BOOK REVIEW: World War Z by Max Brooks

Max Brooks (yes, son of Hollywood comedy LEGEND, Mel Brooks) follows up his entertaining yet worryingly 'well researched' Zombie Survival Guide with something a little less tongue in cheek. To take a spine quote from fellow zombie-phile Simon Pegg, 'an absolute must-have... Brooks infuses his writing with such precise detail and authenticity, one wonders if he knows something we don't'.

So, what' it about?

Where his Zombie Survival Guide put pay to pop-culture myths built up around your decaying friend and mine, the zombie, as well as fathoming out the possible reality of a living dead outbreak, World War Z goes a terrifying step forward with it's 'documentation' and archiving of a full scale global battle with those kooky cadavers, from first bite to the victory of the living. Although the living never really 'win', at least not in the conventional sense.

It all starts 'innocently' enough. Rumours of another pandemic in China that resonate with the very real bird flu epidemic (luckily I have the immune system of an ox) quickly evolve into the world's inner cities becoming overrun with walking corpses, who are only after one thing. And it isnt a Subway club card.
A ten year war follows, and the more deaths amongst 'our' ranks, the higher number of members batting for Team Z, as Brooks terms them 'Zach', a deathly riff on the term 'Gerry' used during the First and Second World Wars for the German opposition.

World War Z is essentially a history textbook for weary future generations, who might wonder what it was like to walk through the streets of London or Manhattan, or the picturesque surrounds of Manitoba's National Park, without having to step over bundles of rag and teeth, ravaged by the effects of an apocalyptic battle with an enemy who isnt going to be worrying about rations, sleep, or the gal they left behind back home. Former soldiers, governmental officials, members of the public, and notable scientists all come forward with their own experiences during the 'The Dark Years' to warn following generations against the perils of playing with dead things.
The obvious fear whilst reading this book comes from the gross and physical acts of violence that natural arise when going mano ee mano with an enemy whose bite is most certainly worse than his (or her) bark.
But for me, it is Brooks' accuracy when it comes to the naming and describing of military techniques and maneouvres, and points of geographical interest that host some of the key stages throughout the decade long struggle. He has truly done his homework and implemented it with great detail and a journalistic sense of informative yet bleak narration.
Like a Soda Stream or chainsaw, every household needs a copy of this book. Because you never can tell...

http://www.thecuresafety.com/v/private%20hoserod/source%20files/4483241.stm.htm

I also heard Brad Pitt bought the rights to produce a film based on the book, so for fuck's sake read it before you see the film, in which its quite probable that the whole war wil begin in Cambodia on a routine Pitt-Jolie baby adopting mission.

Adz