There are few books I would consider must-reads. This is a book I wish everyone would read. Solnit does an amazing job of recounting some of the major disasters to occur (mainly in the U.S.) over the last hundred years. In doing so, she illustrates the stark contrast between the state response to disaster and how everyday people come together to create a paradise in the midst of hell. This book is a treasure. Well conceived and well executed. I honestly don't remember when I read it. The dates are random times in the past.