Can You Survive The Zombie Apocalypse? by Max Brallier (book review)
If you like zombies and pick-your-own-adventures, keep on the following page. If you don’t, go back to the home page.
It’s been about 20 years since I read a pick-your-own-adventure book. I remember as a young man, hiding under the covers with a torch, reading an ‘Indiana Jones’ adventure and being constantly devastated when I repeatedly failed to find the silver tower. I experienced the same level of disappointment when I failed to escape the zombie horde in Max Brallier’s fantastic adventure book.
In ‘Can You Survive The Zombie Apocalypse?’ the reader is cast as a young man trapped in Manhattan as a zombie invasion begins. It’s up to you to decide whether he lives or dies with every major decision in your hands.
Of course, the best thing about these books is that you can skip back and try again, a literary video game, if you will.
With zombies being the monstre de jour, this book is a perfect way to get involved in a way that no other medium can provide. The scope of options available mean that no two adventures are ever exactly the same and while they sometimes veer towards the ridiculous, that’s the fun of it. While it may suit the American audience more, Brallier has captured the feel of New York perfectly with construction workers, tourists and cab drivers all portrayed within. There’s also a charming group of zombie fans who attempt to use their ‘knowledge’ to survive. I’m sure you can guess how that ends.
The book is tremendous fun and a way to get a group of people involved by letting them take votes on which path to choose.
A great read and a great adventure to get your teeth into. Should you choose to.
Aidan Fortune
December 2012
(pub: Gallery Books/Simon and Schuster. 384 page small enlarged paperback. Price: £ 8.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-4516-0775-8)
check out website: www.simonandschuster.co.uk
