“Worst Case Scenario,” by T.J. Newman
T. J. Newman is a former flight attendant, and her first two novels (“Falling” and “Drowning”) both featured airline-related incidents. This book starts with an airplane crash, but is mostly about what the plane crashed into — a nuclear power plant. The emergencies that resulted from damage to the plant make up the rest of the story. I read this book in one day; it is that compelling.
The small, aging nuclear facility is located near a rural Minnesota hamlet, and the residents of the town have grown accustomed to the plant. This familiarity has caused them to drop their guard, so there is shock and disbelief when the sirens begin to sound, and they realize something has happened to the place where many of their families and friends work.
The school is evacuated, the volunteer fire department is scrambled and people begin to attempt to contact their loved ones, but communication is quickly knocked out, and no one knows what is going on. The President of the United States is notified, and he grounds all flights in fear that another 9/11 attack is in progress. Only after he is assured that the crash was due to a medical emergency on board does he rescind his order.
In addition to dealing with the situation at the plant, there is a secondary emergency on a highway bridge where falling pieces of the aircraft have forced a car off the road. The vehicle is now hanging out over the rushing river below. Rescuing the family trapped inside becomes a parallel story.
Both of Newman’s previous books have been made into movies, and this book is a prime candidate for yet another film. I recommend reading all three.
Kerry Pettis is a retired elementary school teacher and children’s librarian who has lived in Broomfield since 1975. Reading is her favorite occupation.
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