Lights Out

by David Crawford
Lights Out cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 4988
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780553419979
  • Publisher: Crown
  • Published: 2015-10-27
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Lights Out,' Ted Koppel delves into the alarming possibility of a major cyberattack on the United States' power grid, a scenario that could plunge millions into darkness for weeks or even months. The book highlights the devastating impact on infrastructure, society, and individual lives, with a focus on the lack of government preparedness and the proactive measures some communities are taking to ensure their survival. Koppel's investigation reveals that several nations, including China and Russia, have already penetrated the grid, making an attack not a question of if, but when. The book also explores the unique disaster preparedness of groups like the Mormon church and the growing community of 'preppers' who are taking matters into their own hands. With urgency and authority, Koppel examines a threat unique to our time and evaluates potential ways to prepare for a catastrophe that is all but inevitable. /n/n 'Lights Out' is not just a scenario but a stark warning. Koppel's exploration of the potential aftermath of a cyberattack on the power grid is both fascinating and frightening. The book provides a comprehensive look at the vulnerabilities of our infrastructure and the potential for widespread chaos. It also offers insights into the resilience of certain communities and individuals who are preparing for the worst. Koppel's reporting is thorough and eye-opening, making 'Lights Out' a must-read for anyone concerned about the security of our nation's critical infrastructure.

Reviews
The Storygraph · shanayates · 2025-12-22
insightful 4.50

The book is an incisive look at the existential threat of a cyberattack on our power grid. It is well-sourced, clear-eyed, and eminently readable, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, security, and national policy. The author presents a detailed and well-researched account of the vulnerabilities in the system, highlighting the potential devastation and the lack of preparedness in the nation. The book also raises important questions about national security and the need for urgent action. The reviewer found the book to be well-sourced, clear-eyed, and eminently readable, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. The reviewer also appreciated the streamlined and accessible writing style, which made complex issues understandable to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    An incisive look at the existential threat of a cyberattack on our power grid.

    This book is streamlined and eminently readable, well-sourced and clear eyed.

    I found the disaster survival information the most interesting

Amazon · 2025-10-22
captivating 4.50

The book is captivating for the first 40%, with a fascinating story of community survival. The reviewer was hooked by the exploration of individual skills coming together.

The reviewer was hooked on this post-EMP novel for the first 40%, finding the story fascinating as it explores how people can combine individual skills to survive as a community after a disaster. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the realistic portrayal of survival scenarios. However, they do not provide any criticisms or negative aspects, focusing solely on the positive impact the book had on them.

Quick quotes

    I was hooked on this post EMP novel for the first 40%.

    Fascinating story of how people can combine individual skills to survive as a community after disaster.

    The depth of the characters and the realistic portrayal of survival scenarios.

Military History · 2016-06-01
excellent 4.75

The book is an excellent exploration of the potential consequences of a cyberattack on the United States power grid. The author's investigative reporting is thorough and eye-opening, making a compelling case for the likelihood of such an attack and the devastating impact it could have.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, security, and national policy. The author presents a detailed and well-researched account of the vulnerabilities in the system, highlighting the potential devastation and the lack of preparedness in the nation. The book also raises important questions about national security and the need for urgent action. The author's investigative reporting is thorough and eye-opening, making this a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Koppel explains very complex issues in a manner that the laymen can understand.

    An excellent book.

    Tags Book Review, cyber attack, Cyberwar,

The Great Adventure · 2016-01-09
chilling 4.50

The book delves into the vulnerability of the United States power grid to cyberattacks, presenting a chilling scenario of what could happen if such an attack were to occur. The author's investigative reporting is thorough and eye-opening, highlighting the potential devastation and the lack of preparedness in the nation.

The book is a sobering exploration of the potential consequences of a cyberattack on the United States power grid. The author presents a detailed and well-researched account of the vulnerabilities in the system, making a compelling case for the likelihood of such an attack and the devastating impact it could have. The book also highlights the lack of preparedness in the nation to deal with such a scenario, raising important questions about national security and the need for urgent action. The author's investigative reporting is thorough and eye-opening, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, security, and national policy.

Quick quotes

    What he's talking about is an attack on the powergrid in the United States.

    Actually, there are three powergrids in the nation, and crippling any one of them would be a disaster.

    Koppel explains very complex issues in a manner that the laymen can understand.

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