How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It by James Wesley Rawles

The Perfect Primerby JHaney

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October 29, 2009: How To Survive The End Of The World As We Know It

Tactics, Techniques And Technologies For Uncertain Times

By: James Wesley, Rawles

Plume Books

www.penguin.com

Reviewed by: Josh Haney

Copyright 2009

It was not too long ago, back in early 2008, that I had the chance to review Patriots-Surviving The Coming Collapse by Mr. Rawles. At that time no one was particularly worried or knowledgeable about swine flu, the global banking meltdown or quite a few of the other problems that seem to be popping up not just here in the states but all over the world. I was quite impressed at the amount of knowledge that he hid in plain sight within the pages of his adventure novel that was more than a decade in the making. I was also astounded by how many of the predictions he had made within it's pages were coming true.

Now we flash forward to a little more than a year later and, to quote from the author, it seems that the Schumer is hitting the fan. There are nightly media reports about pandemic influenza, monetary runs causing some countries to enter the beginning stages of depression and other specters that would cause even the most skeptical among us to rethink their position. So, it's no surprise that Mr. Rawles has stepped forward to once again offer some guidance to those that have never considered the end of the world as we know it, or TEOTWAWKI in survivalist circles.

This time there is no pretense of fiction, just straight-forward tactical advice that can get even the least prepared up to speed in a remarkably short time. The information is presented in a straightforward manner, reading like wisdom from a trusted family member. And instead of giving you a one size fits all solution to the logistics involved, there are discussions on which pieces of the puzzle are more important to your clan.

As I read this book, I was in the middle of a cross-country move to a safer locale for my kin and as I got through the chapters I realized that some of my well-placed notions needed to be rethought. With this book in my back pocket and the contractor's number on speed dial, I was able to fix holes that had appeared in my plans before I reached a point where there would be no fixing them. Now when the SHTF I won't be kicking myself for things that I hadn't even considered being a problem. I'll have my family squared away, safe and sound, with enough left over to help out the neighbors.

If I have any complaint it's that the book was to short! Clichéd I know, but I wanted more information, more of his clear-cut data gathered from years of studying this very subject, more of exactly what the title offers. Luckily there are enough web links, companies and organizations listed as references, as well as Mr. Rawles very own SurvivalBlog, that anything not contained within these pages is still just a few clicks (or calls) away. You've really got to admire someone whose goal is to get you prepared, even if he has to send you elsewhere to make that happen.

It's that dedication to the subject matter that makes me recommend this to folks who are just starting to get their heads in the game. While other writers have released books that are no more than cobbled together recipes for disaster, this is a functional primer that is just as pertinent to those of us who think we have our game plan worked out.

If the world comes to an end with a whimper, as T.S. Eliot so succinctly put it, or kicking and...

A Great Resource and Survival Reference Workby JCRefuge

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August 15, 2009: I'm fortunate to have been provided a pre-publication review copy of James Wesley, Rawles' new book, "How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It." The book is due out September 29.

In a nutshell, it's an excellent, well-organized handbook for the thinking man (or woman) who wants to be absolutely ready for uncertain times. Rawles is preeminently known around the world as an expert in many of the related fields surrounding survival in the 21st century. His blog, www.survivalblog.com is number one in an increasingly crowded field, and for good reason.

The man has demonstrated impeccable character and judgment and encyclopedic cognizance through the years. His background and training were years in the making, but his expertise was quickly recognized in his first best-seller, "Patriots, a Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse." Since then, Rawles' blog has exploded in application and acclaim as people struggle to come to terms with a threatening world increasingly discouraging and unfamiliar. In fact, his following is as loyal, respectful, ardent, and eager to contribute as an online audience comes.

In this latest major contribution to the survival genre, Mr. Rawles has put together some of the best advice and guidance for beginners and experts alike that can be found in one place. Can anyone today actually feel in control without having consulted the extensive knowledge base of THE guy who hundreds of thousands of like-minded individuals rely on?

I too am in the field of survival. With a similar background to Jim Wesley, Rawles, my calling was to find a way to get people needed supplies and gear in the most economical and trustworthy ways I could arrange. There are a fast-growing number of people like us who understand that our future will likely call upon people everywhere to fall back on traditional skills and habits and draw upon resources that today most would see as quaint, remote, and even disagreeable. To get a clear view of the future, one should take an unbiased look into the past.

We have built up a complex, fragile society relying upon technologies that literally provide most of the population with crucial life support. Any leg holding up that immense infrastructure that supports modern life can suddenly give way. If that happens, it could bring about a total, irreparable collapse of the whole shootin' match ... in dramatic fashion. We know from events like the Hurricane Katrina aftermath that rescue and rehabilitation initiatives from the great I-AMs in federal high places will be sorely inadequate. Lesson learned--be personally ready or suffer greatly.

I like to give practical gifts away to my customers, friends, and relatives. Sometimes, these gifts are potential life-savers. Eye-opening books such as "How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It" are perhaps the most popular and well-received gifts I give away. I know this title will change some lives, so I already have my initial order in for several dozen copies. That is the best way I can express my appreciation and endorsement for a product--and this book is worthy.

I Also Recommend: Patriots.