I admit that this might be a strange book with a strange title, WWZ for short. I recently saw the title while browsing in a book store and decided to read it. Not really a horror story per se, WWZ is more of a post-apocalyptic tale. The book is not, however, for the faint of heart due to a few very graphic parts that give it a good creepy feel. WWZ is a spin off of Brooks' 2003 Zombie Survival Guide.
WWZ is set in the not-so-distant future and is a compilation of fictional first-hand survivor accounts of the Zombie War. These interview-type narratives make up the plot, giving it a truly personal feel. Brooks got the idea and the format after reading The Good War by Studs Terkel, which is an oral history of World War II.
There are a multitude of elements that make WWZ a surprisingly good book. It takes the reader from the initial outbreak's misunderstanding and denial to the global pandemic, ensuing panic, and armed struggle to prevent the extinction of the human race. WWZ also follows the breakdown of society, the implosion or outright disintegration of governments, and the reestablishment of order. Again, all this takes place in the voice of the individual characters.
Do like I did and give WWZ a try. It's an amazing read for someone looking for something well off the beaten path.
