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Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Etiquette for the Living Dead
So, you've been bitten by a zombie? Bummer. But there's no need to panic! Yes, your life will be undergoing a major transformation, but this doesn't have to be the end-all it once was when the Disaster first hit. There have been significant breakthroughs in the last decade in helping you keep significant parts of your wit and dignity. Together we can limit the damage. Zombies for Zombies is a motivational guide designed specifically to make a profound difference in your accidental, strange new life. You say you don't want to become another one of those ghastly creatures you see on the news out in the Tempe Containment Zone? You don't have to—if you follow the great advice inside, Completely Revised and Updated Since the Containment Zone Disaster! "Face it, being bitten by a zombie is inevitable. Thanks to this indispensable book, we can finally stop making survival plans and start making the most of our new lives as zombies. Even for the uninfected, Zombies For Zombies is a scream."
—Daniel H. Wilson, author of How to Survive a Robot Uprising (20090918)
—Daniel H. Wilson, author of How to Survive a Robot Uprising (20090918)
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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685 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 11, 2014
3 1/2 stars more accurately.
My first thought upon receiving this book was that it reminded me of Beetlejuice's Book of The Recently Deceased ha!!
The author did a hilarious pain staking job of creating a "post-lifer" world where everything has been redefined or reconfigured to meet the needs of an ever decaying and growing zombie populace. Murphy covers everything from Etiquette to medical help, from fashion to hygiene, from exercise to sex, nothing is left out and is explained with an empathetic comical tone very much in the vain of the self help 'Dummy' books complete with side notes, other mentionables, post lifer recipes, and even recommended viewing on movies and TV!
A lot of reiteration but since the book is targeting the recently turned, I get the reasoning for the reiteration even if it does feel a bit like a cop out. I found that some of the parts that were suppose to be funny fell flat due to the fact that much of it was nonsensical in it's delivery. I get that there will be puns in a book that screams puns, and those weren't a problem (in fact the no duh puns used were quite funny). It was the random mentioning of something silly when explaining something unrelated... My Biggest complaint is the author's use of pop culture references when trying to make a joke. I have not heard of a lot of the people he mentions, and there for, the redundant "Doing this is like being ___insert name of person here, at a grocery store..." A lot of the references were stated this way and yes become obnoxious.
I love the chapter on the foods and alcohol. what not to eat and what to consume, and don't worry if your an alcoholic, there's a drink suggestion in here for you two! The book really does cover damn near every aspect of becoming a zombie and how to function as such in a human world.
The reminders the author gives to the reader to read faster before the brain deteriorates is humorous. For as quickly as the writer wants you to read the book, he does drag on points longer than needed and the reiteration again become tiresome and some of the points gave me the feeling that zombies would have a very difficult time digesting that kinda of information given the decaying nature of their minds.
The author is very sympathetic to those Transitioning and does a great job at providing products, advice and tips for all sorts of people and lifestyles. The names of the beauty products were clever and the company name Graybelline gotta smile out of me and PETZ (People for the ethical treatment of zombies) was another clever little twist on an established organization.
The engaging interruptions of messages from sponsors or little short stories to give you a taste of what you are dealing with are fun little commercial like parts of the book and all in all the author offers up an exceptional guide to the newly bitten.
My first thought upon receiving this book was that it reminded me of Beetlejuice's Book of The Recently Deceased ha!!
The author did a hilarious pain staking job of creating a "post-lifer" world where everything has been redefined or reconfigured to meet the needs of an ever decaying and growing zombie populace. Murphy covers everything from Etiquette to medical help, from fashion to hygiene, from exercise to sex, nothing is left out and is explained with an empathetic comical tone very much in the vain of the self help 'Dummy' books complete with side notes, other mentionables, post lifer recipes, and even recommended viewing on movies and TV!
A lot of reiteration but since the book is targeting the recently turned, I get the reasoning for the reiteration even if it does feel a bit like a cop out. I found that some of the parts that were suppose to be funny fell flat due to the fact that much of it was nonsensical in it's delivery. I get that there will be puns in a book that screams puns, and those weren't a problem (in fact the no duh puns used were quite funny). It was the random mentioning of something silly when explaining something unrelated... My Biggest complaint is the author's use of pop culture references when trying to make a joke. I have not heard of a lot of the people he mentions, and there for, the redundant "Doing this is like being ___insert name of person here, at a grocery store..." A lot of the references were stated this way and yes become obnoxious.
I love the chapter on the foods and alcohol. what not to eat and what to consume, and don't worry if your an alcoholic, there's a drink suggestion in here for you two! The book really does cover damn near every aspect of becoming a zombie and how to function as such in a human world.
The reminders the author gives to the reader to read faster before the brain deteriorates is humorous. For as quickly as the writer wants you to read the book, he does drag on points longer than needed and the reiteration again become tiresome and some of the points gave me the feeling that zombies would have a very difficult time digesting that kinda of information given the decaying nature of their minds.
The author is very sympathetic to those Transitioning and does a great job at providing products, advice and tips for all sorts of people and lifestyles. The names of the beauty products were clever and the company name Graybelline gotta smile out of me and PETZ (People for the ethical treatment of zombies) was another clever little twist on an established organization.
The engaging interruptions of messages from sponsors or little short stories to give you a taste of what you are dealing with are fun little commercial like parts of the book and all in all the author offers up an exceptional guide to the newly bitten.
February 18, 2010
I got Zombies for Zombies as a Christmas gift and enjoyed it moderately. Best read in short bursts, the book comes from a post-zombie apocalypse future in which some zombies (who make a strong effort early on) are able to keep roughly 30% of their brain function, allowing them to remain civilized. The book focuses on people who have been bitten and are undergoing The Transition. It's chock full of advice about how to survive with as much brain function as possible.
Some thoughts:
* It's funny, but only mildly so. As I said above, the book works best in short bursts because its humor is pretty steady--thus a sustained reading of a lot of it gets repetitive.
* Murphy replicates the self-help genre perfectly. The book is chock full of product placement and trademarked products for zombies. The world implied by the descriptions (with things like "costs fewer stamps") is a dark and creepy world. In some ways, it's a glimpse of what marketing people would do after the apocalypse--pretend that it hadn't happened.
* For the zombies who maintain brain function, the book spends a lot of time explaining their social lives and potential. The chapters on zombie sex are just plain wrong. WRONG.
Worth perusing, but I probably wouldn't recommend buying it. Zen of Zombie is funnier and probably less expensive.
Some thoughts:
* It's funny, but only mildly so. As I said above, the book works best in short bursts because its humor is pretty steady--thus a sustained reading of a lot of it gets repetitive.
* Murphy replicates the self-help genre perfectly. The book is chock full of product placement and trademarked products for zombies. The world implied by the descriptions (with things like "costs fewer stamps") is a dark and creepy world. In some ways, it's a glimpse of what marketing people would do after the apocalypse--pretend that it hadn't happened.
* For the zombies who maintain brain function, the book spends a lot of time explaining their social lives and potential. The chapters on zombie sex are just plain wrong. WRONG.
Worth perusing, but I probably wouldn't recommend buying it. Zen of Zombie is funnier and probably less expensive.
November 5, 2010
So you've just been bitten by a zombie and are about to change into one yourself? Well, fear not, you don't have to go all horde-y and go on a brain munchin' spree. Instead, you can read this detailed how-to book for the recently bitten as they prepare for their transition into post-life.
David Murphy has created a zombieverse where most of the undead go all runny in the head and turn into the horde, which are your traditional flesh and brain eaters. But I believe the percentage is around 18% that work hard to retain at least some of their humanity...at least enough that they are elligible to live in one of the Scarlet Shores facilities that have been built near the barricaded areas where the horde resides. There, these post-lifers get the opportunity to socialize with others of their kind, get quality meds that keep them happy with their diminished abilities, and overall, a chance to un-live as much of a normal un-life as possible.
This book was funny and a highly detailed step by step program to adjust to your new rotting existence by the author. The illustrations were top-notch and the book was pretty entertaining overall. I think I liked the two interludes that consisted of short stories even better than the chapter by chapter overview on how to prepare for your transition. I am not sure if David has done other short stories but I think if he compiles some more involving the horde I would like to check them out.
The author keeps a snarky edge through out this book and while I have to admit that not all of his humor hit the mark, overall Z4Z was quite entertaining. If you can appreciate zombie humor or plan on getting bitten by the living dead any time soon, this is probably not a bad book to add to your collection.
David Murphy has created a zombieverse where most of the undead go all runny in the head and turn into the horde, which are your traditional flesh and brain eaters. But I believe the percentage is around 18% that work hard to retain at least some of their humanity...at least enough that they are elligible to live in one of the Scarlet Shores facilities that have been built near the barricaded areas where the horde resides. There, these post-lifers get the opportunity to socialize with others of their kind, get quality meds that keep them happy with their diminished abilities, and overall, a chance to un-live as much of a normal un-life as possible.
This book was funny and a highly detailed step by step program to adjust to your new rotting existence by the author. The illustrations were top-notch and the book was pretty entertaining overall. I think I liked the two interludes that consisted of short stories even better than the chapter by chapter overview on how to prepare for your transition. I am not sure if David has done other short stories but I think if he compiles some more involving the horde I would like to check them out.
The author keeps a snarky edge through out this book and while I have to admit that not all of his humor hit the mark, overall Z4Z was quite entertaining. If you can appreciate zombie humor or plan on getting bitten by the living dead any time soon, this is probably not a bad book to add to your collection.
December 14, 2009
Zombies for Zombies is a spoof of the "...for Dummies" series of books, with various pop culture references to everything from Night of the Living Dead to Scarface. Even Steven Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Successfull People" can't escape the satire of this book, and is riffed on suitably in the chapter "14 Habits of Highly Successful Zombies".
So you've been bitten by a zombie huh? And you don't know what to expect? Afraid of turning into just another member of the mindless horde? Well this is the right book for you! Starting out with an explanation of how the virus will affect you, then progressing through other matters of importance to the post-lifers, Zombies for Zombies is the ultimate self-help book for the recently infected. Within these pages you will learn how to prevent yourself turning Horder, and learn all you need to know about post-life religion, exercise, cuisine, sex, and fashion! Learn about the government constructed Scarlet Shores resorts (only open to post-lifers who have completed the Z4Z course), and the huge array of wonderful commercial drugs that will now become your best friend (Thank you Quali-Co!)
All in all Zombies for Zombies was a fun read and mimicked the overly friendly and patronising style of the For Dummies series perfectly. A great book for a zombie fanatic, anyone who has ever read a For Dummies book, or anyone with a good sense of humour!
NB: Due to descriptions and diagrams of sexual nature this is not recommended for the young 'uns ;)
So you've been bitten by a zombie huh? And you don't know what to expect? Afraid of turning into just another member of the mindless horde? Well this is the right book for you! Starting out with an explanation of how the virus will affect you, then progressing through other matters of importance to the post-lifers, Zombies for Zombies is the ultimate self-help book for the recently infected. Within these pages you will learn how to prevent yourself turning Horder, and learn all you need to know about post-life religion, exercise, cuisine, sex, and fashion! Learn about the government constructed Scarlet Shores resorts (only open to post-lifers who have completed the Z4Z course), and the huge array of wonderful commercial drugs that will now become your best friend (Thank you Quali-Co!)
All in all Zombies for Zombies was a fun read and mimicked the overly friendly and patronising style of the For Dummies series perfectly. A great book for a zombie fanatic, anyone who has ever read a For Dummies book, or anyone with a good sense of humour!
NB: Due to descriptions and diagrams of sexual nature this is not recommended for the young 'uns ;)
October 28, 2010
If you have an interest in zombies (why would you be reading this book otherwise?) then this is a really fun and easy read for you.
The book was very on point and humorous with some cool, new theories that I really liked, for instance about the zombie "virus" not really being a virus, but a prion and therefore uncureable.
The splitting of the zombies into classes was also pretty cool. The bad ones of course being "the horde" and the good ones (what the book wants you to want to be), "the post-lifers".
It's a book that talks about sides of zombies you have never heard of (for instance there's a whole chapter about zombie sex called "the coma sutra") so it keeps you quite excited about learning more, but the reason why it doesn't get more stars from me is because around chapter ten and onwards it starts getting a bit tedious and uninteresting. Around that time I couldn't wait for it to end, which is very sad since I'd enjoyed the book so much up to that point.
There were some zombie recipes in appendix of the book which were an interesting concept but kind of a waste of space. I wish he had just left the last parts of the book out.
But would I recommend you read Zombies for Zombies? YES! I had a lot of giggles while reading this book. It's really fun and it takes very little time to read so you should definitely make the effort to do so.
The book was very on point and humorous with some cool, new theories that I really liked, for instance about the zombie "virus" not really being a virus, but a prion and therefore uncureable.
The splitting of the zombies into classes was also pretty cool. The bad ones of course being "the horde" and the good ones (what the book wants you to want to be), "the post-lifers".
It's a book that talks about sides of zombies you have never heard of (for instance there's a whole chapter about zombie sex called "the coma sutra") so it keeps you quite excited about learning more, but the reason why it doesn't get more stars from me is because around chapter ten and onwards it starts getting a bit tedious and uninteresting. Around that time I couldn't wait for it to end, which is very sad since I'd enjoyed the book so much up to that point.
There were some zombie recipes in appendix of the book which were an interesting concept but kind of a waste of space. I wish he had just left the last parts of the book out.
But would I recommend you read Zombies for Zombies? YES! I had a lot of giggles while reading this book. It's really fun and it takes very little time to read so you should definitely make the effort to do so.
February 19, 2015
Zombie for Zombies is a how-to-book and advice book, to living as a Zombie. A must for anyone who has been recently bitten. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a huge zombie fan. But if you add in a bit of snark, a little bit of humor then I'm good to go. Which is exactly what I found in Zombies for Zombies, I thought it was hilarious! This book holds all sorts of information that is vital to a zombie. From behavior, to grooming, stories of success and even tips to spice up your zombie sex life. Not to be missed! With the popularity of the paranormal I wonder if this book will spawn other books such as Vampires for Vampires or Werewolves for Werewolves?? ;)
July 24, 2012
The walking dead got their own for "dummies" book. The author lead the fresh bitten specimen trough the painful process of becoming intelligent and self aware zombie. The book took the life throw it away and present after life activities like being yourself, eating habits and dietary tips (with nice zombie bento included), koma-sutra (oh yes sexing is good for life after life) and other very important issues of polite zombie.
ehm
Please do not run, running makes me hungry.
ehm
Please do not run, running makes me hungry.
July 17, 2013
It starts off amusing, but quickly becomes repetitive and tiresome. It's a play on the "for Dummies" books but, similar to those books, can become repetitive and boring, and it ends up sounding nearly the same throughout. The bright spots are the "Tales of the Horde" which read like interesting zombie stories to break up the monotony.
October 23, 2009
If you only buy one Zombies Manual this year, this is the one to get. The recipes are to die for and I'm still mastering the Zombies dance moves.
February 6, 2010
It was funny, but no where near as funny as I thought it would be. Bummer.
Want to read
June 26, 2010i love how many people who've reviewed this have it listed as "non-fiction" LOLerskates!
September 27, 2021
While I'm normally a fan of comedic non-fiction which veers into sci-fi and fantasy topics, this parody of a "for dummies" book about recently bitten zombie victims starting their transformation into their new "lives" fell flat to me. It establishes a post-zombie almost apocalypse world where the book giving recent victims tips on self-help and a series of spa like retirement homes for the "post-lifers".
Unfortunately, the book is mostly a bunch of puns on brand names changed to reference zombies or dead, and while there's a bit of satire about the consumerism based society we live in, it lacks in the entertainment department for the vast majority. For a humor book, I want to laugh a lot, and this book made me chuckle maybe once or twice in the 240 pages. For the most part, while each chapter addresses different things, such as zombie fashion, zombie mental health, zombie diet, zombie exercise, and even zombie sex, it's essentially the same joke over and over, without a lot different from one chapter to the next. Overall, a good idea for a zombie humor book, but not as good on the execution.
Unfortunately, the book is mostly a bunch of puns on brand names changed to reference zombies or dead, and while there's a bit of satire about the consumerism based society we live in, it lacks in the entertainment department for the vast majority. For a humor book, I want to laugh a lot, and this book made me chuckle maybe once or twice in the 240 pages. For the most part, while each chapter addresses different things, such as zombie fashion, zombie mental health, zombie diet, zombie exercise, and even zombie sex, it's essentially the same joke over and over, without a lot different from one chapter to the next. Overall, a good idea for a zombie humor book, but not as good on the execution.
January 6, 2021
Me lo he leído entero en un día y aunque se lee rápido, más si no tienes gran cosa que hacer, se me ha hecho pesado en algunas partes. Lo tenía que leer ya para devolverselo a la persona que me lo presto y sinceramente, se me ha hecho muy pesado. Teóricamente es humor, pero yo no me he reido mucho.
September 11, 2017
Humorous "for Dummies" style book for the new Zombie.
March 31, 2023
Starts out vaguely amusing, quickly becomes dull and repetitive. The Tales from the Hoard within the book are pretty decent. Does follow the 'for dummies' self-help format pretty well.
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July 5, 2011The “host”, David Murphy, starts off by stating, “So you’ve been bitten by a zombie. Bummer.” Zombies for Zombies is a parody of the popular “for dummies” books. This time, zombies are the target audience. In the world of the book, zombies are capable of retaining some sort of intelligence if steps are taken at the very beginning of the transformation. This book aims at helping the newly minted keep their brains about them. Each chapter focuses on many different topics, such as how to dress as a zombie, fitness ideas, how to overcome the dreaded zombie stigma and even how to enjoy the ‘kama sutra’. Also included are actual brain recipes that should make any hungry reader salivate. Tossed among the pages are quirky quizzes and humorous illustrations that add a bit of snark to the text.
The author writes in a real tongue-and-cheek fashion which will have any zombie fan laughing out loud. The book is clever, and not overly gory in details, so even the most light-hearted zombie enthusiast could read this book over breakfast. Okay, if they’re squeamish maybe they should skip the brain recipes. All in all, this book is an entertaining addition to the many zombie books shuffling into the genre. Besides, if a reader actually becomes a zombie, this book could very well save not their lives (they are undead after all) but their wits during the whole transition period. Readers who like this might also try the newest addition to this series titled Zombies for Zombies: The Play and Werk Buk: The World’s Best Selling Guide for the Living Dead. I would highly recommend this book for general nonfiction collections in public libraries.
Contains: some mildly graphic descriptions and illustrations, references and illustrations of sexual positions.
Reviewed by: Dawn Stahura
The author writes in a real tongue-and-cheek fashion which will have any zombie fan laughing out loud. The book is clever, and not overly gory in details, so even the most light-hearted zombie enthusiast could read this book over breakfast. Okay, if they’re squeamish maybe they should skip the brain recipes. All in all, this book is an entertaining addition to the many zombie books shuffling into the genre. Besides, if a reader actually becomes a zombie, this book could very well save not their lives (they are undead after all) but their wits during the whole transition period. Readers who like this might also try the newest addition to this series titled Zombies for Zombies: The Play and Werk Buk: The World’s Best Selling Guide for the Living Dead. I would highly recommend this book for general nonfiction collections in public libraries.
Contains: some mildly graphic descriptions and illustrations, references and illustrations of sexual positions.
Reviewed by: Dawn Stahura
July 11, 2014
As goofy as it is, this is a pretty funny book. It's premise is very simple - it's a self-help book for the recently turned zombie as he/she prepares for life as the undead. As serious as Max Brooks's The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead was about preparing for a zombie attack, this book is tongue-in-cheek about preparing for life as a zombie. I highly recommend it for those of you who are interested in zombies and want some light, amusing reading.
March 19, 2012
Really funny, not as good as I thought it was going to be, but the author def captures the smarminess and 'can do' feel good attitude of self-help books that are anything but. Zombie life is def glamorized, which makes it more fun. Personally enjoyed the 'top 10 foreplay tips' for after you're zombified, had me and friends cracking up for days.
December 23, 2022
I received the book as a gift and tried very, very hard to like and enjoy it. I just couldn't and in the end never finished the book as I disliked it that much. While there were some funny parts, I found most of what I read to go on for too long and essentially to beat a dead horse. Maybe if the book were shorter, and lots of pointless items removed, it may have been better.
March 11, 2016
Really funny, not as good as I thought it was going to be, but the author def captures the smarminess and 'can do' feel good attitude of self-help books that are anything but. Zombie life is def glamorized, which makes it more fun. Personally enjoyed the 'top 10 foreplay tips' for after you're zombified, had me and friends cracking up for days.
November 13, 2009
A spoof of the "for Dummies" series this was a hoot! I am quite the zombie aficiando so this was a double treat for me. I loved the government sanctioned zombie housing development they were pushing.
August 7, 2011
very funny book,couldn't stop reading. I thought the hints were just hilarious, but my favorite parts of the book are the little anecdotes about the actual plague and zombies. I would love to see a novel (funny or not) in the setting, not just a help book
November 5, 2012
Oh good gods... a book to guide the newly bitten through their 'transition'. What a riot. Written in the style of the 'For Dummies' books, you're informed on topics such as diet, exercise and yes, even your sex life now that you are a zombie. Too funny.
October 23, 2009
I mean, who doesn't want to learn about being a civilized zombie (I mean post-lifer!!). It will be helpful for my Halloween costume this year. lol
December 31, 2009
Invaluable helper for those who have been bitten and are going through the angst of the Transition (even if shameless product placement riddles the advices). Go get it before it's too late!
January 8, 2010
Mail Order Zombie recommendation - bought for Scott Birthday 2009
Tongue-in-(semi-rotted) cheek parody of "For Dummies" books as well as a fun take on the zompocalypse.
Tongue-in-(semi-rotted) cheek parody of "For Dummies" books as well as a fun take on the zompocalypse.
March 22, 2011
Check out my review at http://zombiegirlshambling.blogspot.com/
February 5, 2012
I was excited to read this, but the novelty wore off after the first couple of chapters. It is funny at first, but becomes more of the same drivel after about half way through.
March 25, 2012
Ok, so I didn't actually finish it. It was fun/funny at first, but the jokes get old pretty quick. And its the same jokes over and over, and becomes kind of wearing after a while.
June 17, 2012
Written in a 'A dummy's guide to _____' type of format, it unfortunately read too much like an actual textbook for me to enjoy reading it as a piece of fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews