I'm going to recommend a book to everyone interested in learning, while being entertained as well. I had all but forgotten about this book until I saw a discussion about it on Listverse.
Considering when this book was written (1959), it covers a lot of topics that could be of importance to Preppers today! It might just be the ideal book to have around in your supplies. You do have some things set aside for entertainment, right?
Alas Baylon
Sadly, this once-popular 1959 novel has been fading into obscurity for a long time. It is without doubt one of the best-imagined depictions of the aftermath of nuclear war for a small community that gets somewhat lucky regarding the fallout pattern.
It is set in Florida. The protagonist gets a little bit of warning, due to the fact that his brother works for SAC. Then folks start figuring out what to do. It becomes almost a treatise on surviving once everything we accept as normal fails. Of particular interest is how race relations are treated… the reader must understand that this was written in the late 50′s, right before the civil rights movement, and many of today’s readers will come away with Malachai as their favorite character. Alas, Babylon must have been quite an eye-opener when it first hit the stands.
Depictions such as a little girl figuring out out how to put fish on the table when they aren’t biting due to oppressive heat, and folks realizing that an actual expedition to find salt (of all things!) is critical to survival, combined with superb characterizations, make this one the best of all. An utter classic, and worth putting in your bomb shelter should you ever build one.
Even though this book is a little dated (OK, a LOT dated) it does touch on many topics that are still important. I would say it is definitely worth a read, or worth re-reading! As always, that's just my opinion!
Losing ground again, I see. We lost another follower according to the count! Guess it was something I said...or didn't say! Oh well, I appreciate all the folks that take the time to drop by from time to time! Like a visit from an old friend, ya know?
We better have coffee inside this morning. The yard guys are coming to do Mom's yard and I don't want grass in my cup, ya know?
19 comments:
Sounds like a good read. Even though the topic is tough one, reading a book from 1959 sounds comforting in these turbulent times. Thanks for heads up - we will be reading it here.
Hey 2 Tramps...
Even though it was written so long ago, it contains a lot of good stuff!
If nothing else, it takes our minds off some of the silliness going on today!
Hey, thanks for coming by this morning!
Okey-Dokey - will go to the library today!
If we don't get rain here pretty soon, we aren't gonna have any grass!
Jim,I have heard several preppers mention it. I have not read it,so I will give it a try! I used to read a LOT of books,alas just not enough time. Drop off ahh some people don't recognize quality entertainment!And good info when they see it! Take care Bro!
China
III
Thanks for the "heads up" on some good reading material. I never heard of it but will check it out. I mowed the grass yesterday so no grass in my coffee today. Have a good day, Jim!
I will check it out. Thanks. My thoughts on losing followers--it's there loss not yours! Enjoy reading the material you post. Keep it up.
Hey Phyllis...
Don't you just love going to the library? I sure do, but I haven't been in a while!
I checked and Amazon does carry it.
I really appreciate the visit today!
Hey China...
I know what you mean about the time thing, buddy.
Ever since I've been retired, I never seem to have enough.
I think you might find this to be an interesting read.
Thanks for dropping in today, my friend.
Hey Linda...
I gave up on trying to do Mom's yard myself. I'd rather pay someone else to do it.
When I was younger, I used to make my spending money doing yards. Didn't want to fall into that trap again, though.
I really appreciate you coming over this morning.
Hey John...
I do appreciate the kind words this morning, and appreciate you coming over.
Have a great day!
Very interesting. I bet this book becomes very popular again. wonder what the chance of it going into print again might be.
With more and more people prepping now.
you can join me on the porch if you all like its a beautuful morning.
Hey JoJo...
As I was saying, Amazon does carry it, so it can still be enjoyed.
Your local library might have a copy!
Thanks, sweetie, for coming over today!
Sounds like a book that I would enjoy. Back in the 1960's I loved t read and practice some Euell Gibbons' books on wild food, etc.
It is indeed an excellent novel. I bet I've read it at least six times.
Wasn't me. I'm still here, lol. I LOVE the library, use it all the time. Back then were lots of movies about armagedan*. And books too. Especially after the Cuban crisis.
The reason i rarely comment, is i don't know if you ever see them or not. I don't read your post til the next day, so,,way later than the others.
Hey Dizzy...
You are like me! I like to read, but somehow I don't have much time to do so anymore.
You would be one that probably like to read it!
Thanks, my friend, for coming over today!
Hey Stephen...
One of those books that needs to be read every year or so.
Glad to know you liked it.
Thanks so much for coming by today, buddy!
Hey Trouble...
I have a feeling it was BBC that left, but who knows?
I try and answer all the comments I get, but only seem to get the ones from the same day. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate them all!
You have a great day, and thanks for coming by today!
That is one of my first 'survival novels', and it is probably one of the best for introducing the subject of 'prepping'. LIGHTS OUT I think surpasses it, but it does still make one think, even with Evil Empire now a sleeping Bear.
Thanks HermitJim.
I've hear of it but never read it.
I remember reading that ages ago. That and "On the Beach"....
I have this book. Reading it today would not know it was written that long ago. The scenario depicted fits the here and now. I love this book.
Hey Anon 12:30...
Considering the age, I think fewer folks realized just how prevalent this book, and the others like it were going to be!
I need to look at some more of the older ones now...!
Thanks for coming by today!
Hey Bob...
Couldn't hurt to see if you can find a copy to read. You might like it!
Thanks, man, for coming by today!
Hey Labrys...
I used to have both books, but have misplaced them somewhere. Could be lost among all the other books I have.
I'm really glad you could drop in today!
Hey Warlock...
Funny how some of these older books were almost spot on with the authors vision of our times!
Many thanks for coming over today!
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