Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans by Dan Baum

Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans by Dan Baum was a very interesting book. I can't believe here I am reading another non-fiction book. What is wrong with me? Not that there is anything wrong with non-fiction books, it's just that I don't usually read them.

For the past several years I have been interested in visiting New Orleans. I'm not sure what draws me there. The pictures I've seen of the architecture and the cemeteries really intrigue me.

This book tells a story of the city of New Orleans from several different people starting in the 1960's and follows them and the story of the city thru 2007. Hurricane Katrina was devastating to many people's lives and the place they called home. Even though I don't think that the hurricane is the central focus of the book, I was waiting for it to happen. Some of the people showed such spirit and determination to get back to their homes so they could start living their lives again, others were just too overwhelmed by the obstacles they now faced.

It is unimaginable to me what the city looked like after the water receded. I try to picture it in my head and I know that I don't come close to what the true devastation was. I hope someday to visit and see a New Orleans that has bounced back from one of the worst natural disasters in our country and enjoy the historical significance of the town.

I really enjoyed the insight into New Orleans this book provided.