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?
