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lady_svoboda 's review for:
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
by Max Brooks
I’m calling it. 9:56pm.
I’m feeling guilty because a few years ago we saw the “sneak peek” for the Brad Pitt WWZ movie, and it was ok. My husband, more a reader of comics than novels, said the book was completely different and I should read it. I don’t think he’s ever recommended a book to me EVER. It was unearthed during our recent move, and here we are.
I have some problems.
Conundrum #1: In 2006 zombies were kind of a big deal. Making a comeback in a big way, as it were. 12 years later, however, it doesn’t really stand up. I think because the interview format doesn’t allow for any nail-biting moments. It’s told by survivors (hello spoiler!) so a few stories felt intense but still survive-y. I mean, The Walking Dead is a long-running zombie apocalypse show that KILLS EVERYONE OFF that you get to know and love, and has a follow up show to discuss how upset viewers are. This book is the opposite of that.
Conundrum #2: I love the examination of an actual world at war being told from every culture, ethnicity, vocation, etc. At times it was poignant and unfortunately still holds relevant political critiques of various world powers. However. I’m living the Trump years live and in colour. Any backhanded, passive aggressive criticism of George W. almost seems quaint considering!!
Conundrum #3: not really a conundrum as I don’t feel torn when critiquing the format Brooks chose! I get that you want to include people from every action point, but then you lose the human factor. It IS a great example of writing from different POVs, in quite an extreme way, really! Unfortunately, 1/2 way through I felt like I got the picture. And then I thought I could read a “story” a night since they weren’t overly connected. (I admit to skipping to the last few peeps, so don’t quote me on that!)
Conundrum #4: the biggest one for last. My husband really liked it (a decade ago) and thought the movie was lame (it kinda was) and he never has books that he wants me to read! I wish that I had read it right after the movie sh*t the ol’ bed, but it got overlooked. Oh the guilt! Which is funny because I’m pretty sure he won’t care at all. Or possibly even remember I’m reading it. We’re not that close. (Jk!)
It won an award for best audio, and I think that would be the best way to appreciate this feat of writing a plot from eleventy-seven points of view.
(I’m considering this a “completed read” because I really did give it the ol’ college try, and you can’t convince me I missed any WTF?! moments by skipping the last third or so...)
Sorry honey. Don’t worry, I still love you despite WWZ.
Maybe we can start a better-zombie-book club.
I’m feeling guilty because a few years ago we saw the “sneak peek” for the Brad Pitt WWZ movie, and it was ok. My husband, more a reader of comics than novels, said the book was completely different and I should read it. I don’t think he’s ever recommended a book to me EVER. It was unearthed during our recent move, and here we are.
I have some problems.
Conundrum #1: In 2006 zombies were kind of a big deal. Making a comeback in a big way, as it were. 12 years later, however, it doesn’t really stand up. I think because the interview format doesn’t allow for any nail-biting moments. It’s told by survivors (hello spoiler!) so a few stories felt intense but still survive-y. I mean, The Walking Dead is a long-running zombie apocalypse show that KILLS EVERYONE OFF that you get to know and love, and has a follow up show to discuss how upset viewers are. This book is the opposite of that.
Conundrum #2: I love the examination of an actual world at war being told from every culture, ethnicity, vocation, etc. At times it was poignant and unfortunately still holds relevant political critiques of various world powers. However. I’m living the Trump years live and in colour. Any backhanded, passive aggressive criticism of George W. almost seems quaint considering!!
Conundrum #3: not really a conundrum as I don’t feel torn when critiquing the format Brooks chose! I get that you want to include people from every action point, but then you lose the human factor. It IS a great example of writing from different POVs, in quite an extreme way, really! Unfortunately, 1/2 way through I felt like I got the picture. And then I thought I could read a “story” a night since they weren’t overly connected. (I admit to skipping to the last few peeps, so don’t quote me on that!)
Conundrum #4: the biggest one for last. My husband really liked it (a decade ago) and thought the movie was lame (it kinda was) and he never has books that he wants me to read! I wish that I had read it right after the movie sh*t the ol’ bed, but it got overlooked. Oh the guilt! Which is funny because I’m pretty sure he won’t care at all. Or possibly even remember I’m reading it. We’re not that close. (Jk!)
It won an award for best audio, and I think that would be the best way to appreciate this feat of writing a plot from eleventy-seven points of view.
(I’m considering this a “completed read” because I really did give it the ol’ college try, and you can’t convince me I missed any WTF?! moments by skipping the last third or so...)
Sorry honey. Don’t worry, I still love you despite WWZ.
Maybe we can start a better-zombie-book club.