TL;DR
'Alive' by Piers Paul Read recounts the harrowing true story of a Uruguayan rugby team’s struggle for survival after their plane crashes in the Andes, forcing them to make unthinkable choices.
What is Alive about
'Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors' is a gripping narrative about the 1972 plane crash involving a Uruguayan rugby team in the Andes Mountains. The book delves into the immediate aftermath of the crash, the severe challenges faced by the survivors—including freezing temperatures, starvation, and an avalanche—and the extraordinary measures they took to stay alive. Piers Paul Read meticulously documents the ordeal, capturing both the physical and emotional trials the survivors endured. The narrative not only focuses on the grim reality of survival but also explores themes of faith, friendship, and the human spirit's resilience.
Alive 6 Key Takeaways
Survival Against All Odds
The book details the extreme lengths to which the survivors went, including consuming the flesh of deceased companions, to stay alive in the harshest conditions.
Human Resilience
The story highlights the extraordinary mental and physical endurance required to overcome such a catastrophic event.
Faith and Hope
Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, the survivors maintained their faith, which was crucial for their psychological survival.
Leadership and Decision-Making
Key figures among the survivors had to make critical decisions that impacted the group's chances of survival.
Friendship and Solidarity
The close bonds among the team members played a significant role in their ability to endure the ordeal.
Media and Public Reaction
The story also touches on the media frenzy and public reaction once the survivors were rescued and their ordeal became known.
Top Alive Quotes
- 'I come from a plane that fell in the mountains.'
- 'Faith was the key to our survival.'
Who should read Alive?
This book is ideal for readers interested in true survival stories, extreme adventure narratives, and psychological studies of human resilience. It offers profound insights into human nature and the lengths people will go to survive.
Alive Best Reviews
- 'A classic in the literature of survival.' - The New York Times
- 'A chilling tale of human survival.' - The Washington Post
- 'An extraordinary story, superbly told.' - Time Magazine
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Alive FAQs
Is the book 'Alive' based on a true story?
Yes, 'Alive' is based on the true story of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes and the subsequent survival of 16 out of 45 passengers.
How many people survived in 'Alive'?
Out of the 45 people on the flight, only 16 survived the harsh conditions in the Andes Mountains for 72 days.
Did any of the Andes survivors write a book?
Yes, one of the survivors, Nando Parrado, wrote 'Miracle in the Andes,' a story of friendship, tragedy, and perseverance.