Dear People,

It is odd to write a book about a controversial man with a platform (ready-made audience, and a controversial topic. My other books (all also written in a chatty first-person narrative)are scrutinized but I usually don't hear about it. These days, I sort of feel like a dead frog being dissected in Biology 101.

The book is categorized as science/biography. But it is a self-help book, too. While Mr. Berkland was my focus, I did a lot of interviewing of people (USGS, scientists, eq sensitives, animal experts, psychics, etc.)to make it a more well-rounded read. Plus, while I include dozens of anecdotes I also include do--it-yourself tips to predict and/or prepare.

For those of you who have not seen the book, I must tell you that there is a lot of information. Six Parts: The Predictor, The New Age Movement, Shakers and Seismic Windows, The Big Wave, Politics and Quakes, Bracing for the Big One.
My point? It is more than just a biography.

The bottom line: It is a reader-friendly book about the "P" word. It is a book that I wish I had available when I was in high school and college. (I received a D+ in my Earthquake class at SFSU; more than 20 years ago, I spoke up and said I believed in Berkland's eq prediction methods. And my professor wouldn't let me take my Lab on the field trip.)

I never ever dreamed that I would be the one to write a book on earthquake prediction. Oops. I forgot. I did write a teleplay "Palmdale Projection," in one of my creative writing classes. But that was fiction. Thus, I was amused by Vidale's review.

Cal