Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916

by Michael Capuzzo
Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916 cover
Good Books rating 4.17
History
Technical
  • ID: 4764
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780767912549
  • Publisher: Crown
  • Published: 2002-06-25
  • Reviews: 3

Close to Shore vividly recreates the summer of 1916 when a lone Great White shark ventured near the New Jersey shoreline, attacking swimmers and causing widespread panic. The book interweaves historical detail with gripping accounts of the shark's attacks and the subsequent hunt, featuring colorful personalities and meticulously researched insights into shark behavior./n/nThe narrative brings to life the hysteria and chaos that ensued, as well as the scientific and moral challenges faced by those trying to stop the predator. With rich period detail and a pulse-pounding narrative, Close to Shore is a gripping saga of a pivotal moment in American history.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-10-22
well-researched 4.00

The book is very well-researched and written, providing an account of the shark attacks on the New Jersey shore in 1916. The reviewer wishes there was more depth in certain areas.

This reviewer praised the book for its thorough research and engaging writing style. They found the account of the shark attacks to be well-documented and compelling. However, they also expressed a desire for more depth in certain areas, indicating that the book could have benefited from additional detail. Overall, they found the book to be a valuable contribution to the historical record of the shark attacks.

Quick quotes

    Very well researched and written account of the shark attacks on the New Jersey shore in the summer of 1916.

    I wish the book delved deeper into the social and cultural impact of the attacks.

    The narrative is engaging and keeps the reader's attention throughout.

Creature from the Book Lagoon · 2021-06-16
compelling 4.50

The book combines rich historical detail with a harrowing narrative, brilliantly recreating the summer of 1916. The detailed retelling of the shark attacks makes for compelling reading.

This reviewer found the book to be a gripping account of the shark attacks in 1916. They appreciated the rich historical detail and the harrowing narrative that brings the events to life. The detailed retelling of the attacks is particularly compelling, making it a must-read for those interested in historical events and marine life. However, they also noted that the other half of the book, which delves into additional shark information, might not be as engaging for some readers.

Quick quotes

    Combining rich historical detail and a harrowing, pulse-pounding narrative, Close to Shore brilliantly re-creates the summer of 1916.

    The detailed retelling of the shark attacks makes for compelling reading.

    This book is a must-read for those interested in historical events and marine life.

Tapinto · Beth · 2015-09-18
fascinating 4.00

The book presents a fascinating look into an anomalous period in New Jersey history. It offers a detailed and engaging account of the shark attacks.

Beth found the book to be a fascinating exploration of a unique period in New Jersey history. She appreciated the detailed and engaging account of the shark attacks, which provides a lot of context and background information. The book is well-researched and presents a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged throughout. Beth also noted that the book is a great read for anyone interested in history or marine life.

Quick quotes

    Both books, Close to Shore and Twelve Days of Terror present a fascinating look into an anomalous period in New Jersey history.

    The book offers a detailed and engaging account of the shark attacks.

    It provides a lot of context and background information.

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