I came across World War Z by Max Brooks from my sister. My initial opinion was a little unsure, but it defiantly came through as a great book. I would say this is the best horror novel I’ve ever read.This book is definitely different from others I’ve read. It doesn’t have a definite plot line and only one character remains constant. This is revealed through the questions of a journalist who goes around the globe interviewing survivors of “World War Z”. As the location changes, so do the different characters and each story is one of its’ own. He goes from the survival story of one families journey north to the horrific sights a downed air force pilot endures on her trek to safety.
Brooks does every single convention so well as well as others that it’s hard to choose between them. Everything was fantastic. One thing in particular that sticks out to me is the structure. He sets up each segment by describing the place and the person interviewed, sometimes explaining their career during the pandemic. Each character is completely unique to themselves and none resemble each other. There might be someone who goes straight to their story and the journalist (whose name remains unknown) rarely pitches in, or someone who needs to be pushed for questions before they give any information away. The book couldn’t have been written in a better format, he makes these characters all too real. As you read you will start to question yourself if “World War Z” actually happened or not.
His character development was yet another perfect aspect of Brooks writing.
“As much a legend for her temper as for her outstanding war record, it is difficult to see how so much intensity can be compacted into her diminutive, almost childlike frame. Her long black bangs and delicate facial features only reinforce the picture of eternal youth. Then she removes her sunglasses, and I see the fire behind her eyes.”
This paragraph is just a tiny feature he gives you for each character, making them extremely vivid and very real. He types the dialogue for each person with an accent, some very heavy and others barely noticeable, yet still there. I can’t stress enough how the story behind each character is all too realistic which just makes it so chilling to read.
Brooks has an amazing knack for details which sets him apart from all other authors. “They weren’t the way Hollywood portrays them, in suits and everyday clothing. Many were being treated when they changed. They were in hospital gowns and sweats, some even naked.” This quote is still an understatement for his amazing details. He goes as far as describing through one of the characters that they even saw zombies trapped in cars, unable to undo their seatbelt. I don’t think anyone else could put as much details into this books as Brooks did, it was absolutely fantastic. His details and logistics actually made sense, making the characters stories and the idea of “World War Z” very plausible. This book will definitely leave you wondering if it could really happen or not.
The way he implies how things have changed after the pandemic is amazing too. “He lifted his shirt, revealing a wound about the size of a prewar dime.” You will be asking yourself, ‘Prewar dime? What does he mean by that? Are they different now?’ It leaves you curious and begging him for more information.
I don’t think this review or anyone else on a Brooks novel can do it justice - there’s just so many things he does right. The review itself would be the length of a novel, you just have to go read it. Giving this book anything below a 10 is an injustice and I recommend it to anyone and everyone who can stomach the horrific tales and images Brooks will plant in your head.
Reviewed by Blake Beal
8th Grade
**A Note from Mrs. Hart*** World War Z movie rights have been purchased by Brad Pitt's movie production studio, "Plan B Entertainment". MTV Movies Blog reports on a recent post:
"World War Z" Is Actually Happening, So Get Ready
Buy your rifles and stock up your pantries, because "World War Z" is almost upon us. Bleeding Cool has the news that the film's cinematographer, Robert Richardson, is currently prepping production for the film at one of London's major movie studios. After weeks and months of delays and financial woes, it looks like the flick is actually going to get made. Thanks goodness!
Buy your rifles and stock up your pantries, because "World War Z" is almost upon us. Bleeding Cool has the news that the film's cinematographer, Robert Richardson, is currently prepping production for the film at one of London's major movie studios. After weeks and months of delays and financial woes, it looks like the flick is actually going to get made. Thanks goodness!
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