It was almost November 2012 when Hurricane Sandy, a late arrival in an otherwise quiet tropical season, slammed into the Mid-Atlantic US coastline. Millions of residents were plunged into darkness and billions of dollars in property and infrastructure were flooded or washed away in surging waters. Blizzard conditions struck the Appalachians as the hybrid Halloween monster moved inland.

Savage Sand and Surf: The Hurricane Sandy Disaster is multi-faceted examination into one of the most recent natural disasters in the United States. Scholars from multiple disciplines address a wide range of important aspects of this event, including unique meteorological and social impacts of Sandy, Sandy’s intersection with vulnerable social groups in society, and social institutions’ adaptations to the disaster. Also, different theoretical models of disasters are explored and applied to better understand and prepare for similar events in the future.

These contributors have covered multiple aspects related to Hurricane Sandy ranging from the storm’s timeline to its comparison to Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav. Once you read the first pages of the book, be prepared to spend the next several hours turning page after page of this exceptional depiction of the diverse facets and the effects of Hurricane Sandy on the eastern seaboard. No stone has been left unturned. -- Veronica D. Woodard, PhD, assistant professor of nursing at McNeese State University
The contributors of Savage Sand and Surf provide a vivid account of one of the most powerful storms in history. Readers will gain a deeper insight into the aftermath of catastrophic storms and the conceivable impact they can have on economic stability. The in-depth research presented captures the spirit and resiliency of individuals, families, business owners, and health agencies and how they worked to regain their cultural identities and fiscal mobility. -- Sonia Martin, EdD, literacy coach at Onslow County schools

Lisa A. Eargle is Board of Trustees research scholar, professor, and chair of the sociology department at Francis Marion University. Her research focuses on disaster processes and their impacts upon society and the environment. Eargle is the co-editor of Black Beaches and Bayous: The BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster (2012, UPA).

Ashraf Esmail is the coordinator of the criminal justice program at Dillard University. His research focuses on a variety of criminological, education, and multi-cultural issues. Esmail serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Peace/Anti-Violence Education and is senior editor for the Journal of Education and Social Justice.