Title: The Great Halifax Explosion

Author: John U. Bacon

Publisher: William Morrow 2017

Genre: Nonfiction - History

Pages: 432

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - Nonfiction Adventure; Popsugar - Set at Sea;  I Love Libraries

After steaming out of New York City on December 1, 1917, laden with a staggering three thousand tons of TNT and other explosives, the munitions ship Mont-Blanc fought its way up the Atlantic coast, through waters prowled by enemy U-boats. As it approached the lively port city of Halifax, Mont-Blanc's deadly cargo erupted with the force of 2.9 kilotons of TNT—the most powerful explosion ever visited on a human population, save for HIroshima and Nagasaki. Mont-Blanc was vaporized in one fifteenth of a second; a shockwave leveled the surrounding city. Next came a thirty-five-foot tsunami. Most astounding of all, however, were the incredible tales of survival and heroism that soon emerged from the rubble.

This is the unforgettable story told in John U. Bacon's The Great Halifax Explosion: a ticktock account of fateful decisions that led to doom, the human faces of the blast's 11,000 casualties, and the equally moving individual stories of those who lived and selflessly threw themselves into urgent rescue work that saved thousands.

After hearing about this disaster on an episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, I heard about a book detailing the event. Randomly the library had it on the new releases shelf last week and I knew that I had to read it. The book is very well researched in detailing the events leading up to the explosion and the aftermath. I was horrified to read about the tragedy that befell the citizens of Halifax. And yet, it was a fascinating read. I was thoroughly engrossed in the book for the entirety. Definitely a great read for fans of history. 

Next up on the TBR pile: