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1st out of 12 books
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How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It
The definitive guide on how to prepare for any crisis--from global financial collapse to a pandemic
It would only take one unthinkable event to disrupt our way of life. If there is a terrorist attack, a global pandemic, or sharp currency devaluation--you may be forced to fend for yourself in ways you've never imagined. Where would you get water? How would you communicate ...more
It would only take one unthinkable event to disrupt our way of life. If there is a terrorist attack, a global pandemic, or sharp currency devaluation--you may be forced to fend for yourself in ways you've never imagined. Where would you get water? How would you communicate ...more
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
September 29th 2009
by Plume
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I saw this sitting on a center stand at the library, and thought it might be interesting. Rawles is a survivalist expert, former U.S. Army Intelligence officer, founder/editor of SurvivalBlog.com, and a preparedness consultant for some very wealthy clients. That alone told me that this book was no joke. Rawles does lean towards the stereotype of a cultish doomsday prophet, but he seriously knows his stuff, and if you can avoid being sucked down the eddy of fear-mongering and what sometimes feels...more
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"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." - I Timothy 5:8
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one who believes we're on the verge of a great 2012 calamity or "The End of the World as We Know It". But there are a lot of different events that can interfere with normal American life. The dollar is continuing to fall, another foot is going to fall in the econom...more
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one who believes we're on the verge of a great 2012 calamity or "The End of the World as We Know It". But there are a lot of different events that can interfere with normal American life. The dollar is continuing to fall, another foot is going to fall in the econom...more
I picked this up because I read a review which gave the impression that it included more than most such books about working with neighbors/ communities in the case of societal breakdown. Unfortunately there wasn't too much of that, other than advice to store lots of extra stuff (especially ammo and barbed wire!) for barter and charitable giving. The author advocates living in a rural area to keep away from all the people who will be rioting, owning four or more vehicles that run on different typ...more
If you are wealthy, worried and willing to live in the middle of nowhere, this book is a perfect guide for setting up a safe home. We're talking SAFE. Natural disasters, terrorist activities, martial law - you name it and Rawles can get you ready to face it. Now, the average person (like me!) will have no way to accomplish 80% of the ideas put forth in this book. The good news is that the remaining 20% is still useful enough that I'm planning to add a copy to preparedness stash. And, if am ever ...more
Something about planning for "the end of the world as we know it" (TEOTWAWKI) is maybe better lent to the fiction format Rawles first committed to writing in his original book, Patriots. I say this only because while a book of lists and suggestions, practical and right on point, gets really tedious as soon as you realize just how much planning, foresight, and financial resources it will actually take to make a go of it.
Pretty early into the book, it was clear to me that I ...more
Pretty early into the book, it was clear to me that I ...more
This was not the book that I'd hoped for. The focus is more on accumulation of the right supplies than skill acquisition and mental/emotional preparedness. Also, the advice given simply isn't within the means of most people. Yes, I would like to have a 5 or 6 bedroom alternative energy retreat in the country, complete with four vehicles, livestock, and a fruit orchard. It is, however, about as realistic a goal for me as an airtight, self-sufficient fortress on the moon. Despite mention of differ...more
Will give anybody a testimony of provident living. Gives me nightmares now to not have planted that garden on my balcony...oh if only we could all have a retreat like Rawles. Some of the chapters went into far more detail on guns and ammo than I could handle--skimmed those. And I disagree with one or two smaller points along the healthcare advice, but this was overall worth reading and I'm glad I own a copy because I'll be referring back to it as my self reliance stages progress...
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Apparently, if you want to survive the "end of the world", you need lots of money (to buy all the stuff you'll need and some land to build a safe compound) and lots of time to get all this stuff organized and stored. I have concluded that, if the end of the world comes along, in whatever shape or form, I am going to the front lines to fight the enemy (instead of hiding), help the diseased (if it's a pandemic) or climbing up on my roof to watch the fireworks (if it's nuclear war). This ...more
This book was more of a beginner primer than I had expected. Most of the information is copy and pasted directly from his Web site. If you know nothing about preparedness, you'll learn something from this book. If you have a bit of background in it, you might pick up a bit of info here or there. He did address a couple things other books don't, like how to deal with the dead or delivering babies. But most every topic is just brushed over and you would have to find further resources to reall...more
Rawles writes simply and directly, and his words are smooth as the butter he says we should store for the end of the world. Though I disagree with his somewhat pessimistic believe in man's behavior should some world ending disaster strike, I do like some of his views on being prepared and ready to take care of yourself, your family, and your responsibilities starting with very basic skills. It was entertaining though, and Rawles seems like he'd be an interesting guy to have a dinner with, thou...more
Very intellegent writer. Many good tips. My largest gripe is that it's centered around an assumption that the reader can choose, buy, and then live in a place far from normal society. Surely that is the best place to be for a survival situation. However, in order to make the money required for such an undertaking most of us must endure living where most everyone else also lives. The knowledge of this book is left behind on the masses. I'm pretty sure the writer is well aware of this. He c...more
This was the first book I read on my Kindle after receiving it as a holiday gift. And in an amusing bit of irony, there's no book I would rather have in physical form WTSHTF, as Rawles likes to say.
My biggest shock reading Rawles' treatise on surviving a modern societal collapse was how much thought, preparation, and planning he put into this work. This is not a novel, nor is it a few pieces of advice tied together by stories and what-if scenarios. It's an instruction manual, and fra...more
My biggest shock reading Rawles' treatise on surviving a modern societal collapse was how much thought, preparation, and planning he put into this work. This is not a novel, nor is it a few pieces of advice tied together by stories and what-if scenarios. It's an instruction manual, and fra...more
For those of you who tend toward paranoia this is the survival book for you--Rawles takes care of being paranoid so you know exactly what you need to do and won't spend time second guessing if you really know or have enough of whatever you need. I'm fairly certain he and his family will be the last humans standing so I'm honestly not poking fun. It's just clear on the preparedness continuum that he is way over one the capital P prepared side.
Great information in here that I have not...more
Great information in here that I have not...more
Interesting read.
I think there is a simpler answer to Rawles complaints. Move.
The US is one country, there is a big planet. Go somewhere else.
That said, it's a good idea to read, just to prepare yourself mentally in advance. Have some idea of the time frame that you'll need to get prepared if WW3 (or Gread Depression 2) does break out.
He does make a lot of interesting points.
I think there is a simpler answer to Rawles complaints. Move.
The US is one country, there is a big planet. Go somewhere else.
That said, it's a good idea to read, just to prepare yourself mentally in advance. Have some idea of the time frame that you'll need to get prepared if WW3 (or Gread Depression 2) does break out.
He does make a lot of interesting points.
This book is an excellent resource for someone that is TRULY paranoid of the end of the world scenario, and is determined to start planning for it right now. "How To Survive The End Of The World As We Know It" is packed with useful information on any topic you need to know if you believe the end is definitely near.
I borrowed a copy from a friend, but I will probably end up buying one for myself.
I borrowed a copy from a friend, but I will probably end up buying one for myself.
The book gives a good overview of the supplies you might need in case of an prolonged disaster or complete societal collapse. I don't think retreating to a highly secure compound is a good long term solution however, and believe the only way through something as drastic as the author is proposing is to work together as a community.
Wow, I had no idea how ill prepared I was. This book is very helpful and thought-provoking (and somewhat overwhelming and scary for the mother of 4). I agree with other reviewers who admire the attention paid to being charitable and being part of the solution while still covering your own backside.
This has opened my eyes as to how unprepared I am for such a disaster, and how likely it is. However, this book is full of tips that are just impractical for someone such as my self; I don't live in the US & I cant afford to buy my own hide away retreat castle and stock it full of nearly everything.
Wow. James Wesley Rawles takes emergency preparedness to a whole new level. I loved this book because it is super practical. I'd highly recommend you not only read it but also take its advice in preparing for whatever incidents may be on the horizon.
Patriots is a better book, but this is also a good book for those that want to be prepared for disasters and the like. This isn't just for survivialist types either...it will help you plan for natural disasters and other "less controversial" issues.
I was ready for an intense read but there are so many lists of suggested survival tips that I actually got kinda bored. The book is definitely chock full of info but I'm guessing you can probably get this info on his website or by googling for it.
If you're going to read one book on the more extreme side of preparedness...this should be it. It's an intro, but a pretty darn complete one. Just the initial "hook" or an intro is enough of a reason to pick it up at the book store. ;)
Mr Rawles presents some good information for surviving in uncertain times. Not all the information is of benefit to everyone, but there is much to be learned from the book and it is a place to start in learning to live a self-suffient life
Great advice if you want to increase your chances of surviving when society melts down. For most of us that isn't possible but there are a number of things to consider even if you don't create a fortress in the back country.
Well, I won't be one of the survivors, it looks like. A very comprehensive exposition of what to do if you want to survive the collapse of civilization (AND you are very lucky).
Lots of detail on survival consideration. Great for those just getting started and, in cases, a good reminder for those who have been working on getting 'squared away'.
I gave this three stars because this was more of a fun read for me. I really did not take it seriously. But if the end was near I'm some what prepared now!
A lot of common sense. It was a quick read for me, like 4-6 hours. Save your food, gas, ammo and get a Short Wave Radio, anyways, good slant on survival...
Sooo much! Previously, I had an emergency kit that included a few tools, clothing, foods. Now I have a comprehensive guide to prepare for an 'emergency' type of world. Some areas I realize I can not prepare alone..will need help...will need knowledgeable help. What will you use for barter should currency be failing?
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