FIRESTORM
By Jacob Soboroff
Publisher: Mariner
The MS NOW reporter describes events during the 2025 fires in Los Angeles and what they might portend about future catastrophes.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Jacob Soboroff's "Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America's New Age of Disaster" is a harrowing, firsthand account of the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles in January 2025. As an MSNBC correspondent and native of the Pacific Palisades, Soboroff delivers a narrative that is both deeply personal and journalistically rigorous.
The book opens with a chilling message Soboroff received from his brother: "Big Palisades fire. We are evacuating." This sets the stage for a relentless, minute-by-minute chronicle of the fires that consumed nearly 40,000 acres, displaced over 150,000 residents, and resulted in 31 fatalities. Soboroff's intimate connection to the area adds a poignant layer to his reporting, as he witnesses the destruction of his childhood landmarks and the community he holds dear.
Soboroff's narrative is commendable for its unflinching portrayal of the chaos and devastation. He immerses readers in the turmoil of fire trucks running out of fuel, hydrants lacking water pressure, and residents fleeing with whatever they could carry. His descriptions are so vivid that one can almost feel the heat of the flames and the acrid smoke filling the air. The San Francisco Chronicle aptly describes the account as "gripping, unshakeable... compelling and affecting." ([yahoo.com](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/firestorm-review-inside-one-deadliest-140000720.html?utm_source=openai))
However, the book is not without its shortcomings. While Soboroff excels in providing a visceral, on-the-ground perspective, the balance between personal memoir and objective reporting occasionally falters. Publishers Weekly notes that this imbalance "edges out any larger analysis of 'the confluence of deteriorating infrastructure, changes in the way we live, climate change, and misinformation and disinformation' that caused the disaster." ([publishersweekly.com](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780063467965?utm_source=openai)) This lack of in-depth analysis leaves readers yearning for a more comprehensive understanding of the systemic failures that contributed to the catastrophe.
Furthermore, Soboroff's critique of political figures, particularly then-President-elect Donald Trump, while justified, sometimes overshadows the broader narrative. His focus on the dissemination of misinformation during the crisis is crucial, yet it occasionally detracts from the stories of the victims and first responders who bore the brunt of the disaster.
In conclusion, "Firestorm" is a powerful and emotionally charged account of one of the most devastating wildfires in American history. Soboroff's firsthand experiences and detailed reporting provide a valuable perspective on the human cost of such disasters. However, the book's occasional lack of analytical depth and its sometimes disproportionate focus on political figures may leave readers seeking a more balanced and comprehensive exploration of the events.
Final recommendation: Read with caution. While Soboroff's narrative is compelling and offers a unique personal perspective, those seeking a thorough analysis of the systemic issues underlying the disaster may find the book lacking.
Recommendation: Read with caution.
written on: 1/15/2026