THE POSTMAN

Now before you think this is about the Kevin Costner's movie version, I'll have to disappoint you, this is about the far superior novel. 

The novel was originally published in two parts, and I think that's where Mr Costner went wrong. The movie only covers the first part and leaves out a lot of the stuff that makes the novel a recommended read. The second part really takes it to the realm of award winning. OK, if by any chance you have not seen the movie, don't watch it before reading this novel. It spoils a good book.

The first part of the book tells the tale of a wandering bard in the post apocalypse trading performances of Shakespeare for a hot meal and a bed for the night. During his wanderings he literally stumbles across his postman's uniform, which he puts on to keep warm. He also finds a bag full of mail, which inspires his lie at the next settlement he comes across, he becomes a postman of an alleged Restored States of America. The lie snowballs out of his control due to peoples desperation to believe it.

The second part of the novel deals with the last sentient supercomputer called Cyclops and it's attempts to re-civilise starting with a small community. I'm not going to reveal too many details as it would spoil your fun. The second part also deals with the conflicts between the settlements and the "hypersurvivalists", and the intervention of an unexpected force. Again I don't want to spoil you fun by giving too much away.

I really enjoyed this novel, and can't recommend it enough. Even if you have seen the movie, which won quite a few raspberry awards, give this a chance and you won't be disappointed. I think this rates a score of 8 out of 10.

Until the next time, the DUDE wants you to "take it easy".

THROUGH DARKEST AMERICA

Another Christmas present off the kids, more post apocalyptic fun with added cannibals. The blurb on the jacket says :-

Bluevale was about all Howie had seen of the world. Even his pa, who knew everything, didn't know much about the way it was before the war.

Scriptures said all the unclean animals had been wiped out. Howie didn't know what that meant exactly. He'd seen horses. And stock, of course. Stock looked like humans. 'Cept stock had no soul. That's why they was meat.

Howie had a good life for a boy. Then the soldiers came. And what they did to his folks made him grow up right quick. He got his revenge - 'cept now the whole damn army was after him. But he had a huge country to run across ..........
 and lots of miles to stay alive.

Even among the grimness that is the post apocalyptic genre this ranks as one of the darkest I've read. It's got cannibalism, people skinned alive, dismemberment of sensitive body parts and numerous deaths.
 The story is told through strong dialogue and a narrative that focuses on the main character's (Howie) immediate surroundings and thoughts, which keeps the plot moving quickly forward.
  It shows more than it tells, leaving just enough indirect to keep a sense of intrigue. Many scenes and the plot as a whole veers in unexpected directions, packing some suprising punches.
  There were a few sex related things that might upset some people. Let's just say it gets a little rape-y here and a little embarrassing there and leave it at that.
  On the whole it was pretty well written and kept me turning the pages, it also made me think even if it was disturbing on several levels. I really liked it and would give it 8 out of 10.
  It has a sequel called Dawn's Uncertain Light which I haven't read yet, so I guess the kids know what to buy for my birthday now.

    The DUDE says "take it easy"

THE ROAD

Got this for Christmas off the kids. Not exactly zombies, but it is post-apocalypse and it has got cannibals, so nearly. I cannot recommend this book enough, if you have never read anything by the author then you are missing out.
  The story is about a father and his son making their way to the coast in a post apocalyptic America. The actual cause of the apocalypse is never explained, but it seems like a nuclear winter. The entire landscape is either burnt or covered in ash. Crops have failed, animals have died out, they scavenge food where they can. Ultimately they have to avoid other people, as there is only one thing left to eat......... people. They have a gun to protect themselves but only a couple of bullets, it's also made plain that this is also a quick way out if things go wrong, so using these last bullets is endlessly worried over.
   I read this in a couple of days, could not put it down. It is horrorfying and brutal, yet at the same time sad and beautiful. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
                'til next time in the words of the DUDE take it easy.