Explore the profound and often surprising human response to catastrophic earthquakes in ‘After the Earth Quakes: Elastic Rebound on an Urban Planet.’ This compelling book delves into the immediate aftermath of seismic disasters in urbanized societies, examining how communities not only recover but also exhibit resilience, acceptance, and even humor. Using pivotal historical earthquakes as case studies, the author illustrates the concept of ‘elastic rebound’ – the scientific term for seismic energy release – as a powerful metaphor for societal recovery. ‘After the Earth Quakes’ also confronts the stark reality of future earthquake risks on our increasingly urbanized planet, urging preparedness for potential devastating losses. A must-read for understanding earthquake science and human fortitude.