World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
Book Review: Brilliantly insightful
Summary: 5 Stars
At first glance, one might discern that this book is about zombies. The word "zombie" is on the cover, the imposing "Z" in World War Z stands for Zombies, and the environment and background is filled with zombies. However what this book is REALLY about is people, people put into a very extreme apocalyptic situation, and how this effects government policy, technology, sociology, psychology, religion, culture, racial barriers, and pretty much every quirk that seperates us from the living dead.
The book is written, not as a comprehensive story through one person's eyes, but rather a long series of interviews with "real survivors" of the catastrophe, written from cover to cover in full themed tone, even the critic's reviews on the back were written within character of the novel. This gives not the idea that you're reading fiction, but a strong sense of non-fiction, as you read through the personal interviews it feels very much like these are real people that you could really meet.
Max Brooks understands the meaning of Romero's social critique through the medium of zombie horror, and takes it to it's fullest sense throughout this book, not only concerning with the American reactions, but also Israel, South Africa, Russia, Cuba, Japan, China, and more. What is most noticable about the book is the striking realism in a very unrealistic situation, Max is extremely insightful as he analyzes just how a nation WOULD react to such a threat as this.
I would recommend this book not just to fans of zombie movies, but anyone who is fascinated by political process, national policy, sociology, psychology, etc. Either way, I simply can't recommend it enough, and reading through it will leave you demanding for more.
Book Review: Can't wait for another helping of Max Brooks
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is very simply the best piece of fiction I've read in years. Aside from being insanely entertaining and creative this book leaves you hungry for more even beore you've finished. I hated for it to end and sincerely hope Max Brooks continues writing. Book Review: A cool, original take on the zombie genre
Summary: 5 Stars
I love The Zombie Survival Guide. I didn't exactly laugh out loud while reading it, but it was exactly what I expected, as an avid lover of zombie cinema. Max Brooks is a very talented writer, and that really gets a chance to be displayed in this book.
I wouldn't exactly call World War Z a story, because it has no narrative. The book consists entirely of Max Brooks (the fictional journalist responsible for writing the survival guide that got many people through the Zombie War) interviewing people who survived the war, and had important roles in it. Almost every possible angle is covered. There are interviews with military personnel, scientists, government officials, and regular citizens who survived on their own. Brooks' writing creates a desolate, horrible world during and after the war that is truly more terrifying than most horror books I've read in my lifetime.
This book is not only for zombie fans, although those of us who are obsessed with the walking dead will love it that much more. Literally any reader can pick up this book and love it every bit as much as I did.
Book Review: Pure Bigotry, Shame On Brooks
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is pure xenocidal hatred. Propoganda for the butchers and fear-thinkers. Brooks wants us to be sympathetic to these True Monsters who call the New Ones "Zack" and "Zombies." But the Great Rebirth cannot be stopped by these bigots. The Network exists, on every continent, in every country. Hidden away from the dogs, hidden away from the Fear Blind with guns, we protect our changed ones. We keep them strong, and when needed, when we are ready, we will make the Transition ourselves. Some day soon, I will go to my mother in her cage, and look into her eyes as I often have, and I will see there that she is still there, and I will become like her. The Holly Fire will be unleashed again. The Change cannot be stopped!Book Review: A brilliant, creative and horrific work of fiction.
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first heard about this book, I could scarcely suppress a laugh figuring it was a farce. Instead, Brooks pulls you into this fantastic world to the point were you start believing that there really could be a world cataclysm between the undead and the survivors. The oral history approach gives it an air of believability and makes it a story that is hard to put down. I'm not quite sure what it means or that it needs to mean anything. Max Brooks has created a convincing and compelling alternate perspective on an apocalyptic vision.