Subject
Storms -- Fiction Books
Best books
Francis Hopkinson Smith
The Tides of Barnegat
"The Tides of Barnegat" by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story begins in a charming coastal setting, centering around the interactions of several characters, chiefly focusing on Martha Sands, the Cobdens' nurse, and her attachment to her young charge, Lucy Cobden, who is returning home after an extended period at school. The narrative weaves themes of love, social aspirations, and the complexity of relationships within a close-knit community. The beginning of the novel captures a beautiful spring morning as Martha, accompanied by her dog Meg, reflects on the landscape and her anticipation of Lucy's return. Upon encountering Dr. John Cavendish, the local physician, their conversation reveals both the affectionate nature of Martha and the budding connections among the characters, hinting at deeper relationships that intertwine throughout the story. As Martha eagerly awaits her beloved Lucy, the narrative unfolds to reveal Lucy's youthful exuberance and the contrasting dynamics between her and other characters, promising a rich exploration of community, love, and personal growth within the vibrant setting of Barnegat.
Leland Jamieson
Storm
"Storm by Leland Jamieson" is an aviation adventure short story written in the late 1920s. Set in Texas, it follows a desperate race against nature after a tornado obliterates a small hill town, focusing on the perilous logistics of emergency aid. The likely topic is the courage and ingenuity of ordinary people and pilots under extreme pressure, as a risky flight is attempted to bring medical help to the devastated community. A tornado levels Rock Springs, leaving chaos, injuries, and darkness. Mary Collins, the town’s telephone operator, struggles through the storm and lightning to reach a distant ranch and raise the alarm. In San Antonio, Doctor Wilson enlists Air Patrol pilot Nick Wentworth to fly him in an aging Vought with a leaking radiator. Their night flight forces an emergency landing; they improvise a water-feed from the wing tank and build a dirt ramp to claw into the air, damaging the landing gear. Battling headwinds and dwindling water, they reach the hills near Rock Springs, dead-stick into a tiny roadside field, and crash—but survive. Driven into town with Mary, they find relief that Wilson’s mother is safe, and the tale closes by honoring Mary’s grit while noting how close the daring air rescue came to failing.
Ernest Haycox
Over the straits
"Over the straits by Ernest Haycox" is a sea‑adventure short story written in the early 20th century. It follows a small Alaskan cannery tender battling a violent storm to rush a cargo of perishable red salmon to the cannery, highlighting duty, risk, and quiet courage at sea. The crew of the Star leaves Ketchikan at dusk despite gale warnings because their hold is full of valuable Sockeyes that will soon spoil. Narrator Hal takes the wheel beside skipper Bob as engineer Al minds the engines, with Ed, Milt, Charlie, and the old cook bracing for the blow. In the straits they fight towering seas, a screaming wind, and the fear of a loose mast stay; the rolling threatens to throw the heavy seine table overboard, and Ed’s attempt to lash it fails in the blackness. The engine coughs, the Morey Light can’t be found, and exhaustion grinds them as they nurse the boat through a night of blind troughs and hammering spray. At dawn they limp into Cannery Inlet, scrape pilings, and dock, their understatement and weary jokes masking the grit that carried them across.
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