Poll

Just FYI, after some time has passed on this poll, I'll compile a new list based on our responses. Perhaps we'll get some good ideas on what to read next!

I'll always have a special place in my heart for Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon.

This will be an interesting poll, as it will be as much of an indication of what kinds of apocalypses people like to read about as their favorite book.

My favorite PA stories involve a plague scenario where the population is decimated, but the physical resources (food, equipment) are pretty much left untouched.

So to me, The Stand is the greatest book of all time.

out of those choices, the road. i prefer a nuclear apocalypse type of scenario for books. :)


but off the poll, my favorite is probably either the last ship or dies the fire.

Would have voted for Alas Babylon, but Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang, not quite JUST a post-apocalyptic read, still remains my favorite. Or Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. I suppose one could call both of these dystopias, rather than p-a books. If so, then log my choice for Alas Babylon. I have yet to read some of the newer entries.

World War Z is my favorite, but I haven't read all of the choices yet.

Earth Abides, by George R. Stewart

The best post apocalyptic novel of all time. Bar none. Without a doubt in my mind.

Released in 1949, a book written about a community of survivors. No superhero. No saviors.

If I survived a apocalyptic event I am confident that George Stewart's account of survival and society is what I would experience.

Originally published in 1949, "Earth Abides" won the International Fantasy Award in 1951, is included in "Science Fiction: The 100 Best Books" by David Pringle (both editions), was included in Locus Magazine's "All Time Best Science Fiction Novels" in 1987, and was a Prometheus Hall of Fame Finalist in 1990.

My personal favorite 'off list' book has to be Dark Advent by Brian Hodge. An often over looked work, it's far closer to The Stand than Swan Song. (don't get me wrong Swan Song and Dark Advent are tied for 2nd place)

I just may read too much PA. I've read all the books mentioned so far but Parable of the Sower. (even Bar None)

I agree. Earth Abides is amazing, with infinite re-readability and a poignant but believable ending.

Oryx & Crake

Canticle gets my vote mostly for its 'first in line' status (for me).

"Good Omens" is my favorite. I know, it's a bit different. If I had to choose one from the list it would be "The Road."

There ARE a lot, and many of them are highly original in their choice of calamity and interpretation of "what happens after." But for sheer epicness, I think The Stand has them all beat :)

Jennifer wrote: "I really loved "The Stand" by Stephen King and that was what I voted for, although I was tempted to click 'other' too, simply because I've just finished reading "I Am Legend" By Richard Matheson..."

And was it not exponentially better than the movie??

Of the listed ones I would vote for The Road. Unlisted, On the Beach and Lucifer's Hammer have to be included.

Cat's Cradle, no question! (Though people may also want to check out The Amadeus Net.) ;)

The thing I love about Stephen King is how he will describe the event "the super flu", "the dome", etc from several characters perspectives. It really allows you to get a feel for the event and how it affects everyone.
For me I'm drawn to the hows and whys of the event and King satisfies that.

Of the apocalypse books I've read, I'd have to say Lucifer's Hammer and Swan Song have been my favorites. I've yet to read quite a few of the 'classics,' though, so take my suggestions with a large grain of salt ;)

I said other, I choose I Am Legend. It's been my favorite. I've only read The Road, The Stand, Cell, and I Am Legend, as far as apocalyptic books go.

I chose other as well. The Earth Abides remains my favorite with Alas Babylon a close second.

I recently read Malevil, which was up there, mainly because it was recent, there were no mutants, and people still strove for some sort of civilization. Also, it showed how quickly people can be co-erced into following the wrong sort of person. It was a bit weird that no person or animal was harmed, and there was a solcialist overtone, but definitely a good read.

My first Post-Apoc film I'd ever seen was the Postman, and while most would say that it was a travesty of film-making, the memory of it held on for ten years when I'd recollect it and revive it in its literary form. I believe the book is even better than the film, for the depth (which somehow couldn't be squeezed into 3+ hours? - please!), and emotion. It is by far my favorite post-apoc book. Given, I've not read TOO many, I have dabbled here and there. The Road, while I gave it a shot, could not satisfy my need for complete sentences and therefore failed miserably (the movie was satisfactory however)

"my need for complete sentences..."

Haha! I had issues with that as well Sean. I also didn't care for contractions without apostrophes, ie. dont instead of don't. It really killed the flow, although I suppose it was intended to have the opposite effect. :-P

Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban. I like a book that makes me work for it ;-)

But not one (like The Road) that makes me do all the writing myself.

I will have to pick On the Beach as my "other" choice, mainly because it was the first book of the genre that really got me hooked on this whole PA thing.

There are so many good ones but I'm gonna have to put The Passage by Justin Cronin on the top. It was just so well done.

This list is pretty much post apocalyptic than apocalyptic, if you want to be technical about it ... my favorite apocalyptic book is Fail Safe, but for the purposes of the poll I chose Canticle for Leibowitz.

Swan Song is my first choice.

One Second After is so far my favorite PA book.

Sean wrote: "My first Post-Apoc film I'd ever seen was the Postman, and while most would say that it was a travesty of film-making, the memory of it held on for ten years when I'd recollect it and revive it in ..."

The book is even better than the film!

Poll is now closed... will be putting up version 2.0 shortly!