November Book Recommendation
The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
Halloween has been and gone, but that doesn’t mean the spooky sentiment has to be over just yet. So this month’s recommendation is to help keep that Halloween spirit going just a little bit longer, and what better way to do it than with some zombie doomsday scenario prep? The Zombie Survival Guide fits every bill.
Have you ever wondered what you might do if you woke up one day and zombies were roaming the earth? No? Well this is a book you should definitely read, as Max Brooks has written a very extensive guide on the dos and don’ts when dealing with the walking dead.
The Zombie Survival Guide is a comprehensive, tongue-in-cheek manual on how to survive a zombie apocalypse. Brooks takes this very seriously, writing in a practical and direct tone peppered with the odd bit of sarcasm and satire.
The guide begins by introducing the nature of the zombie threat, including the cause of zombification—an imaginary virus called Solanum—and the different types of zombies one might encounter. Brooks outlines their strengths and weaknesses, such as their slow movement, inability to swim, and heightened sense of smell, all crucial details for planning defense strategies.
After that introduction, the book details survival techniques, offering advice on weapons, supplies, and tactics. Brooks stresses the importance of selecting the right tools for zombie defense, advocating for blunt weapons over firearms due to noise and ammunition constraints. He also discusses essential gear like water, non-perishable food, medical supplies, and proper clothing for prolonged survival situations. Brooks even makes recommendations for how best to cut your hair.
Location, Location And Other Practicalities
Brooks delves into the best locations to take refuge, evaluating urban, suburban, and rural environments while also covering the pros and cons of different types of buildings and vehicles. The guide suggests strategies for both short-term and long-term survival, addressing everything from fleeing densely populated areas to establishing a safe, sustainable haven.
In addition to combat and defense tactics, the guide highlights the psychological aspects of survival, emphasizing mental resilience in the face of isolation, fear, and the loss of loved ones. But if you’re not convinced, here’s what Brooks has to say on it…
“Don’t be reckless with your most precious asset – life. This book is your key to survival against the hordes of undead who may be stalking you right now without you even knowing it. It covers everything you need to know, from how to understand zombie behaviour to survival in any territory or terrain. The Zombie Survival Guide offers complete protection through proven tips for safeguarding yourself and your loved ones against the living dead. It might just save your life.”
It’s also surprisingly funny in a very morbid kind of way to the point of gaining the attention of Hollywood. The Zombie Survival Guide and its sequel were the inspiration for the 2013 film World War Z, which imagines a world where the guide would come in very handy.
Read the guide and be prepared. Just in case.
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Dan Grabowski is an Amazon best-selling author and has taught in the classroom at primary level previously.