Author Topic: Classic survivalist or post apocalyptic books (Read 90257 times)

stevebluff · « **on:** October 20, 2008, 02:26:16 PM »

A quick review of some of the books in my library.

Note:
a) these are not in any particlular order
b) contains some "spoilers"

1. The Postman, (David Brin). Quite a bit of interesting info on how communities may develop post collapse. Almost totally different to the film. Good read.
http://www.amazon.com/Postman-Bantam-Classics-David-Brin/dp/0553278746/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294949255&sr=1-1

2. Lucifers Hammer (Jerry Pournelle), brilliant, can't read it often enough
http://www.amazon.com/Lucifers-Hammer-Larry-Niven/dp/0449208133/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294949351&sr=1-1

3. Alas Babylon (Pat Frank), Much, much better than I expected or hoped. Really surprised how few skills (home canning for instance) were already lost in the 50's, it could easily describe 2008! Recommended
http://www.amazon.com/Alas-Babylon-Pat-Frank/dp/0060741872/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294949387&sr=1-1

4. I am legend (Richard Matheson), apart from the vampires, interesting account of one man's survival after a "pandemic". Not a feel good book but worth reading
http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Legend-Richard-Matheson/dp/B001FOR5XU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294949423&sr=1-1

5. On the beach - to be reviewed
http://www.amazon.com/Beach-Vintage-International-Nevil-Shute/dp/0307473996/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294949460&sr=1-1

6. Earth Abides (George R. Stewart). Post plague, which kill 99% of the population, very well written. interesting exploration of the main man's dotage and the change in the society of his grandchildren. Initial way he keeps his little community together quite good. Worth reading
http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Abides-George-R-Stewart/dp/0345487133/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294949907&sr=1-1

7. Patriot, surviving the coming collapse (James Wesley Rawles). Good read. I think the war with the UN at the end goes a bit too far. Lots of good tips. A bit tin foil hat in places but enjoyable none the less. Worth a read.
http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-Surviving-James-Wesley-Rawles/dp/156975599X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294949951&sr=1-1

8. eXtinction (Ray Hammond). Catastrophic global weather change, a small committing survive on earth, space stations and the moon. A bit heavy going.
http://www.amazon.com/Extinction-Ray-Hammond/dp/0330485962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294950028&sr=1-1

9. Island in the sea of time (trilogy), SM Stirling. A small community go back i time. They have to revert to a sustainable level of technology. equally applicable to a post apocalypse scenario. Highly recommended
http://www.amazon.com/Island-Sea-Time-S-Stirling/dp/0451456750/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950069&sr=1-1

10. Level 7, (Modecai Roshwald), set in a post apocalypse bunker. Not read yet
http://www.amazon.com/Level-7-Library-American-Fiction/dp/0299200647/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950107&sr=1-1

I would be interested in ant thoughts on these or similar books.

BR

Steve

Links added by LvsChant

Red Dog · « **Reply #1 on:** October 20, 2008, 09:14:51 PM »

If you liked Lucifers Hammer try " A Mote in God's Eye " I 'm going off of memory but I believe it's Pournell and Larry Niven together.

http://www.amazon.com/Mote-Gods-Eye-Larry-Niven/dp/0671741926/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950224&sr=1-1

Link added by LvsChant

stevebluff · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2008, 02:31:32 AM »

Quote from: Red Dog on October 20, 2008, 09:14:51 PM

If you liked Lucifers Hammer try " A Mote in God's Eye " I 'm going off of memory but I believe it's Pournell and Larry Niven together.

Agreed, another one i have read a few time. Niven/Pournelle are a killer team. Jerry Pournelle became a good friend of Mel Tappen (look him up if you do not know the name) who is often quoted as the father of modern survivalist. Just reading Stone Castle by Ian Banks, hard work (post world/civil war set in the UK), i'll be glad when its over!

br

steve

19kilo · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2008, 02:47:03 AM »

How about "The Road" By Cormac Mcarthy

http://www.amazon.com/Road-Movie-Tie--Vintage-International/dp/0307476316/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950350&sr=1-1

That, is a PAW book if I ever read one.

link added by lvschant

Red Dog · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2008, 06:42:51 PM »

Quote from: stevebluff on October 21, 2008, 02:31:32 AM

Jerry Pournelle became a good friend of Mel Tappen (look him up if you do not know the name) who is often quoted as the father of modern survivalist. Just reading Stone Castle by Ian Banks, hard work (post world/civil war set in the UK), i'll be glad when its over!

I had to do a quick bit of google fu, looks like I've got some more reading to do.

Thanks

BigDanInTX · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2008, 09:19:09 PM »

+1 for Lucifer's Hammer!! "You may have flight, but we control the lightning!!"

Aunt Bee · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2008, 10:32:19 PM »

Two very good books are Deep Winter and Shatter by T. Sherry. I'm pretty sure they are available in a hard copy now and there is a third book that is either out or close. I read them on line but they are no longer available that way as far as I know. He's a prepper and I picked up a lot of useful knowledge from those books not to mention the story lines were great. I'm thinking about reading them again just for inspiration. They had a little bit of everything...earthquake, pandemic and war for starters.

Another great online book is We Interrupt This Program by A. T. Hagan. Again, he's a prepper and this book is educational and entertaining too. I assume it's ok to post the link since someone on that board gave me the link for this site.

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/showthread.php?t=192640

OOPS! Just realized this was for classic books and I'm not sure these meet that spec. They do to me but maybe not everyone. Mods feel free to move this.

IRKCOD · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2008, 01:37:54 AM »

Aunt Bee,

Thanks for the link
Have downloaded the story
Checked out the link form the bottom of the story http://athagan.members.atlantic.net/Index.html

A couple of interesting and practical articles/downloads on Food Storage and Water Treatment

quietmike · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2008, 03:20:48 PM »

The FOXFIRE series of books by Eliot Wiggington and his students- These books are compilations of interviews of elderly Appalachain people by high school students in the late '60's- early '70's. Great resource of "forgotten"skills.

http://www.amazon.com/Foxfire-Book-Dressing-Building-Moonshining/dp/0385073534/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950500&sr=1-1

The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery-The bible of self sufficient living.

http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-Carla-Emery/dp/1570615535/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294950579&sr=1-1-spell

Where there is no Doctor by David Werner- originally written for missionary type workers, but a great medical book. Also an e-book
http://www.raems.com/WTND.zip

links added by LvsChant

ElyasWolff · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2008, 08:21:01 PM »

Nobody has mentioned the "Hatchet" series.

http://www.amazon.com/Hatchet-Gary-Paulsen/dp/1416936475/ref=pd_sim_b_4

I read the first three while I was in the Scouts, and they made me think.
The Hatched books and "My Side of The Mountian" Will be read to my child when he/she is born

My Side of the Mountain Trilogy: http://www.amazon.com/Side-Mountain-Trilogy-Far-Frightfuls/dp/0525462694/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950816&sr=1-2

(links added by LvsChant)

Taylor3006 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 27, 2008, 07:42:56 PM »

For just good suvivalist fiction try "Unintended Conseqences" by John Ross, "The Stand" by Stephen King is fun, and "Alas Babylon" by Pat Frank (really good). The "Ashes" series by William Johnstone a decent but they tend to drag a bit. The first few books in the "Survivalist" series by Ahern are ok. For non fiction and just general reading I think that "Lone Star: a history of Texas and theTexans" by T. Fehrenbach is probably the most important book since the Bible, well for Texans anyways.

Unintended Consequences: http://www.amazon.com/Unintended-Consequences-John-Ross/dp/1888118040/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950899&sr=1-1

The Stand: http://www.amazon.com/Stand-Expanded-First-Complete-Signet/dp/0451169530/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294950949&sr=1-1

Out of the Ashes: http://www.amazon.com/Out-Ashes-William-W-Johnstone/dp/0786019530/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951002&sr=1-2

Survivalist #1: http://www.amazon.com/Survivalist-1-Total-War/dp/B000ZNC08W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951075&sr=1-1

Lone Star: http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-History-Texas-Texans/dp/0306809427/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294951124&sr=1-1

(links inserted by LvsChant)

SueDonim · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2008, 08:14:53 PM »

Agree "Unintended Consequences" is an excellent read. Might want to pay cash for that one though. No credit card receipt is better for that story

Patriot:Ex Machina · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2008, 06:32:00 AM »

I remember the first time I read "Alas, Babylon". I was 13 years old and I didn't sleep well for 2 weeks.
A very good read. I can still pick it up and it keeps my interest.
Even though the plot takes place in the 50-60s, it could easily apply to today's world.

earthling? · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2008, 07:17:47 PM »

I didn't see them mentioned so I will recommend:
Swan Song by Robert McCammon

http://www.amazon.com/Swan-Song-Robert-McCammon/dp/1439156735/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951333&sr=1-1

and
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller Jr.

http://www.amazon.com/Canticle-Leibowitz-Walter-Miller-Jr/dp/0060892994/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951372&sr=1-1

(links added by LvsChant)

nate49080 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 06, 2008, 07:09:52 AM »

the best survivalist book i have ever read was "When Technology Fails". It give helpful information and hundreds of links to other well written survivalist books.

http://www.amazon.com/When-Technology-Fails-Revised-Expanded/dp/1933392452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294951422&sr=1-1

(link added by LvsChant)

iron mike · « **Reply #15 on:** November 06, 2008, 07:21:57 AM »

My side of the mountain is great for younger readers.

So is Dorp dead

Lucretius · « **Reply #16 on:** November 06, 2008, 09:23:32 AM »

Quote from: 19kilo on October 21, 2008, 02:47:03 AM

How about "The Road" By Cormac Mcarthy

That, is a PAW book if I ever read one.

You beat me to it...

Definately #1 on my list. Literary quality is excellent, which is rare in the genre (the guy won a pulitzer!). The bleakness and desperation is unrelenting all the way through.

John Willis · « **Reply #17 on:** November 07, 2008, 06:56:53 PM »

You have got to read Deep winter (part 1) and shattered (part 2) by Tom Sherry. They are available on line for free. I think he has also published them. They are both great stories. I dont really read a lot but couldnt put them down.

Lights out by Halffast. Available online for free.

Cold camp (short story) available online for free.

Pax americana available online for free also.

Look up survival fiction on google. Theres a lot there.

John Willis
www.SOEtacticalgear.com

Kara · « **Reply #18 on:** November 07, 2008, 08:17:24 PM »

"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer...For those who like their post apocalyptic fiction with a whole lot of sci fi.

http://www.amazon.com/Host-Novel-Stephenie-Meyer/dp/0316068055/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951552&sr=1-1

It's an interesting read about what humans do to survive after being taken over by another civilization, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect each other.

(link added by LC)

jpr9954 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 12, 2008, 07:02:17 PM »

Quote from: SueDonim on October 27, 2008, 08:14:53 PM

Agree "Unintended Consequences" is an excellent read. Might want to pay cash for that one though. No credit card receipt is better for that story

Too late for me now!

I bought it last year and loved it. I have family in the St. Louis area so the way Ross wove in St. Louis locations was great.

A couple of more in a similar vein would be two by Matthew Bracken. The first was "Enemies Foreign and Domestic" and the followup was "Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista". Both dealt with a rogue BATF and a disintegrating USA. I understand from emails with Bracken that he has a third book coming out to continue the theme. I think it will feature a President similar to Obama.

Enemies Foreign and Domestic: http://www.amazon.com/Enemies-Foreign-Domestic-Matthew-Bracken/dp/0972831010/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294951646&sr=1-1

Domestic Enemies: http://www.amazon.com/Domestic-Enemies-Reconquista-Matthew-Bracken/dp/0972831029/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294951699&sr=1-1

John

(Links added by LC)

SouthernLiving · « **Reply #20 on:** November 24, 2008, 10:44:29 AM »

Quote from: John Willis on November 07, 2008, 06:56:53 PM

Lights out by Halffast. Available online for free.

I'll second this one!

ink · « **Reply #21 on:** November 24, 2008, 11:27:04 AM »

I don't know how much useful information, but these are some I've read:

The Folk of the Fringe by Orson Scott Card

http://www.amazon.com/Folk-Fringe-Orson-Scott-Card/dp/0312876637/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951791&sr=1-1

Warday by Whitley Strieber

http://www.amazon.com/Warday-Journey-Onwards-Whitley-Strieber/dp/0340366494/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294951828&sr=1-1

Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
http://www.amazon.com/Day-Triffids-20th-Century-Rediscoveries/dp/0812967127/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951861&sr=1-1

World War Z by Max Brooks (zombies)
http://www.amazon.com/World-War-Oral-History-Zombie/dp/0307346617/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951896&sr=1-1

... and Lucifer's Hammer is in the mail to me

(links added by LC)

Hraz · « **Reply #22 on:** November 24, 2008, 12:34:13 PM »

When I was in 7th grade I read a book called City of Darkness by Ben Bova. The story takes place in Manhattan, where a dome covers the city's decay and decadence and is only "open" two months a year to the outside world of programmed, ordered society. The main character has his i.d. stolen and can't leave the dome and he is stranded in the Dome, beset by gangs and scavengers.

http://www.amazon.com/City-Darkness-Ben-Bova/dp/0765343614/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294951989&sr=1-1

(link added by LC)

Hraz · « **Reply #23 on:** November 24, 2008, 12:35:25 PM »

A World Turned Upside Down by Dent, J.M. had some good ideas in it as well.

http://www.amazon.com/World-Turned-Upside-Down/dp/141377055X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294952068&sr=1-1

(link added by LC)

theaccidentalsurvivor · « **Reply #24 on:** November 24, 2008, 01:27:52 PM »

Ill Wind by Kevin Anderson

http://www.amazon.com/Ill-Wind-Kevin-J-Anderson/dp/0765367114/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294952125&sr=1-1

Its about a petroleum eating bacteria that gets loose. Ends up with a crazed military officer trying to take over New Mexico. Good read.

Footfall by Pournell and Niven is another CLASSIC! That is if you like an alien scenario.

http://www.amazon.com/Footfall-Larry-Niven/dp/0345418425/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294952174&sr=1-1

BTW: for all of you who havent read The Postman because you saw the movie....Shame on you! The book is so much better.

VonNeumann's War by John Ringo is a good one also..... more of a nanotech/ alien story, but still entertaining.
http://www.amazon.com/Von-Neumanns-War-John-Ringo/dp/1416555307/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294952212&sr=1-1

(links added by LC)

Hraz · « **Reply #25 on:** November 24, 2008, 05:19:58 PM »

Has anyone read The Road by Cormac McCarthy?

19kilo · « **Reply #26 on:** November 24, 2008, 07:28:54 PM »

Quote from: Hraz on November 24, 2008, 05:19:58 PM

Has anyone read The Road by Cormac McCarthy?

oh yeah, great book. What I think the teotwawki will really look like.

Dan · « **Reply #27 on:** November 25, 2008, 04:20:16 PM »

Quote from: Hraz on November 24, 2008, 05:19:58 PM

Has anyone read The Road by Cormac McCarthy?

Yeah, what 19kilo said.

flagtag · « **Reply #28 on:** November 25, 2008, 04:38:51 PM »

ENEMIES Foriegn and Domestic, and DOMESTIC ENEMIES The Reconquista. Both by Matthew Bracken (Parts one and two) A third book is in the works, I guess. I can hardly wait! Real "page turners".

TimSuggs · « **Reply #29 on:** November 25, 2008, 06:40:57 PM »

Paperback PAW Series: My 3 favorite, in order. Got me through 6 years in the AF

The Survivalist - Jerry Ahern

End World - David Robbins

http://www.amazon.com/Doomsday-Endworld-David-Robbins/dp/0843962321/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294952314&sr=8-1

The Warlord - Jason Frost

http://www.amazon.com/Warlord-J-Frost/dp/082171189X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294952367&sr=1-2

And if anyone has any of these, I'm buying!

Tim Suggs
Birmingham, AL. USA!

(links added by LC)

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Author Topic: Classic survivalist or post apocalyptic books (Read 90257 times)

SueDonim

nate49080

Lucretius

Kara

SouthernLiving

ink