Years ago, this book was recommended to me by a man who, at the time, I thought was boarding on being a survivalist nut. I dismissed it. My mistake.The novel is, it itself, a good adventure story. Set in a small mountain community outside of Asheville, NC, the author shows how our society would unwind following an EMP attack – caused by the detonation of two or three atomic bombs in the upper atmosphere over the US.Unfortunately, this book is no wild flight of fantasy. An EMP attack could put the US back hundreds of years. No electricity means no ”conveniences” e.g. no water pumping and no fresh water. No refrigeration means no food. No national communication means no leadership. Beyond the invariable civil unrest, consider the delicate condition of man today. In past times people died from now “treatable” conditions. Those with such “simple” problems as high cholesterol are kept alive with medication. Following an EMP attack, they again quickly die.The US spends $100's of billions on global warming which might happen … I sure as heck hope that EMP is on the government’s radar screen. With so many nukes surviving the cold war, it seems that this scenario is “when”, not “if”. I pray that I am wrong. William Forstchen has written a book that readers seem to like or absolutely abhor! I've landed on the side of "like." Our current way of life is very fragile, indeed, and as a former nurse, I know that the field of medicine has long prepared for medical catastrophes - e.g. flu pandemic. The results of such preparations indicate that we will not fare well. Forstchen's electro-magnetic pulse event is so immediate and destructive that it is difficult to envision the short and long-term effects. Nevertheless, I believe Forstchen's view of the aftermath is realistic. Yes, he does substitute "of" for "have" - and some of the violence is, thankfully, not vividly conveyed- but this does not diminish the plot. Also, there is no doubt where the characters stand when it comes to politics. But, bottom line: we would not fare well with a revisit to the Middle Ages. One need only look at the current situations in many Middle Eastern nations to witness the rapid destruction of society during terrorist events.In my opinion, Forstchen has correctly presented the following scenarios: 1. Our reliance on computer operated basic amenities, food delivery from far reaches of the U.S. and abroad, dependence upon modern medicine, wide-spread reliance upon quick and frequent communication for guidance and information, and over all lack of basic skills, challenges our survival. 2. Law and order would evaporate - and already does fall apart in much smaller catastrophic situations. 3. Death would become a very familiar visitor - sooner rather than later. This book is eye-opening and very disquieting!
What do You think about One Second After (2009)?
Disliked the protagonist and his decisions a bit which spoilt it, but a very good ending!
—flutterby
Found it terrifying, want to start hoarding water now.
—Samantha
