this book was really interesting to me, as I really didn't know too much of the actual case. I really enjoyed reading this.

This is the story of the Woolsey Fire of 2018 in Malibu California. The story is written by a resident of the Malibu who experienced the fires first hand. He originally wrote and Op. Ed. piece for the local paper, but was convinced that he should tell the story of the fire from the viewpoint of residents and those who took a stand to fight the fires when firefighters did not show up, or sat on the side of the road, content with evacuating residents. You hear from those who saved their own and their neighbour's homes. People who were involved in keeping ver 600 students on Pepperdine College Grounds safe as the fire raged around them. There are stories from residents who had trained to be Call FireFighters and raised money for their own engine, that was then commandeered and not available to save their own homes and many more. I was shocked to read about the poisons and possible radiation that was released in this fire.

This book takes you into the hearts and minds of those who fought for their lives while the world watched Malibu Burning. It reminds me of the last non-fiction story I read, The Last Plane in the Sky also told in stories from people who were there. The book is written in an easy to read manner and was a quick and interesting read. I read it in one day as I was very quickly invested in the various stories. It is well written and worth a read if you are interested in fire fighting, Hollywood, climate-related disasters or just an informative and interesting non-fiction story. I recommend this book to anyone with any of the aforementioned interests.

A well-written account of the Malibu fires of 2018 by a resident of Malibu.

Its filled with stories about everyday heroes who saved so many houses and lives during the awful events.

The author explains how and where the fires started and goes through each person's tale with photos and great writing.

What struck me was the fact that the authorities who were supposed to help the people on the ground were so reluctant to assist.

What was heartening to read was that instead of blindly pointing fingers the author went and interviewed the authorities who were prepared to speak to him and get their insights and opinions too.

I found the neutral way he evaluated failures on both sides - homeowners and authorities - well laid out and refreshing to read. Not many who went through what he did would have been able to put it into words so wonderfully.

All in all, a good read - a kind of wake up call to all to get to know your neighbours and to have each others' backs and stand together. Regardless of what the situation is bearing down on you. There is strength in numbers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.

A powerful non fiction account of the devastating Malibu fires. You learn of the extraordinary efforts of one family to save their home and how countless others were abandon by fire crews and left to try to save their homes. You will see how due to the hillside housing and farms many homes and animals were lost. This is a honest heart wrenching account of this terrible fire. Particularly disturbing was the fact that some firemen were seen sitting in their trucks in air conditioning talking on cell phones letting the fire burn . The people noted here are giving a honest account, one that we do not hear on the news and one everyone should read. After the fire the devastation left behind will affect these families and first responders for years to come. This is their story .

Well written text about a few of the people and communities who either alone or in teams did their best to save as many homes as possible throughout the Woolsey Fire. The narrative was both engaging and engrossing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book to read and review. Opinions expressed in the review are my own.

This nonfiction book about the 2018 Malibu fires was really interesting. There was quite a bit of background information given about previous fires, such as the Corral Fires of 2007 and the fact that the area had a major fire every 10 years. One of the main causes of the devastation of the Malibu Fires where Robert Kerbeck lived was the Santa Ana winds, which caused the fire/flames to jump the famous 101 freeway to the other side, engulfing homes in flames.

Robert and his son Davis almost lost their lives fighting the flames because there were no firemen available to fight in their neighborhood due to other fires. So the "accidental firefighters" were children who used garden hoses and older people who used buckets of water. Robert's wife Gardia even YouTubed how to firefight; however, eventually the flames were too much.

Many famous people were mentioned in the book so that was interesting too, especially if one is into the rich and famous.

NetGalley provided a copy for me to read and review. All opinions are mine.