Big Truck that Went By, The
Katz, Jonathan MWhen the 2010 Haitian earthquake struck, American news correspondent Jonathan Katz initially thought it was a truck going by, something that was part of everyday life he had experienced since living in the country. But a truck it definitely was not; from the moment of picking himself up from his collapsed home through to his observation of the inadequate reconstruction efforts three years later, Katz turns his journalistic lens on this devastating event and its aftermath. Perfectly encapsulated by its subtitle 'how the world came to save Haiti and left behind a disaster', this is a riveting account of international aid gone awry and a much misunderstood country.
Comments from Groups
An interesting book, and an indictment on the structure of aid relief in times of crisis. The group found the introduction of cholera into the country by the UN, tragic. However, there was a general feeling that the author was very bullish in his writing, and that the tenor of the text felt a little biased. A healthy discussion followed about aid machinations and leadership in times of crisis. Recommended for its historical value, and for raising issues that, in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, are still frighteningly typical today. Wellington 153 Most members found this incredibly interesting and eye-opening. A well written and easily readable account of a once-headline catastophe, now relegated to the historical bits of our memories. Gisborne 003 A very well researched account of the Haitian earthquake and ensuing problems. A timely topic - Christchurch and Nepal. Fascinating. Nelson 051 The book was very enlightening, emphasising the size and magnitude of the disaster, and the interference from foreign agencies who appeared not to have the interests of the Haitian people at heart. Matamata 004 As a whole, we felt the book needed to be edited to make it an easier read, as it felt hard going at times. We did find the subject very interesting, and something we wished to learn more about. Auckland 319 This book provoked a very interesting discussion. Some found it quite long for a one month book. Auckland 155
Pages
306
306
Year
2013
2013
Reviews
08-06-2022
The author missed the many fascinating stories that could have been told by all the characters involved in the earthquake - from the politicians, the gangs , the UN , movie stars etc - and instead got bogged down in the politics of the event . The book was a hard read and some of us really wanted to get something out of the story - but alas, we were taken down a rather dreary road .
01-06-2022
Most of the group found this book a hard read. Very political. Some interesting facts though, and a sad reality of our world in these times.
05-08-2020
Only one of our members really loved this book and gave it 8/10. It was interesting that she had worked for the U.N. Most thought that they had gained more knowledge from the book. We felt it was worthwhile for the Scheme. One criticism was the amount of detail which we tended to get bogged down in! The questions were pertinent and they did provide good discussion.
05-08-2020
Most found it a hard read but there were nuggets to be found on the pages.
05-08-2020
Not a lot of our group finished it. Those who did learnt a lot, and we had a great discussion on how to fix Haiti, and whether we will donate again.
05-08-2020
We didn't like the author much as a person, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
05-08-2020
Excellent discussion - relevant to the Chch experience. The book took effort to read with so much to absorb, however we felt it was an important account.
05-08-2020
Excellent record, and a reminder of how lucky we are.
05-08-2020
We learnt a lot but it wasn't a page turner. Too much information jammed in, and not enough engagement with individual stories. A book that one would seek out if particularly interested in Haiti, but not otherwise.
23-08-2019
Some members found this too hard to read, especially as we in Christchurch remember only too well our own recent earthquakes. Some parts of the book were easy to read but other parts, particularly around the political aspects, were a bit heavy. Very glad we had the opportunity to read this book as it gave a fascinating insight into the issues of governments without strong leadership trying to manage such a crisis. Very well written from the personal perspective of a true-journalist!
24-03-2018
A thought-provoking account of a deadly earthquake in Haiti and the monumental botch-up and devastation that follows. The country which already had inadequate infrastructure and corruption could not support given aid. Decisions made compounded the disaster. Very sad. Necessary read rather than a compelling one. A lot of repetition and statistics which although important, became overwhelming. More personal stories or case studies would have highlighted the human factor.