that God would intend. When events such as this happen I do not believe God only wants those personally touched to be changed but that He wants the whole body to be changed. Paul's continual use of the illustration of the people of God being a body should help us see that the experiences you read in this book should touch you as it touched the member of His kingdom many miles away.

Through the accounts shared in this book you can easily see that it was nothing short of a miracle that, at least at Union, there was no death since the first thoughts of many was that there had to be people who died as the destruction was so devastating. But from this destruction and the miraculous saving of the students many gained a sense that God had far more for them to accomplish for His glory.

Miracle is one of those words that have been weakened through overuse. From unexpected sports victories to the return of long-lost pets, we apply it to common everyday events. Along the way, it has lost the "divine" element.

On February 5 Union University in Jackson, Tennessee was hit by an EF-4 tornado. Millions across the country watched frantic rescue efforts on the morning news. We were astounded at the reports that though 18 dormitories were demolished and over $40 million damage was sustained, not one life was lost. In the words of the survivors, "it was a miracle."

Now, in God in the Whirlwind: Stories of Grace from the Tornado at Union University you will read the stories of the faculty, students, and staff that were caught in the fury of a storm boasting winds over 200 miles per hour. Tim Ellsworth has compiled and recounted these personal testimonies of God's grace. Students caught in the destruction, trapped beneath piles of rubble, or working desperately to rescue their friends all give credit to the providential care of God. Beyond the accounts of physical protection are the stories of spiritual transformation. Strengthened faith, conversions, and answered questions demonstrate that God's hand was in the storm.

In each story, the author draws a compelling, yet complete portrait of faith in spite of fear. He avoids airbrushing the survivors or their faith. He refrains from sensationalism and presents faith in all its wonderful complexity. Experiencing the same questions, doubts, and emotions expected of anyone in their circumstances, does not diminish their faith, it highlights it. Rather than focusing on the tenacity of the individual, it attracts the reader to the sovereign power of God.

From the events on the night of the storm to the rebuilding and recovery efforts in the weeks following, the hand of God is clearly "traced upon the dial" of Union University. Reading these stories will strengthen your faith in the God who still performs miracles.

This book is a compilation of true stories about a night many people will never forget. On February 5, 2008 a F-4 tornado struck the campus of Union University in Jackson, TN. Though there were physical and emotional injuries and millions of dollars in damage, miraculously no one lost their life.

In this book Tim recounts the events that happened that night with personal stories of survival from individual students and faculty. When you read this book you can't help but be overcome with emotion as you feel like you yourself are practically living through that nightmare of a night. In fact I had to put it down several times because I felt like I couldn't "cope" with any more of the terror these students faced.

There are at least two reasons I am glad this book was written. First, we often hear about these type of disasters happening but unless you hear from the survivors you can't really grasp the magnitude of what they experienced. My heart breaks and my prayers are more sympathetic after having read their stories. Second, the best reason this story needs to be told is because of how the providential hand of God was clearly at work on that February night. Each student who was interviewed for this book was quick to give credit back to God for His deliverance that night. Many even shared how they were able to use this as a platform to tell the world about how their God had saved them as they were being interviewed on national television news programs.

The students, faculty, and family of Union University did not desire this experience and I'm sure would prefer it had never happened. But it did and nothing can change that. I am grateful that they were willing to tell their story of how an awesome, powerful God carried them through the most difficult night of their life. I am thankful that Tim Ellsworth would take the time to make this story available for all to read. Finally I am continually amazed at how God chooses to remind us that He is in control and true salvation can only be found in Him.

God in the Whirlwind: Stories of Grace from the Tornado at Union University
Paul Harvey might describe this book as "The REST of the Story" surrounding the miraculous protection of students caught in the February 5, 2008 tornado that destroyed 70% of the school's student housing and significantly damaged other buildings. The author has compiled students' first-hand accounts of the storm. He weaves in tales of parent responses when they hear that the storm is pounding their children's dormitories. And he reveals some of the innermost thoughts of Union's president David Dockery, who knew there was no margin for errors in the monumental decisions he needed to make in order to ensure the immediate welfare of the students and the quickest possible restart of classes and activities. This is a powerful testimony of faith, hope, thanksgiving and determination. It is uplifting and inspirational, meant to be shared.

Just over five months ago an EF-4 tornado with winds over 200 miles per hour slammed into the campus of Union University in Jackson, TN. Remarkably, no one was killed, although the campus sustained $40 million in damage. In the days following the catastrophic events of February 5, numerous stories of God's providence emerged from the ruins. My friend, Tim Ellsworth (director of news and media relations at Union University and sports editor for Baptist Press), has taken in hand to provide the first hand accounts of God's providence from select individuals who experienced these events. The book, published by B & H Publishing, is titled God in the Whirlwind: Stories of Grace from the Tornado at Union University. Buy the book, read the book, and be amazed at God's providential care of the students of Union University. Tim Ellsworth quotes from John Flavel's The Mystery of Providence in his introduction to God in the Whirlwind:

"If Christians in reading the Scriptures would judiciously collect and record the providences they shall meet with there, and (if destitute of other helps) but add those that have fallen out in their own time and experience, O what a precious treasure would these make! What an antidote would it be to their souls against the spreading atheism of these days, and satisfy them beyond what many other arguments can do, that 'The Lord he is the God; the Lord he is the God' (1 Kings 18:39)."

The stories recounted in God in the Whirlwind are certainly worth telling. I am thankful to God for his faithfulness during this time of crisis and to Tim Ellsworth who has preserved precious accounts from "our own time and experience". May this book be used by the same Providence that protected during the storm as "an antidote . . . against the spreading atheism of these days" until every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.