Is it me, or does it seem like there are a heck of a lot of sub-quaility “survival books” on the market? Granted there are a few really good or even notable books being published, but it also seems a lot of crap has infiltrated the market (and I’ve read almost every title it would seem).
As with any “worst of list” the items making up the list are a matter of personal opinion and are open for debate.
This is my list.
Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse: I’ll admit not reading this “novel” from beginning to end. I made it about half way through, before giving up in anguish.
The the book has been refered to as a survival manual hidden in a novel, unfortunately for the reader the author doesn’t know if he wants to write a novel, how to guide, weapons catalogue or religious manifesto.
There are a few tidbits of useful information hidden within the pages, but wading through all the other stuff to find it isn’t worth the effort.
Rawles Gets You Ready Preparedness Course: I know what you’re thinking two Rawles books on my “worst of list” seems as if I’m picking on the poor fellow, but I’m not.
I actually thought his latest effort “How to Survive the end of the world as we know it” was very good and worth reading – recommended.
Rawles Gets You Ready on the other hand is way overpriced with little usable information. Read my full review here.
The Survivor volumes 1-2-3 and 4: This is Kurt Saxons attempt at a preparedness resource. Basically a collection of reprints from Popular Mechanics / Science from the 40′s and 50′s, with perhaps 10% original content.
Mostly crafts, toy making and outdated plans for projects that have little to with survival, many using components that are difficult or impossible to get at present.
Survival Guns: Mel Tappan wrote Survival Guns in 1979. At the time it was the go to guide for survival guns and related information, now much of the content and recommendations are outdated and of little use to the reader.
Some of his suggestions never made sense to me. For instance; why two weapons for the same purpose in two different calibers. Would it not make more sense to have two of the same model and caliber simplifying parts and ammunition interchangeability?
I suggest Boston’s Gun Bible instead. It’s more up to date, but it too will soon be outdated and of little use to the reader, this can be expected with any such book.
The Modern Survival Retreat: While Ragnar Benson has written some great books in the past this isn’t one of them.
Very basic information with the author only touching on many important subjects before moving on to the next. There is little devoted to actually building, defending or stockpiling a retreat.
In this regard I thought the title misleading.
His other books, namely “Live Off The Land in the City and Country” and ”Survival Poaching“ are excellent and recommended from here.
Zombie Survival Guide: I doubt Max Brookes intended this worthless tome to be taken seriously as a survival guide, but he does attempt to present its contents in a serious way.
In my opinion the Zombie Survival Guide is a worthless waste of time and paper best avoided.
What is the worst survival book you’ve ever read? Let use know in the comments below…
{ 77 comments }
I’m with you on Patriots. I could barely make myself read the book but I just kept expecting it to turn the corner….it didn’t. The one thing I will say about the book is if you start it from the beginning with absolutely no expectations for anything resembling a novel, you can get some useful information out of it. I really think that this was intended to be a how to guide disguised as a story. At least I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt on that one because anyone who can get the kind of following he has can’t be that retarded right? Who knows. Some of it was SOOOOO far over the top. Placing chainlink fence around the house to detonate RPGs? Attacking Tanks with a couple of guys on foot? I mean if you ever need this kind of information then your probably just as well off drinking a beer and playing horseshoes with buddies or something because you are screwed.
I have to disagree on Survival Guns. Though written long ago some truths never change. When Mel says if you can only have one battle rifle choose one in 308 is still true. He touted the Colt Government in .45 ACP & it is a handgun many still depend on in their daily lives. The HK 91 though somewhat expensive is still one of the most effective, well made, reliable man stoppers on the planet.
His opnion on pellet rifles in survival use was right on target. His opinion on not using rifles in pistol calibers, sticking with the basic calibers .223, .308, .45, & .45 Colt & .44 Mag as being the most popular & useful rounds to stock up on, buying gold & silver, items that will be most sought after after a collapse, moving to a small town. All these things are still true today.
Most of the guns he recommended are still sought after & used on a daily basis by thousands of people. The weapons that he said were useless are still useless even today.
Many new weapons have come into the market since that book was written, some of use to preppers, some not. If there were a Mel Tappan alive today these new weapons could be tested & we would be given honest answers & recomendations on which of these weapons to own.
He was touting “survivalism” in an era that gave us Jimmy Carter, The Iranian Revolution, & our first look at gas shortages. Maybe some things he wrote may not be as relevant today, or may not make sense, but when it was written “Survival Guns” was the book recomended to any who wanted an education on survivalism.
His opinion, thoughts, & writings 30 years ago laid the foundation that allowed you, me & others to think like we do today.
Midwesterner,
Right on the money! Stick to the basics, no sense reinventing the wheel.
Thank You, M.D.!!! There seem to be a whole group of books in the survivalist community which are considered “holy texts” and if you think they are useless junk, you get flamed. (I agree with you on the Rawles books, BTW.)
Another series of books that get all kinds of kudos (that I found to be generally useless) is the Foxfire series. Yes, one or two of the stories would give you a general idea of how to do something survival related, but frankly I get better information from Carla Emery’s Country Living (now THERE is a book that is useful. I’m on my second copy–wore the first one out).
And since I’m on a rant, I’ve generally found Mother Earth News (the current MEN, not the MEN from the 70′s/80′s) to be worse than worthless…UNLESS you have a trust fund and are independently wealthy. Countryside is soooo much better, as far as useful information goes.
Well, that was fun while it lasted! OK, I’ll shut up now, and let the flaming begin…
So what you’re saying is that if Kurt Saxon’s stuff is 10% original, then Rawles’ stuff is .004% original? Since Rawles rips off of Saxon (and many others also) constantly.
Just keep in mind…Rawles was an officer! He who can do is enlisted…he who is an idiot with his lips planted on the buttocks of his higher ups is an officer!
I enjoyed the Zombie Survival Guide because I did not expect it to be anything other than a jab at survival guides & zombie/end disaster movies. As a survival guide it would be a beginner’s way to start a discussion – and I’ve used it for that purpose. Pay attention to news & surroundings, don’t take news at face value, have an emergency bag, dress appropriately, and always think for yourself. We joke about “surviving the zombies” but it did what I needed it to & that was bring up the subject in a non-threatening, non-weirdo way.
Now I also recommend the follow up World War Z – not for survival tips but in my humble opinion, the attitudes of governments, the cover-ups, and other rationals (good & bad) are right on the mark. I esp. love when a military officer is interviewed & his thoughts on Americans being a win & win big society, abuse of American trust, war weariness & how it weakens the system- it is a great commentary.
If I had to have only one book I’d second the Carla Emery book – at least the ones published while she was alive. There is a new edition but I have not read it to know how publishers may have changed entries.
I’ve wondered about some of the books reviewed. We have to be careful of money (who doesn’t) and books tend to be geared toward practical. Prepping is practical but its hard to justify some of the titles of those books to the dh.
Being a novel, I wouldn’t lump “Patriots” in with the others. It’s “apples & oranges.” One other bonus to the book is that I know of no other novel which has inspired so many “newbies” to take their first step toward prepping. I have seen this first hand. I think that “Lights Out” and “One Second After” are two more examples of novels that have that ability as well. Of course there are always the classics like “Alas, Babylon”, “Lucifer’s Hammer” and “The Postman”, but these are all rather “dated”. Plus, “Patriots” deals with an economic collapse as the flashpoint, rather than a pandemic, EMP or full-blown nuclear war. Given our current economic situation, people can more easily grasp that as a possibility.
I’ve never read Rawles’ “prep course” (too much $), so I won’t comment on that. I did however feel like I wasted my money on his “How to Survive the End of the World…” considering there was nothing in there that couldn’t be found for free on his ( and many others’) website. I’d imagine this book would be a decent “starter” book for someone new to prepping. But for someone like myself who’s been at this for quite some time, no, nothing there.
I listened to Patriots when our library carried it in audio format. I also listened to The End of the World book by Rawls. I couldn’t listen to End of the World to th end. My world kept ending as I kept falling asleep. Patriots got me more into prepping mode. I liked One Second After and then I liked the Road. They were both novels so I was not expecting much.
I, too, disagree on the Patriots summary – I treated it as a novel, but with a lot of food for practical thought. Yes, there were many soapbox moments, but what author does not have a slant in their work? I thought the end could have been stronger, but I didn’t get the expanded version.
I consider it no more of a “survival” book than “The Road” by McCarthy, but if it can mobilize people to consider current events and give pause to their present state of preparedness, then “job well done.”
Yes it is wildly popular, but I don’t think that this merits the “top worst”
I have to agree with you on Patriots after reading it I was turned off to prepping for sometime.
Were you turned off to prepping because of the book, or was such a bleak scene painted that it seemed any preps you made would be negligible?
I certainly felt the latter – I felt like all the work and care I’ve invested wouldn’t amount to hill of beans if the plausible scenario JWR painted unfolded before my eyes.
I only disagreed that the book was bad (definitely not a “Worst 10″) – I couldn’t say I got a “warm fuzzy” from reading it, though.
I felt like there was no way I could ever afford all the stuff the author seemed to think I needed to survive. I felt like I needed to spend a half a million dollars before I could be ready. I maybe wrong but I think that book has turnered many new preppers away from the concept because they think you have to be wealthy.
True.
In Cody Lundin vernacular, I try to invest in as much “head candy” as possible. Best value out there, really.
At risk of a spoiler alert, all the preps they amassed in Patriots, they only defended against 1 semi-coordinated raid, and had to “change venues” in the long run anyway. The ton of equipment, ammo, etc. never really warranted the hoarding, but maybe that wasn’t the point – maybe just the mental process of investing, preparing, planning, and coordinating was the actual key.
Most of the stuff they did at the compound could have been done just about anywhere, really, but the location played into the plot of the novel, too. The whole story would have been different if the compound was located in Richmond, VA, for instance.
I would have to say that the Zombie Survival Guide is probably the worst survival guide I have personally read. Even from the perspective of a fictional viral-zombie apocalypse, (versus the very real, albeit less entertaining cultural-zombie apocalypse which is forthcoming) it’s full of bad advice. Flame weapons should never be used on the living dead, as they will walk around for several minutes before they expire and catch your refuge fortress on fire. Everybody knows that!
As for Ragnar Benson, I’ve read two of his books, neither of which was directly related to survival, per se. The first was “Guerrilla Gunsmithing” which I quite enjoyed, and the second was “David’s Tool Kit” which was a several hundred page advertisement for his other book “Homemade C4: A Recipe for Survival”. Apparently, he really believes that there is no problem which cannot be solved with the careful application of high explosives. Almost every problem in David’s Tool Kit was “Make some C4, buy my other book to find out how, use with care”. I haven’t been so infuriated by a survivalist type book since the last time I read a book by Duncan Long.
This is commonly known as the “A-Team Approach” – as in the action show from the 80′s… the solution to every problem is a gratuitous use of pyro and a couple overturned vehicles. I pity the fool.
My five and three year old brothers are now addicted to that show.
I’ve read JWR’s ‘Patriots’, and wouldn’t rate it in the bottom 10. It did have information on weapons and tactics that were helpful, and it also gives you an insight into the mind of a ‘Christian Survivalist’. However, the book was rather hard to finish and your main critic is right on point:
“unfortunately for the reader the author doesn’t know if he wants to write a novel, how to guide, weapons catalogue or religious manifesto.”
I found it fairly hypocritical from both a Christian and Constitutional perspective that JWR constantly talks about Christianity and the Constitution, but his main characters are free to kill, detain, steal, appropriate, administer justice, etc. as they see fit without regard to Christian Biblical teachings or the Constitution. I have no doubt that if I was walking past his ranch after SHTF, I would end up in a fire-fight and/or dead for no other reason than that he feels he’s anointed by God and has the fire-power to inflict his will. Not much different from any other feudal lord, brigand, or the U.S. government today.
Bullseye. My thoughts exactly.
By the time I finished the first half of ‘Patriots’ I felt sick with a strong need to throw up. Have to say it was the most awful thing I have ever tried to read. Poorly written, edited with little or no “real world” usable information. Number one in my list of the worst ten.
I’ve only read the earliest, shareware version (Grey 90′s). While it may have turned some on to preparing, I think it has turned just as many off, and contributed to the wild eyed gun nut/militia survivalist stereotype that hampers a lot of efforts to get folk to take it seriously.
Ancient Dragon
Well said and I could not agree more.
I think that stereotype is the biggest reason people don’t prep. People don’t want to be associated with the kind of nutcases that always seem to end up in the news. And of course, they’re the only ones in the news because they’re the only ones doing anything newsworthy – and often criminal.
I think Patriots has done more harm than good for the survivalist community could be why some people view us all ad a bunch of white gun toting religious fanatics. Way to go.
I believe people prep and simply don’t talk about it due to the negative stereotype, but judging by all the survival themed TV shows I have a feeling that stereotype will eventually change as more people begin to openly discuss it.
It’s all politics – the government would rather have a society that turns to them for all of their needs instead of a populace that takes care of themselves. I think that’s why you see survivalists villainized in main stream media. You never see anybody covering responsible survivalists, only the paranoid morons who shoot at the mail lady.
I think in the major cities a lot of people are unprepared not by choice but by lack of the necessary logistics. At least in the rural area where I’m from, almost everyone has a garden now and appear to be preparing for some future unknown even though they don’t openly discuss it. Hopefully they’re all survivalists.
I agree with some of the others, it’s not fair to lump a novel (Patriots) in with ‘how-to’ manuals. Comparing Fiction to non-Fiction is absurd, regardless of the similarity in theme. The mere nature of Fiction allows the writer to work without boundaries or rational rules. I would not compare a dog training book to ‘Cujo’. Get it?
I also agree with one the above commentors that some of Rawles suggestions for prep gear would require the budget of a CEO to accomplish.
I’m currently reading ‘Patriots’, and have read most of ‘The End of the World as we know it”, and understand that his attempt with ”Patriots’ was to take his “how-to manual” and put it into story form so the reader can see how all of the efforts of prepping can be put to use in an extreme situation. But make no mistake, one is fiction and one is not.
‘Patriots’ has no place on this “10 Worst” list because it is written purely out of imagination. And should anyone do their prepping based on a fictional novel, then they are probably already on Darwin’s hit-list.
JR,
Rawles himself markets Patriots has as a survival manual hidden in a novel.
So yes if it is marketed as such it should be judged on that criteria . You’re way off base with your comment that it should not be included in this list.
Even if this where a list of related novels Patriots should still be at the top of the list. Yes it’s that bad.
Okay, but the mere fact that it falls under “novel” means it shouldn’t be held to the same standard as some of the “How -to” manuals. It is intended to be written for entertainment and not as a resource guide.
I’m merely saying ‘apples and oranges’.
I totally agree that as a novel, it leaves much to be desired! I know I wouldn’t want to be a passer-by of their homestead in the story.
Keep up the good work.
JR< I somewhat agree with you. MD this was the first time I actually disagree with you. Patriot’s book is what inspired me more directly to prepping than anything else; it got me thinking towards prepping & learning more about the possibilities of teothwawki. One second after really got me more interested in prepping. It’s what caused us to become motivated or maybe it was the Obama administration. Yes, some books are old and outdated with today’s world. They may mention that about your book someday too. I was at the book store this last weekend, noticing some survival books & guides being so ridiculous; many are reference for the city dweller that has never left the city limits or the unfortunate perhaps. Every book has its level of interest & learning values. The cover of the Patriots book indicates it’s a “NOVEL”. I watched the Road movie not long ago, as the movie sucked, but the value from learning from it was inspiring possibly. Knowledge is valuable, if you learn one thing from one book or class, you’re more educated than many. There are pros & cons to all books.
I bought Patriots after looking at the high overall score it got, and after reading a few of the good reviews. How I wish I would have read some of the 1 star reviews before buying it!
This book is without a doubt the worst novel I have ever read in my life. Where to begin? First off, there is no real story involved here. There are probably 20 pages of blather in between every plot progression in the book. The plot will progress a little bit, then Rawles will spend the next 4 or 5 pages describing in painful detail weapon specifications, inventories, etc.
There is also no character development whatsoever, besides the fact that they are all a bunch of religious zealots. When they aren’t ambushing and killing communist cannibals (seriously), they are either praying, discussing religion, or engaging in other drivel that makes each page more boring than the next.
Their moral compass is completely out of whack as well. These are people who won’t eat canned food they find on the side of the road because they consider it “stealing”, but think nothing of accosting private citizens walking down a public street at gunpoint while they meticulously go through all of their private belongings, questioning them on each item.
And what is up with the author’s name? I guess it should have been a warning sign when the author puts his name on the book like “James Wesley, Rawles” What the hell is the comma for? Later on in the book they have a child at the retreat and they name the kid “Jacob Edward Samuel, Gray”. WTF???
In order for a end of the world survival novel to be successful, you have to be able to relate to the characters. after nearly 200 pages, I still could not remember which one is which. I found myself thinking that if I was in that situation, I would rather be out on my own fending off looters than living with these nutcases at their retreat.
To conclude, any body who gave this book more than 2 stars hasn’t read nearly enough books. It is total garbage. The only good thing about it is that there is some decent survivalist information in the book. However, there are much much better books you can read to get the same information without have to read 20 pages of some nutjobs blathering just to get a few useful tips.
I wish I had my money back on this book, it is truly pathetic and a waste of money. Buyer beware!
I too was wondering that the heck was with the comma in his name. Does that make him an ‘Earl’ or something? Commas are for companies. Maybe he’s “Incorporated” or something. That’s crazy!
the comma in the name denotes that James Wesley, Rawles is not the authors real name.
No, it doesn’t. Rawles has explained that the comma separates his Christian names (his first and middle names) from his family name (his last name) which he shares with other family members. James Wesley Rawles is his real name.
I purchased Patriots thinking that it might be an entertaining story in the “fall of civilization” vein, or a realistic look at what happens to “normal” people when order breaks down. Boy was I incorrect…
First off the characters in the book are wooden almost one dimensional people, after the first chapter most would realize that these are not people that a normal person could identify with, they are a group of wanna-be soldiers that masquerade as regular people, with their own military structure and code of ethics that really don’t seem to be based on the ideals of freedom and justice that the USA was founded on.
I could accept that the author had his agenda to push, fine. Myself being a Conservative and a proud gun owner I figured it might be a little ways to the right of what I believe but, whoa. Examples: Linking the Oklahoma City bombing to a government plan to simply scare the American people. The people in the retreat receive via circumventing the law before the “chaos”, parts to modify their weapons to fully automatic and it’s presented as a good and reasonable thing for someone to do…. right now. Two characters that are introduced via a shootout with state troopers that want to kill (yes kill) them because they didn’t have a drivers license when they pull them over. Worst of all the two brothers are held up like champions of the good and just, and of course they are church going Christians.
I lost all semblance of connection for any of the characters in the book before I even started to build it. I have to care about what happens to the people in a novel, and when I stopped a ways through the book and asked myself “What would I do if I met these so called “patriots” in a situation like this?”, the answer was; Run away, terribly fast.
Eventually the only thing you end up caring about is when the real “heroes” show up and kick these people in the teeth, but don’t hold your breath because apparently they are what the author considers the ideal template for a good, caring, freedom-loving, citizens. As a safety section worker I’m all for people being able to take care of themselves in a natural disaster or any type of crisis situation, and I would agree that if you turned off the power most people wouldn’t know the first thing to do, granted that’s pretty sad, but the model that this author presents in this book for people that are prepared and self sufficient is more like small groups of tyrants that would live on little kingdoms accosting anyone who was unfortunate enough to encounter them. The only redeeming thing for these “patriots” is that the people that they are set against in the book are rapists, cannibals, and murders. Honestly I found it insulting as a Christian, a Gun owner and worse as a law abiding citizen.
Is this about what is useful or the egos of both men?
Almost every book on your list I learned something from. “Patriots” is a novel, I liked “One second after” better, but I would read “Patriots” over 99% of the crap in my local Borders Books.
Frankly, I’m a little embarassed for you. The wheels are about to come off, there are more important things to focus on. If you don’t mind, I would like to pray for you.
Nickle Saver,
Go back and read the post slowly. I’ll wait…
Okay, this was my list, presented here to help my readers save. Your list no doubt would be different from mine as would that of anyone else.
Patriots was included on the list because it is often advertised as a survival manual hidden in a novel. If it is advertised as such I think it is fair to judge it to the same stamdard as the others.
Don’t be embarrassed for me – I think this post could help a lot of people avoid wasting money better spent on other needed survival gear.
M.D. Don’t worry about people like that let him masturbate to his copy of Patriots and have wet dreams of being the ultimate survivor after reading the book.
I’m just glad someone had the balls to say what they really think about JWR’s books I commend you M.D. for that.
K2,
Just lovely. Lord forbid someone have a counter-comment.
K2,
The word that comes to mind when reading your comment is “class.” Let’s keep our personal life to ourselves, shall we?
K2 –
I am unusually stumped – I can’t beat your comment.
Pig. Seek help.
MD,
A bit of an inferiority complex, perhaps?!! The recommendation of Patriots by a friend was what got me started thinking about all of this stuff 6 months or so ago. In fact, I found your blog because of this book and my thirst for knowledge. Not sure what you have against JWR, but his site has (as has yours) has been invaluable to me. His books have guided me and 1000′s of others along the path to preparedness. Seems to me that there’s plenty of room for all of us on the web today.
No, not everyone has the kind of money JWR’s suggestions would require, but this doesn’t make them any less important. My mom always taught me, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
It’s my hope that your up-and-coming book helps lots of others along the preparedness road and succeeds just like JWR’s books and many others that have gone before.
Regular Patriot,
In case you missed it, I recommended his other book “How to Survive the end of the world as we know it”?
Why would you think I “have something against” JWR? He does a good job editing his blog and his readers provide a wealth of information.
I gave my honest opinion of one of his books, would you rather I lie to my readers? My readers come first and it is my duty to be honest in my recommendations to them.
If I think a product or book is of no practical use to my reader, I will state the fact. If you found the book useful that’s great, I didn’t. Like I said it’s a matter of opinion.
MD
Don’t take the bait – rise above it.
You have displayed great objectivity, especially in regards to JWR’s writings and your work truly needs no justification. Besides, if you read the way Nipple Slaver constructed his/her thoughts, you need not engage.
I am a Christian and it bothers me to no end when people play the “pray for you” card – it basically states that they are better than you and that’s pretty non Christian.
WITWCT,
Thanks. And you’re correct.
You are right, I am a better man than you, thanks for mentioning it.
Ooooh Nipple Slaver, you got me … I am crushed, what do I do ….
If you are going to be better than someone, start by doing a little spell check on the word “Nickel” used as a pen name. What in the hell is a Nickle or Nick-Lee anyway?
You might have a little more punch with proper spelling and reasonable grammar.
Now beat that, pig.
(That very last bit was especially for you PND, I think you will put it all together and giggle)
Another classic WITWCTism.. Thanks for the levity.
Are you still dating your cell mate? I didn’t know they allowed psych patients to have computers. We are all so happy for you two boys. Will you wear white? TTRA
Damm right you are crushed, why the emotional response then little man? Waaaaaaaaaa!
Penny Pincher
You are really quite the emotional aren’t you? Sorry my little – beat it pig – went beyond you. It actually referred to your comments. Reread a bit you may catch up.
However, the coup de grace is that I did enjoy your sophomoric humor – cell mate, psych ward, computers, wear white really left me in stitches! Oh my gosh, that is funny! Oh, oh, oh, I can hardly contain myself – please stop, it’s just too funny …
Rawles may be wrong but with almost 20,000,000 reads he must be doing something right and makes you look like a piker with your less than 1100 readers. Somebody must think he’s doing something right or is it just that you live in a trailer on 2 acres and he has a ranch. What is your problem dude? you may not like the guy but he is sucessful. Who made you mister know it all? Your rants really get boring. Get a life dude at least he posts every day, and people make alot more guest post then on your rag. Ive tried posting before and it never made it on your site don’t except this on to maake it either. Discussed
anon,
I think you’re confused about the numbers stated on his site the 20,000,000 is an all time total of visits from the first day to the present.
The number you reference as to my readers are actually current subscribers. The survivalist blog gets an average of 4,000 – 5,000 visits per day with over 1,000,000 over the past two years.
Good luck
anon,
First of all it’s “disgusted” not discussed & maake has one “a” – but can someone really expect from you?
Secondly, who really writes the majority of Rawles site? He has contests that last for weeks on end and the readers lap it up for their shot at a little fame.
Thirdly, It’s a difference in style – something you probably cannot understand. This site is far more down to earth and relevant to the average Joe or Joanne who is looking for uncomplicated ways to prep and be a survivor.
Lastly … dude, do you shave yet?
You took the bait.
This whole Creekmore VS. Rawles debate is pointless – kinda like Coke VS. Pepsi. Both are successful and have good qualities, it’s a matter of taste.
Lets focus on the important debates, like Alabama VS. Auburn :-D
Of course I took the bait, I am looking for a little fun!
Alabama vs Auburn, is that a hairdresser’s coloring contest?
Alabama vs Auburn?!? Sorry PND but the Habs just lost and once again the Leafs have failed to make the play offs… Perhaps the Leafs will win the Stanley Cup just once before TEOTWAWKI… then again perhaps that happening will be a true sign of the SHingTF…
MD – Thanks for your explanations for why the books did not make the grade and then provide examples of books that provide better information. It is very much appreciated.
Could not agree more. This is about who has the biggest website, nothing more. Adios!
LakeLili – HABS? Hairy Ass Ball Scratchers? lol, sorry I couldn’t resist…
Smart ass comments about the Montreal Canadiens… And yet know one has touched the idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs winning might be the sign of TEOTWAWKI….
hey witwct, whatever the he!! that means. Who are you my old maid english teacher. It’s dissussed in the SOUTH! MORAN! wHERE THE he!! U GET UR LEARNIN ? KEEP IT COMMIN DUDE I EAT FOOLS LIKE YOU FOR A SNACK. You’ll think your doing somthiing here. But when the crap hit the rotary oscillator ya’all will be crappin in your pants .
anon,
Wow, you would to eat me – now there’s an interesting message. I can understand why you would want to remain anonymous.
Never thought about Cannibalism – giving you the benefit of doubt, wink, wink – as a plan for a SHTF scenario.
If this a part of survivalism that is “dissussed” in Rawles blog, makes sense why you are attracted there.
Go ahead and skip out into your pansy bordered front yard & proudly hoist your bright rainbow flag, give it your limp wrist salute and move on – Rawles Blog is definitely better suited for you.
WOW!!! ive never seen mud slinging here before.JERRY JERRY JERRY!!! MD ,this is why i read your blog .im a trucker with a family that depends on me to feed clothe and support them. after all the feeding and clothing and supporting,there isnt a whole lot of money left. your blog seems to appeal more to the middle american trying to do as much as they can to prepare on an income that is limited. it is down to earth and the most practical blog ive found concerning topics of survival and preparedness.im sorry its starting to atract the mudslingers and arguers but i guess all good things have those determined to make it bad.do what you do best. bring practical info to us and please dont engage them. it is a terrible waste of your time and everyone else who comes here trying to prepare for the scary times that may lay ahead. PS i dropped out of school at a young age to help my dad in the welding shop, when my brother was drafted,then i joined the army at 17. i have no high school diploma and i know i cant spell or compose a letter. please dont any body hassle me about spelling or grammer ar lack of proper punctuation. as the say in compton,,,,peace out yo
bctruck – I’ve had this arguement with my mother more times than I could count – book learning is a wonderful thing, but not having it does not make you incompetent or incapable. No need for you to ever apologize.
Drive safely!
bctruck,
The mud slinging is for the mindless fools of distraction … wait a minute, I sling some of that mud!
Some of it is in good fun while others really do NOT care about preparation and the uncertain times ahead and want sit in judgement of others making issues of the meaningless.
What makes this blog great & refreshing is how it sticks to the fundamentals of survival and supplies news about current events and allows to draw natural conclusions about our times.
A key element of a survivalist is heart, which you amply display – thanks.
I just finished ‘The Ultimate Suburban Survivalist Guide’ by Sean Brodrick. What a watered down, global warming-centered, rehash of stuff I could have dug up on the Internet in an hours time. It was terrible with a capital ‘T’. Anyone want to buy my used copy?
Wow. I’m starting to regret actually posting my initial comment. This has started to turn into a real mudslinging contest. While MD is correct in stating that “Patriots” is often described (and may have even been marketed as) a “survival manual disguised as fiction, it still is a work of fiction. Which was my basis for my comment. That it shouldn’t have been included among a list of “how to” books. I also should have stated that I know of no other FICTIONAL book that has opened so many new people’s minds to the idea of prepping, but that is just my PERSONAL observation. I think that that is what is so unique about works of fiction. It gives the reader the license to visualize based on his/her own perception of the material.
MD explained in his comments why he included this book in his list of “worst” and I disagreed. Maybe I should have just kept my opinion to myself. This was my first time posting a comment on this forum and I wasn’t aware that it would devolve into such mudslinging and name-calling. MD, my apologies. Thank you for the work that you do. To everyone else: in the words of Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along?” No one knows everything. Not JWR, not MD, not you and not me. I learned a long time ago that EVERYONE has SOMETHING to contribute, whether they know it or not. By refusing to accept that fact, you are never learning and never moving forward.
There’s no reason for you to keep your opinion to yourself. Just like you said “EVERYONE has SOMETHING to contribute” – even the mudslingers.
The mudslinging may distract from the core issues, but it still gives you a lesson in human nature, which is just as important as any other survival skill.
Anyway, for what it is worth, the mudslinging here is nothing compared to what you find elsewhere (Yahoo! message boards).
I look forward to reading your comments in the future, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and probably have a lot to contribute to this blog.
SGT Survival – I have periodically posted comments here for quite a while, and the great thing about this blog is that we are like a great big family – more so than any other blog I know of. We all talk smack to each other, and kid each other, and pick on each other. But we all want to help each other out and hope we all make it through to the other side as better people and survivalist. Sometimes we can be mean, but usually thats to people like “anon 6:17″ above who is attacking M.D. and the other members of the family with what are obviously the incoherent and illiterate mutterings of a small man. I for one welcome your input and your comments have made sense and obviously are a genuine reflection of your experience. My experience was a little different. Vive le difference! or something like that. Trust me, I have had a few “family fights” with some other members, but that’s how we all learn. So, come on back, keep commenting, and join in on the family discussion.
Jack,
Well said and thank you.
I wasn’t crazy about “Patriots” but it did offer a little bit of decent info for a beginner in prepping and it also offers something very important.
It’s an ice breaker. Most people don’t really want to bring up survivalism to friends and coworkers but if you offer a “Decent book I just read” to someone then it could end up being an ice breaker and a great way to feel someone out.
This isn’t a strictly survival book but I’d like to recommend “The Last Centurion” by John Ringo. It deals with a lot of current events and the collapse of the United States from the point of view of an American soldier trying to get home from the Middle East. Interesting book.
WITWCT, I would ask what it means, but nobody cares! Really, NOBODY CARES!
Nicklee Savior
So I guess you’re saying nobody cares. That maybe but, it is spelled correctly.
These MD vs. Rawles comments are ridiculous, in my opinion. Both of these guys are providing a tremendous service, from different perspectives. MD is a shoestring type of guy, and Rawles ventures into topics that will require more money. I read and enjoy both of them.
MD’s list of bad books was COURTEOUS. It is his OPINION. If someone is a published author, they should be ready for criticism, and I’m sure Rawles is.
Point being it is a matter of style, but Rawles is obviously driven by marketing dollars.
Yeah, Patriots is terrible and incredibly overrated. Mel Tappan’s books aren’t terrible but very out of date and short on actionable information.
Another survivalist book that belongs on the list is “The Hippy Survival Guide to Y2K” by Mike “$50 Underground House” Oehler. The first section (152 pages!) was all about him learning about the Y2K problem. The much shorter subsequent sections were him just speculating what the world will be like post-Y2K and some brainstorm-quality ideas for survival.
Some people forget that Rawles does survival consulting. I no longer read his site but my impression is the site is propaganda to encourage rich people to hire him to tell them to buy night vision gear, bullet proof vests, and all that cool expensive stuff used in movies.
Yikes, quarreling over a book review. How silly for all parties involved.
Rawles seems a bit arrogant, but maybe he has reason to be. I don’t know the man, but I read his blog and find it interersting and somewhat useful. I do like the economic articles that are linked by his readers. Good to know where the economy is headed — further into the toilet, by most accounts. That is going to start the next Dark Ages.
So, worst survival book. Hmmm…can’t say because I haven’t read any, I get my info off the net. Best survival book, the Bible. Read it with a survivalist slant and you’ll get a whole new appreciation for it.
The only holy scripture i read is U.S. Army FM 21-76!
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