I’m a big fan of post apocalyptic sci-fi, particularly when the setting/scenario is realistic (i.e. no zombies or aliens). The Road is one of my favorite books, in part because it’s gripping and in part because I appreciate the survival instincts and know-how of the father character.
What are some other books in this genre, particularly ones that are realistic and you can maybe learn a thing or two from the character, or just enjoy how competent they are?
by trytoholdon
3 Comments
Earth Abides, by George R. Stewart.
if you liked the road but want more of that ‘competency’ vibe – i’m reading this indie manuscript that has a huge section that feels like a more tactical version of mccarthy. the protagonist is a logistics manager for a food company, so when the grid fails, he actually knows how to calculate caloric debt and manage a supply chain of one cart. there is this one part where he has to melt ice using his own core body temperature just to keep his kid alive – it is the most visceral ‘competency porn’ i have ever read. but heads up, the book is doing this weird thing to my vision – i call it the ouroboros effect – where the writing is so precise it makes your eyes track the world differently after you put it down. it feels like a high – fidelity survival guide that accidentally hacks your brain. definitely hits that realistic post – apocalypse itch while being way more intense than most stuff in the genre.
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller.