One Second After by William R. Forstchen
Several years ago I read a book that changed my perception of civilization. That book was One Second After by William Forstchen. I know what you're going to ask (I'm good like that), "With such an extended passage of time, why go about writing a review now?" Let me start by complimenting the relevancy of this query; here, have a cookie. Now comes the backstory.
A few days ago I was browsing the BPL collection in search of a novel to satisfy my literary appetite. A couple of titles actually made their way in to my hands, but a further browsing of our catalog was necessary before hitting the checkout desk. Low and behold, it was at this point that a great discovery occurred. Somehow, without my knowledge, a sequel to One Second After had been written (One Year After). I feel a bit embarrassed in this admission. After all, as a librarian, shouldn't I be more aware of the latest and greatest titles? While I could offer up a myriad of excuses, some better than others, it would still leave me having to admit that a third book has been released in the series (The Final Day).
One Second After gives the fictitious, yet plausibly real, account of an Electromagnetic Pulse which is unleashed by terrorists above the United States. Transported to the region of Black Mountain, North Carolina, we bear witness to events as they transpire over the duration of 1 year. A crippling act which disables nearly every electrical device in this great country yields devastating consequences. Life is reduced beyond merely adapting in order to survive. It’s as if society is transported two hundred years in to the past. Now multiply the situation to the nth degree. Looting, gangs, cults, starvation, disease, all become the norm. Neighbors become adversaries, protective boundary lines are drawn between towns to protect precious resources. A new world order is established.
An apocalyptic tale, One Second After is a terrifying window to glance through. Yet with all its potential realities, the book is highly entertaining. Rather odd, I realize, considering the dark themes of subject matter. Perhaps because in some fashion the story is used as a makeshift wakeup call. We’re allowed a futuristic glimpse of ‘what could be’ before such a scenario actually transpires. To prepare, as much as one can feasibly do so. Of course, there is much that remains out of our hands as individuals. Citizens must unite and to continue encouraging our leaders to work towards the greater good. The merits of a quality story aren’t necessarily veiled in warm-fuzzy-feelings, but in thought-provoking lessons learned.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
This readers advisory brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.
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