Blizzard! Book Review by Difan Li

 Blizzard! Book Review by Difan Li

The book Blizzard! written by Jim Murphy is a nonfiction piece detailing the events of the Blizzard of 1888 and the devastation it caused to New York City and its inhabitants. Though it is nonfiction, I found this book to be incredibly engaging due to its story-like format. The author introduces you to various people from different walks of life, from a pastor to a ten year old boy, and describes how they all bore the strength of the storm with a strength of their own. The book is an applause to the courage and persistence of various people and a tribute to those who died due to the brutality of the storm. Murphy also uses this book to show the long-lasting impact that the blizzard had. It shed light on several major problems of society as the fear of losing jobs or opportunities forced people to hurl themselves into the dangerous storm, oftentimes resulting in danger or death. The story is solemn, encouraging, and inspiring, and shows the height of human perseverance in the most unlikely of places.