Earth Abides: A Novel

While working in the mountains on a project, Isherwood (Ish) Williams is bitten by a rattlesnake. He suffers through the ordeal, unaware that the bite probably saved his life. As Ish makes his way home to San Francisco, he finds that a pandemic has swept the earth and he is virtually alone. As Ish begins starts to experience the decaying world humans left behind, he locates a dog, a car and develops an urge to travel the United States where he finds pockets of survivors - not necessarily happy to see him.George R. Stewart's 1949 post-apocalyptic science fiction novel is one of the top ten books I've ever read. I was so drawn into the story that I had to call work and claim to be sick - I could not put the book down! The reader literally becomes Ish's best friend and travelling companion. What kind of civilization should return? Now, there's the question. Education, racism, rule of law, and culture - it all comes into question in Stewart's story. Truly, survival has to be to the those most fit. But, does that mean you have to read? Do yourself a favor. Read this book - while you can.