What Are You Reading?
What are you reading? Sure, everyone has a copy of Zombie Survival Guide and World War Z, but what other zombie related materials have found their way to your bookshelf? You might say, well, those books are just good stories and not fiction. I would argue that any document about zombies could help prepare you as it gets your mind going.
Recently, I got my hands on ZOMBIES: Encounters with the Hungry Dead and it is nearly 700 pages of zombie goodness. It is going to take me some time to go through each of the 32 stories featured in the book, but you can’t help but get stoked about a contributing author line-up that features Max Brooks, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Robert Bloch, Carlton Mellick III, and Robert R. McCammon.
According to the author, John Skipp, who is a New York Times bestselling author and editor:
“In ZOMBIES you’ll find the widest, wildest, brain-popping cavalcade of multi-perspective zombie lore ever assembled—a soup-to-nuts of the shambling dead, from shadowy beginning to dear-God-please-be-merciful end—in a single volume so massive, it can also be used to staving in heads.”
Forget gift certificates, forget stocking stuffers, forget the other gifts you had in mind for your loved ones. Help them prepare. Encourage them to read and study the world of the undead so that they too will survive the undead apocalypse.
Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay alive.
Comments (31)
McLuvin on 12 Nov 2009 at 10:50 pm #
I have read many zombie books and sadly just like zombie movies most of them suck.
A few standouts that range from passable to pretty damn good are definitely worth a read.
Day By Day Armageddon- Excellent story from the first person perspective.
The main character is very resourceful and well prepared.
Patient Zero- Very good read that blends the two greatest threats we face today,
Zombies and terrorism.
Dying to Live- The first in the series is a good look at people working together to
survive. The second book is a little ridiculous.
Try these and enjoy.
Ronin666 on 13 Nov 2009 at 3:22 am #
I admit I don’t read a lot of zombie stories, for one reason, they distort and leech into my own writing.
I have one finished and being prepared for publishing and 2 more on the go atm, the second one is up to chapter 45 and is getting close to the end, the 3rd I have just started.They are written from an aussie perspective and I think are a little bit different. When the 3rd one is finished I plan to publish them as a collection.
For those who wish to read them they are on my forums.
first one
Fragments
http://urbanbunker.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=yes&action=display&thread=24
second one
Conquest of the Dead
http://urbanbunker.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=yes&action=display&thread=47
new one
A Short History of the Demise of Man
http://urbanbunker.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=yes&action=display&thread=110
Please enjoy and note they are copyright.
Beth on 13 Nov 2009 at 9:46 am #
Part of my preparedness is not spending extra money on books. If I can’t get it from my library or from a friend, I probably won’t read it. In fact, my copy of ZSG was a gift.
McLuvin, my library didn’t have the first and third books on your list, but I have put in a request for Patient Zero. In fact, my library could use many more books on zombies and ways to survive them!
One book they do have is “Pride and Prejudice with Zombies.” It doesn’t contain very many survival tips, but as ZAC said, “it gets your mind going.”
Docwade on 15 Nov 2009 at 9:09 pm #
Well, this thread certainly reveals why discussions regarding how to deal with zeds goes downhill fast – hardly anyone has read! If anyone descides to shut off their “call of duty” for a short time, read both of Max Brooks’ books, The Zombie Survival Guide and World War Z. Patient Zero isn’t bad either. At least read Max’s two books.
McLuvin on 15 Nov 2009 at 11:39 pm #
I guess this explains the spelling and grammer errors on this forum. Not many of us read.
I imagine it’s more of a lifestyle choice than a lack of the basic ability, however some previous posts would suggest otherwise.
Kain - ZAC Weapon Consultant on 15 Nov 2009 at 11:49 pm #
Let’s see, I’ve read the Survival guide cover to cover, a few times, plus had it as bathroom reading for a while. World War Z was very good and has on occasion given me ideas for articles. Patient Zero I brought up some time ago and is without a doubt my top pick for zombie fiction. Day by Day Armageddon, was okay. Also I’ve read Dead City, which was a good story of how you might survive an outbreak in a city, I don’t know the author but 3ID has it at the moment, though God only knows when he will get around to reading it. The only other book I can think of that has zombies in it at all is the book Monster Hunters Incorporated, but with the exception of lots of guns and monster killing there are hardly any zombie fighting scene, just a few references. Sadly, I don’t read much about zombies, most books I have dealing with the living dead refer to vampires, that said I do read practically everything else though, Clancy, Ludlum, W.E.B. Griffin, Rob Thurman, John Ringo, Jim Butcher, Tanya Huff, Lilith Saintcrow, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, just to name a few that I can think of. John Ringo books, his Legacy of Aldenata, would actually be a good read for someone trying to get ideas how to defend against a foe that looks at the human race as food. Granted it is Sci-Fi with some very out there technology, but it could get the gears rolling. Though fair warning if you pick up his Ghost series, it is not for those under eighteen. And it is true that people don’t read enough, I get constant questioning looks when ever I reference a book that no one has read. It’s bloody annoying.
And as for not reading to avoid intellectual contamination, that’s what I think I shall call it from now on, I don’t buy it. I’ve read enough books and though there are without a doubt similarities between some of the stuff I’ve read and written. But then again I’ve read stuff that has similarities but which I didn’t take from because I had already written down. I’ve come to the conclusion that as you read and write you will create your own style, simply because of the way your mind works, even if you try to emulate your favorite author it will be different. Don’t believe me read Ludlum’s Borne series and then the book written by the joke of a ‘ritter’ Eric Van Lustanbard, he may think he’s channeling Ludlum, but he’s so god awful that I can’t stand him. He’s also a great example of why reading can also help one’s writing. I’ve come across numerous things in books that pissed me off and that I can’t stand, so I make damn sure that I don’t do them in my own writing, if I can help it, also you can find things that work and things that don’t. Plus, ways to just tell the story right. And remember kiddies, it’s not stealing, it a homage. In short, there are no original ideas, especially if you ask academia, whom seem to think that if it wasn’t written before the 50s or 60s or if the author isn’t dead then it is rubbish, which is rubbish. The only thing I strive for is to tell the story in a new way, and such that I would want to read it. But, that’s me, I don’t claim to be the next Tom Clancy or anything. Sorry for ranting at you Ronin, but I’m bored sitting in front of the TV.
“They won’t get me they won’t get me thought they never cease to try
they won’t get me they won’t get me I would rather fight and die
they won’t get me they won’t get me well my friend will they get you?
when they get you when they get you tell me what are you gonna do?”
Dropkick Murphys – The Gauntlet
McLuvin on 16 Nov 2009 at 12:44 am #
No problem Kain. My post was meant to draw a response.
I was wondering when somebody was going to get this thread rolling.
I agree whole heartedly about people coming up with crazy reasons not to read.
When there are so many good reasons to read it is not even a fair contest.
It exercises your imagination while broadening you vocabulary and entertaining you.
I also enjoy John Ringo. His Paladin of Shadows(Ghost) series is a guilty pleasure of mine.
You are correct in saying it’s not for the kiddies. Ringo manages to channel every 14
year old boy’s dreams in this series. It manages to combine almost every single male fantasy into one story arch.
It is a fun read that is hard to put down once you get into it.
Ronin666 on 16 Nov 2009 at 2:24 am #
That’s OK Kain, I don’t read zombie stories but I do read a LOT, not as much fiction as I used to mainly due to time constraints but my house holds more books than some of the book stores in town. I read a lot of reference books,when I become interested in a subject I devour everything I can find on the subject. I collect a lot of old reference books as well, I find it interesting to compare them with current titles and observe how ideas and concepts change over the years and sometimes loop back on themselves.
A world without books would be my idea of hell, when I read fiction I tend to pick a book up in the morning and not put it down again untill I finish it, if that means reading all night , then so be it, I disappear into the book, I no longer see words, just images.If a book can’t do that for me then it’s not a good book. My writing takes the same path,I don’t need to think out what is happening next, I just write down what I see on the screen in my mind.
I feel sorry for people who don’t read, they are missing so many brave new worlds that a movie screen can never capture.
Angryvikingman on 16 Nov 2009 at 6:19 am #
I don’t read many zombie stories, unless you count zombie hunters, everyday decay, and the walking dead comics. Aside from that I have three full bookshelves, and several large boxes of books. Lots of fantasy books mostly, but its interspersed with technical manuals, military manuals, and books about history. I have quite a lot of E-books as well. Mostly about martial arts, like “The Book Of Five Rings” written by Miyamoto Musashi, and lots of other martial arts and hand to hand combat books. Personally, I dont believe that anyone can speak authoritatively on the subject of zombie survival as no one has ever experienced it first hand. I just take what I have read, learned, experienced, and put that all into the survival horror context when I write on here or when I write a short story. If I can ever get the time to work on my writing again, then maybe I’ll put a copy of it on here. As of now, my work consumes about 10-12 hours of my day. Everyday. It blows.
Kain - ZAC Weapon Consultant on 16 Nov 2009 at 1:23 pm #
Oh, I see I’m the bloody guinea pig. Lol! That’s okay, the thread needed some life.
And reading is good in helping, and I apologize in advance for those who suffered the teacher in public school, for expanding the mind. Personally I think schools would have a better chance at getting kids to read if they got more contemporary books that just told a good story, and not something that was either politically correct or had some distant moral. Reading does expand the mind and I’ve picked up numerous words and phrases from books, some of which I had to explain to my teachers when I used them in classes, Quid Pro Quo, Abysmal, dominatrix, ect. The book that got me reading was Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, and that’s about politically incorrect as they come, short of Ringo’s Ghost, which I actually read when I was in High school, like in the school. I got a few looks there, I assure you, especially when a guy in one of my classes picked it up and turned to a random page that I think began with the line, “Infidel Bitches” He put it down quite quickly.
Also another book that discusses zombism is the Book Cemetery Dance, By Preston and Child. Not a zombie book but they do go into depth about the belief behind it, a very good book.
And Ronin, I try to use imagery too. I don’t have outlines so much as a line of pictures and scenes in y head, the only issues is getting from one scene to the next. Though I do at time have issues getting the picture in my head down on paper, of course in one story imagery gets me in trouble since I don’t formally introduce the main characters name until the second chapter, and the story is written in first person, lol. I have one short story I may try to post a link to at some point, though I’m sure I’m going to get yelled at for one of the characters have a forty five round mag for his FAL. But the story is fantasy, but not fantasy, yet still fantasy. You get the point.
“They won’t get me they won’t get me thought they never cease to try
they won’t get me they won’t get me I would rather fight and die
they won’t get me they won’t get me well my friend will they get you?
when they get you when they get you tell me what are you gonna do?”
Dropkick Murphys – The Gauntlet
Doug on 16 Nov 2009 at 2:04 pm #
I have read a few recently.
The Morningstar Saga by ZA Recht is pretty good, but the third book has not been published yet.
I also enjoyed Monster Island by David Wellington.
Also, I HIGHLY recommend reading I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. The book is about a lone survivor in a world filled with vampires. The Vampires in I am Legend are not the Dracula or ,God forbid, the Twilight vampires. They are more like zombies.
Just my 2 cents.
D
McLuvin on 16 Nov 2009 at 4:57 pm #
Kain, Without Remorse is one of my favorites. Of all the clancy books that have been
turned into movies the fact that this one gets passed over amazes me.
3-15 INF on 18 Nov 2009 at 9:49 am #
MUST READS-
THE ZEN OF ZOMBIE: Better Living Through The Undead
by Scott Kenemore
and…
Z.E.O.- A Zombie’s Guide To Getting A(head) In Business
also by Scott Kenemore
Both really funny and gives a different perspective
KNOW YOUR ENEMY!!!
Sharpshooter on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:42 am #
i think i’ll get more use out of a woodland survival book then out of a zombie survival book. sure i mean sure it’s zombies, but still…
Kain - ZAC Weapon Consultant on 18 Nov 2009 at 2:47 pm #
“Z.E.O.- A Zombie’s Guide To Getting A(head) In Business” makes me think of a song I have, it’s by Jonathan Coulton the name of the song is “Re: Your Brains.” It’s one of those weird songs that just work and are funny as hell, and since it was about zombies I just had to have it. Though if you ask some of my friends like 3ID I tend to listen to some rather strange music on occasion, then again I can appreciate almost any type of music, with the general exceptions of rap and most country. And if I can kill to it, it meets all of requirements.
And McLuvin they keep saying that they are going to make a movie out of it for the past five years or so, but I don’t think they have filmed anything yet, hell I don’t think they’ve even casted anyone yet.
“They won’t get me they won’t get me thought they never cease to try
they won’t get me they won’t get me I would rather fight and die
they won’t get me they won’t get me well my friend will they get you?
when they get you when they get you tell me what are you gonna do?”
Dropkick Murphys – The Gauntlet
McLuvin on 19 Nov 2009 at 11:56 pm #
well I guess we have heard from all nine posters who know how to read.
3-15 INF on 20 Nov 2009 at 11:55 am #
Where’s 3ID been lately? I served with him in the same Batt in OIFV and wanted to see if I knew him!
3ID on 23 Nov 2009 at 4:46 pm #
well my IP at home is banned it has been for the longest time, and i have been hammered with school so i like to read Walter Moers, Dougless Adams, Terry Pratchett three of my big time favorits i have read day by day armageddon, Morning Star and a few others about zombies but i also read military history i have a pretty large book collection and i pride my self that they are all 1st Edtions one of my hobbies
3-15 INF on 24 Nov 2009 at 10:15 am #
I’m always reading. Alot of history and current events/ politics (have a BS in History) Have read alot of fiction over my lifetime, though. Here are some of my favorite apocolyptic novels-
THE STAND by Stephen King- 99% of the worlds population is killed off quickly. A fight between good and evil pits survivors against each other for the future of society.
CELL also by Stephen King- A wierd signal transmitted over cellphones turns people into rager zombies. Survivors plot to kill as many as possible.
THE ROAD by Comac McCarthy- A father shepherd his son through a doomed world of destruction, poisoned air, water, and ground. Canabals abound and the father has to make hard choices.
SWAN SONG by Robert R. McCammon- Post nuclear holocaust in which americans group together in roving armies fighting for the scraps of society, pillaging towns.
Definitely pick up these four. Alot of them mirror zombie apocolypse scenarios.
Angryvikingman on 29 Nov 2009 at 1:05 pm #
Well, according to wikipedia, Max Brooks likes the comic series that I’ve been reading. “The Walking Dead” AMC is also going to be developing it into a TV show that will air next year. The guy who directed shawshank redemption, and the green mile is working on the show with the writer of the comic. Sounds like its going to be freaking awesome! They should get Richard Dean Anderson to do a “McGuyver’s tips to surviving the zombie apocalypse” after every show like the old PSAs on the G.I. Joe cartoon series. I know, sounds kinda silly, but I think that it’d be funny and cool.
Illia on 29 Nov 2009 at 9:53 pm #
David Wellington’s Zombie Island series is so awesome. Also reading Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter. It’s funny.
Sharpshooter on 02 Dec 2009 at 2:53 pm #
is this website just dead now?
McLuvin on 02 Dec 2009 at 7:40 pm #
I don’t think it’s dead. The last couple topics haven’t been as popular but,
as soon as a new thread comes up, I’m sure we will see some activity.
3-15 INF on 03 Dec 2009 at 11:20 am #
well i guess the posters are either studying for finals or working overtime for xmas- having a life can get in the way haha
sharpshooter on 03 Dec 2009 at 4:04 pm #
yeah i suppose that’s true
Kyrah Abattoir on 05 Dec 2009 at 8:40 am #
Well… some posters i wouldn’t mind to be gone :D
Mostly the imaginative kids who claim to be an army of one -_-.
I know that so far Zombie stuffs are fiction but it doesn’t means we can’t debate in a realistic manner.
Angryvikingman on 05 Dec 2009 at 11:25 am #
Yep, lots of overtime. Gotta compensate for having like 10 days off without pay for xmas. (only get paid for 3) Being an adult has some serious drawbacks. LOL! I was going to go out today and shoot a video of setting up rabbit snares for trapping, but it freaking snowed. Since I moved like a week ago, I havent gotten all of my boots and crap unpacked. Gonna rummage through stuff tonight, and do it tomorrow. Rain, snow, ect… bla bla bla…
If it hadnt warmed up so much and turned the ground to mush, I woulda went out and done it anyway, fresh snow is a great way to find tracks and game trails to set up the traps.
Andy on 11 Dec 2009 at 11:36 pm #
Doug-
I completely agree on Richard Mattheson, awesome writer, awesome story.
Sebi on 25 Dec 2009 at 11:53 am #
The Rising and City of the Dead are really well written books about demons that possess dead bodies in order to take revenge on god for sealing them in the Void eons upon eons before the birth of man. Written by Brian Keene, they depict how far society goes when they are on the edge of extinction and tells describes in graphic detail the gruesomeness of death.
Spliffsmommy on 16 Jan 2010 at 10:18 pm #
i have copies of ”dawn o the dead” by geo romero and susanna sparrow..read numerous times,
also have a copy of ”night of the living dead”..by john russo,also read numerous times…read the dead city,dead sea,the rising,etc stuff,bowie ibarra,max brooks stuff,constantly looking for more real apocalyptic type zombie books..cant seem to find anything good.
FallenKnight on 17 Jan 2010 at 11:33 pm #
I know it’s not a zombie book, but John Wyndham’s “Day of the Triffids” is a pretty decent examination of what happens after Society’s failure after a global catastrophe.