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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Stars just don't tell the whole story. And, for this one, a blurb didn't either. Instead, I posted Something Like a Review on my blog to tell you more about it. Stop on by and check it out here to see what wouldn't fit in just a few sentences.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is probably the most realistic “dooms day” book I’ve read. It is also the only book I can think of that describes what would actually happen (at least in a smaller town 2 hrs from a larger metro) with a breakdown of society if we found ourselves without technology / electricity / modern communication.
if you’re mostly interested in the people stories of survival, keep looking. This book is more “procedure” and lacks a traditional story arch. There’s little in the way of interpersonal anything. The one “main character” is not well-developed and feels more like an ominous narrator than a person. Any “feelings” I had were triggered by my natural sensitivity (eg when a dog is shot by an intruder).
The author gives some backstory to this guy at the beginning but he still felt impersonal and undeveloped. I had no emotional investment in him (or his family; save for the dog) which I don’t think is a “me” problem.
The other “characters” in the story aren’t developed at all; they’re only as background or bolster up the main guy (translation: stroke the authors ego?).
To that point
if you’re mostly interested in the people stories of survival, keep looking. This book is more “procedure” and lacks a traditional story arch. There’s little in the way of interpersonal anything. The one “main character” is not well-developed and feels more like an ominous narrator than a person. Any “feelings” I had were triggered by my natural sensitivity (eg when a dog is shot by an intruder).
The author gives some backstory to this guy at the beginning but he still felt impersonal and undeveloped. I had no emotional investment in him (or his family; save for the dog) which I don’t think is a “me” problem.
The other “characters” in the story aren’t developed at all; they’re only as background or bolster up the main guy (translation: stroke the authors ego?).
To that point
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
William Forstchen has written a book that readers seem to like or absolutely abhor! I've landed on the side of "like." Our current way of life is very fragile, indeed, and as a former nurse, I know that the field of medicine has long prepared for medical catastrophes - e.g. flu pandemic. The results of such preparations indicate that we will not fare well. Forstchen's electro-magnetic pulse event is so immediate and destructive that it is difficult to envision the short and long-term effects. Nevertheless, I believe Forstchen's view of the aftermath is realistic. Yes, he does substitute "of" for "have" - and some of the violence is, thankfully, not vividly conveyed- but this does not diminish the plot. Also, there is no doubt where the characters stand when it comes to politics. But, bottom line: we would not fare well with a revisit to the Middle Ages. One need only look at the current situations in many Middle Eastern nations to witness the rapid destruction of society during terrorist events.
In my opinion, Forstchen has correctly presented the following scenarios: 1. Our reliance on computer operated basic amenities, food delivery from far reaches of the U.S. and abroad, dependence upon modern medicine, wide-spread reliance upon quick and frequent communication for guidance and information, and over all lack of basic skills, challenges our survival. 2. Law and order would evaporate - and already does fall apart in much smaller catastrophic situations. 3. Death would become a very familiar visitor - sooner rather than later. This book is eye-opening and very disquieting!
In my opinion, Forstchen has correctly presented the following scenarios: 1. Our reliance on computer operated basic amenities, food delivery from far reaches of the U.S. and abroad, dependence upon modern medicine, wide-spread reliance upon quick and frequent communication for guidance and information, and over all lack of basic skills, challenges our survival. 2. Law and order would evaporate - and already does fall apart in much smaller catastrophic situations. 3. Death would become a very familiar visitor - sooner rather than later. This book is eye-opening and very disquieting!
Tried the audio version. So simplistic in its approach, I could not handle it at all. Didn't care about any of the characters, and the chosen voice actor didn't do it for me. Did not finish.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
Minor: Rape
Read it! This book will suck you in, break your heart, and leave you really thinking. It takes a look at society after it breaks down and how quickly things fall apart. It is wonderfully written with a fast paced plot and a strong lead character. This is the best post apocalyptic book i've read. Highly recommended!
Oof. A hard-hitting, no-holds-barred look at a possible future of America in the instance that an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) weapon is used on the country, frying ALL electronics and plunging the entire country into the dark ages. It follows retired army colonel and current history professor John Matherson as he and his small community in North Carolina navigate the challenges and terrors of life without functioning cars, internet, phones, etc. Hospitals and other essential community centers shut down, due to the loss of backup generators and anything that runs on electricity. The situation quickly downspirals as thousands in the town are left without medicine, a dwindling food supply, and fire/police/medical departments that are severely limited in what they're able to provide for their citizens. A lot of the book (more than I care for) is focused on military strategy and American patriotism, but it was still an exciting, nerve-wracking read and I have no doubt that it was a reasonably accurate portrayal of how a disaster like this would affect the nation. Scary stuff.