Journal

by Craig Buckhout

The year is 2054. Global Warming, disease, famine, and war have decimated the human population. Alan Trent, a particularly ambitionless man, who avoids trouble "just like I avoid poison oak and all other things uncomfortable," finds a set of journals while scavenging through a house for food in what used to be Washington State. The journal's author was a woman named Claire Huston. Her words inspire Alan to continue writing in her journals in the hope that by doing so "her humanity will somehow stay alive ...." She also causes him to do something wholly uncharacteristic -- rescue a boy from a group of men. He rescues the boy all right, but it's much more complicated than that. What follows is a deadly game of hide-and-seek, hardship, and survival, where, at every turn, Alan is forced to confront his own humanity.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic

516 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2011

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting way of presenting a post-apocalyptic story. The character development could use more work - some characters who were central to the plot were somewhat weak. However, since this is a series, perhaps subsequent books will do them justice. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I think fans of post-apocalyptic novels will enjoy it as much as I did. I purchased the second book, "Gabriel's Journal", and put it on my kindle, and intend to read it right away.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. A man finds a journal written by a woman who had died of a plague that swept America. Upon reading her words they encourage him to do something he would have never done, risk his life for anothers.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these end of the world as we know it novels. Well written. Just about gave it a 5, but it's not Robert Jordan (who I base everything on).

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Journal by Craig Buckkout reminded me of the Hunger Games because of the struggle to stay alive. Humans were struggling to stay alive and yet showing compassion for those they made their family and the strong desire to protect each other with a non-functioning government and everyone was in a panic for survival. People are moving, hiding, and trying to avoid everyone else because what ever they have will be stolen and they will be killed. Alan Trent carries a journal that belonged to a woman named Claire. He carries it to remember her humanity. I loved the adventure, and the strong desire of Alan's to be a protector, kind, and provider.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kind of book than I usually read, but what a page-turner! I intended to read a chapter or so and decide whether or not to continue with this one, since the book I finished yesterday was also an apocalyptic theme. I'm glad I decided to go with it because it was well worth reading. I like the style of Craig Buckhout and look forward to reading more of his books. I rated this one 4.7 stars.

[Rebecca Trotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid 5 star book -

There was so much action that I was unaware of how emotionally attached I had become to the main "good" characters, then someone would die and I'd bawl like I'd known them my whole life.

Good stuff.

[Aaron Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

very well written. I'm not a huge fan of diary formatted novels, however I enjoyed this novel and I will read the 2nd

[Ruth Casey May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

This book has highs and lows, but is a very engaging story. If you like post-apocalypse stories, you will enjoy this one.