I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Karen Dustman shares the shocking stories of those who endured the hurricane that tore apart Miami in 1926 in the book “Miami’s Great Hurricane: September 18th, 1926.”

The Synopsis

One hundred years ago, an unexpected tempest roared ashore in Miami, leaving destruction in its wake. Through gripping personal stories and rare vintage photographs, this book brings the forgotten hurricane vividly to life. Survivors recount moments of terror, resilience, and hope as they braved the storm’s wrath and its aftermath. This devastating event proved to be a watershed moment for Miami, abruptly ending its overheated real estate boom and sending the city spiraling toward the Great Depression.

Blending history with deeply human experiences, this powerful narrative reveals how one devastating day reshaped a city—and the lives of those who endured it. An invaluable resource for Miami enthusiasts interested in exploring the city’s turbulent past, it’s also perfect for history fans, weather buffs, educators, and anyone drawn to stories of survival, courage, and resilience.

The Review

This was a fascinating and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of capturing both the rich history of Miami and Florida as a whole and showcasing the depth of destruction and horror so many residents faced in the midst of and in the wake of this deadly hurricane. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style, when paired with the detailed research and photographic evidence the author collected, made the storm and its aftermath feel visceral and captivating on the page.

The author was also able to make this story feel both historical and personal at the same time. From the book’s onset, the author effectively conveys the individual nature of the book’s research, as the story of her father’s survival with his family during this storm and the harsh aftermath became an integral part of her family’s history. The book does an incredible job of highlighting the difficulties Miami and its people faced in the wake of the storm, especially during the ensuing Great Depression years. However, amidst all these heartbreaking stories, there were also stories of hope and resilience, which spoke to the human spirit as a whole.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and engaging, author Karen Dustman’s “Miami’s Greatest Hurricane” is a must-read nonfiction book. The detail and the wealth of photographs the author provides, as well as the poignant commentary on the destructive power of both nature and humanity, and the hope that can be found in both. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Karen is a California-based journalist and author, with more than fifteen nonfiction books and hundreds of magazine articles in print. Her freelance articles have appeared in the pages of Ladies’ Home Journal, Family Circle, Natural Health, and Westways magazines, and her early how-to books attracted national attention, including appearances on Discovery Channel and Good Day New York.

Sharing her passion for California/Nevada history, Karen launched Clairitage Press — dedicated to stories of untold heroes and forgotten sites in the Sierra. Books in this line include a history of old Silver Mountain City, walking tours of the Old Genoa Cemetery, and much more. In her free newsletter, Karen shares adventurous rambles in the Sierra plus true tales about fascinating and forgotten historic sites. Visit Karen’s blog to read back issues, or sign up at www.clairitage.com to get your own copy of this free e-newsletter.

Karen is also passionate about capturing personal memoirs, family history, and those too-quickly-disappearing tales told by old-timers. Her warmly-received LifeStory Writing workshops and seminars provide helpful tips and tricks for capturing these important memories. And her Lifestory Workbook is designed to help you capture your own family stories, too.