10 SHTF Books You Need to Read Before the Apocalypse
Best Post Apocalyptic Books → 10 SHTF Books You Need to Read Before the Apocalypse
Do you have your SHTF books ready? In case of a catastrophic event, you'll need to be prepared to hunker down and ride it out. That means having plenty of reading material to keep you occupied. Here's my hand-curated selection of the ten best SHTF books to keep you entertained and informed.
What is a SHTF Book?
A SHTF book is a book about surviving a catastrophic event. This could be anything from a natural disaster to an economic collapse. We've grouped our recommendations into two categories:
Fiction, and Non-Fiction.
Fiction SHTF: books that are set during or in the immediate aftermath of an apocalyptic event. While not always realistic (zombies probably aren't real... right?), these stories can still help us to emotionally prepare for what the end of everything might feel like.
Non-fiction SHTF: books that will give you actual, useful information on how to survive a collapse. These are typically written by preppers or survivalists who have a wealth of experience in the field.
Without further ado, here are our top ten picks for SHTF books:
Fiction
1. One Second After by William R. Forstchen
After the United States is sent back to the dark ages by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), the survivors of small-town America are forced to adapt to life without light, power or governance. With the apt title One Second After, this book paints one of the more vivid and believable pictures of life during the immediate aftermath of a world-changing event, showing exactly what life might be like in an America that has been thrown into chaos and disarray.
From the hardships faced by everyday citizens who must contend with scarce resources, closed hospitals, and even foreign invaders, to the personal struggles faced by those leading the fight to rebuild and keep their communities safe, One Second After is an engrossing account of what life might look like in a world where survival is not guaranteed. Whether you are looking for insight into how you might prepare for future disaster or simply seeking an engaging read about what it means to persevere in times of crisis, One Second After is a must-read.
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2. The Death of Grass by John Christopher
Set in the United Kingdom, The Death of Grass shows society collapsing in real-time as news of global crop failures spreads around the globe. With the so-called "grass sickness" destroying virtually all of the world's staple foodstuffs—like wheat and barley—the novel's protagonist, engineer John Custance realises that it's only a matter of time until society erupts into chaos. When he gets a warning from a friend in the British government, hinting at a radical plan to eliminate the UK's largest cities to reduce the population, John decides he and his family need to flee the capital immediately, setting off for a safe haven deep in the English countryside.
Through vivid descriptions and engaging plot twists, The Death of Grass tells the story of a world in crisis, exploring both individual responses to upheaval and larger questions about mankind's role in shaping its own fate. Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction or just enjoy an engrossing page-turner, The Death of Grass is sure to keep you enthralled from beginning to end.
3. The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
Zombies aren't real, but if they were... this is the book you'd want. The Zombie Survival Guide is an exhaustive and authoritative guide to surviving a zombie apocalypse. Written by renowned zombie expert Max Brooks, the book provides a wealth of practical advice for all aspects of survival in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies.
Brooks begins with an overview of the diverse types of zombies that exist in popular culture, from fast and dumb zombies to slow, intelligent ones. He then moves on to supply tips on everything from basic first aid to fighting tactics to shelter construction. Whether you're looking to fortify your home against hordes of undead attackers or need help navigating the wilderness after being separated from your group, the Zombie Survival Guide has got you covered. With detailed step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations throughout, this is truly the ultimate resource for surviving zombie-flavoured SHTF scenario.
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4. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Road isn't necessarily the most informative or realistic novel on this list, but its inclusion is warranted for one simple reason: it does an alarmingly good job at portraying the emotional side of dealing with a SHTF scenario.
After his wife walks out into a post-nuclear firestorm, the novel follows the story of a father and son who embark on a harrowing journey of survival across a barren wasteland filled with various threats, including dangerous scavengers and extreme weather conditions.
As they struggle to survive, this brave father and son make several sacrifices along their path, always putting each other first no matter what the cost. Through their journey, we come to understand how precious family bonds are in times of crisis and how important it is to hold on to hope even in the bleakest moments. Ultimately, The Road is not just an exploration of humanity's dark side but also a testament to the enduring power of love.
You might like: 5 Awesome Book Like “The Road”
5. Level 7 by Mordecai Roshwald
With a dark, dystopian theme, Level 7 is often considered a post apocalyptic counterpart to Huxley’s A Brave New World and Orwell’s 1984. The story’s protagonist is a solider, a man whose entire life is dedicated to commanding his nation’s nuclear weapons. When war is declared, the 7 levels of the soldier’s shelter begin to fill with military and civilian personnel – and it falls to the solider to initiate nuclear Armageddon.
Non-fiction
6. SAS Survival Handbook by John 'Lofty' Wiseman
When it comes to survival strategies, there can be no better resource than SAS Survival Handbook by John 'Lofty' Wiseman. This comprehensive guide is packed with information on everything from basic first aid and navigation skills, to fire-starting and self-defence, to critical emergency preparedness tips and disaster-resistant building techniques. The book covers a wide range of scenarios, including urban and wilderness survival, so no matter where you are when SHTF, the SAS Survival Handbook will help you get through it.
With over 30 years of experience in the British Special Air Service (SAS), Wiseman is an expert on all things survival-related, and his book is widely considered to be the Bible of survival manuals. Whether you find yourself lost in the wilderness or caught up in the midst of a real-life SHTF scenario, this book has all the tools you need to stay safe and survive whatever comes your way.
7. Where There is No Doctor by David Werner
The book Where There is No Doctor is a comprehensive resource for medical care in developing countries and other areas prone to shortages of medical personnel. Written by international aid worker David Werner, it provides detailed information about symptoms and treatments for a wide range of illnesses as well as practical guidelines on running clinics, health education, and delivering babies.
In a true SHTF scenario, survivors will need to contend with serious injuries in a world without access to hospitals and doctors. So whether you want to prepare to become your community's nominated medic, or you simply want to prepare for situations with limited access to medical care, this book is an essential guide that covers everything from basic sanitation and hygiene practices to complex surgical procedures.
8. Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury
Bushcraft 101 is a comprehensive guide to living and surviving in the wild. Written by survival expert Dave Canterbury, it covers everything from basic shelter construction and fire-making techniques to foraging for food and finding your way through the wilderness.
Sheltering in place is likely to be your best bet in the early stages of a SHTF event, but after days and months have elapsed, it may become time to head out into nature in search of safety and support. In that situation, Bushcraft 101 will help you make the most of your time in nature. With clear step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations, this book is an essential resource for anyone looking to gain greater mastery over their environment, covering skills like tree felling and fire starting, to traps and snares, to plant identification and animal tracking.
9. Nuclear War Survival Skills by Cresson H. Kearny
Written by a top nuclear scientist and emergency preparedness expert, the book provides detailed information on how to prepare for and survive a nuclear war. It covers everything from what to do in the event of an attack to how to build and use basic survival tools, like water filters and makeshift shelters.
Whether you're looking for answers on practical matters like how to treat radiation sickness or more abstract concerns like understanding your own psychological reactions in the aftermath of an attack, this book has everything you need to stay safe and keep your mind clear when disaster strikes.
10. The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse by Fernando "FerFAL" Aguirre
In the book The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse, author Fernando "FerFAL" Aguirre provides a wealth of practical advice for navigating an uncertain and tumultuous economic landscape. He begins by describing the key characteristics of a typical economic collapse―high unemployment rates, rampant inflation, political instability, mass homelessness, and more―and then lays out several strategies to use in such a crisis.
One approach is to focus on building strong communities that can provide support and help during difficult times. FerFAL suggests looking for like-minded people who share your values and priorities, and joining forces to work towards common goals. Another key consideration is maintaining adequate supplies of food, water, emergency equipment, and other basic necessities in case you have to go it alone or flee your home. Finally, he recommends that you actively engage in creating positive change rather than waiting around passively for someone else to come up with solutions. Whether you're already dealing with an economic crisis or are simply preparing yourself for what lies ahead, this book is full of indispensable guidance on how to stay afloat amidst rocky waters.
No one knows exactly what will happen during a SHTF event, but by reading and preparing yourself with the best SHTF books available, you'll be in a much better position to face whatever comes your way.
From understanding how to survive when all else fails, to learning how to build community and navigate difficult economic times, these ten books provide essential advice that can help you stay safe and sane during even the worst of disasters.
