Wilson's Survival Reading List

[Wilson]

I read a lot. Some would argue too much.

Anyway, here's my short list of absolute must-reads for those interested in making it through the hardships to come and generally be better prepared.


Patriots by James Wesley, Rawles
Chapters Link: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Patriots-Surviving-the-Coming-Collapse-James-Wesley-Rawles/9781569755990-item.html?ikwid=patriots&ikwsec=Home
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-Surviving-James-Wesley-Rawles/dp/156975599X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314300689&sr=8-1

I just recently picked this one up, and after reading it I severely regret not grabbing it a long time ago. Rawles has written what I preach pretty much word for word, and the opening chapters of Patriots is like sitting in a conversation with my crew and I. If you only purchase and read one survival novel, make it this one.
One thing to keep in mind about Patriots is that it is written as a "do exactly what these folks do" fictionalized survival manual. At times the thinking that leads them to do what they do doesn't seem entirely realistic, and it is not - the group of survivors in this novel are an idealized bunch, and they come upon the proper methods of doing things far too quickly.. but it is for the readers benefit. The majority of complaints about Patriots are from people who don't understand the point of the novel, which is to teach the reader essential skills and demonstrate their employment; the "story" is only there to serve the various demonstrations, so keep that in mind when reading. Included within its pages are many shoutouts to good survival books, including some of my suggestions below - you would not be doing yourself a disservice by picking those up as well!


Lights Out, by David Crawford
Chapters Link: Unavailable, Amazon exclusive (the web version is free to download).
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Lights-Out-David-Crawford/dp/0615427359/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314301154&sr=8-1

Lights Out is a great novel that follows a similar theme to Patriots, though it goes into far greater detail (and you can tell just from hefting it, it's about twice as large) with specific instructions for many different practical techniques. What sets Lights Out apart is that it explores the electromagnetic pulse SHTF scenario, which compounds the effects of a conventional societal collapse and demonstrates what an ad hoc community can accomplish.


One Second After by William R. Forstchen
Chapters Link: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/One-Second-After-William-R-Forstchen-William-R-Forstchen/9780765356864-item.html?ikwid=one+second+after&ikwsec=Home
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/One-Second-After-William-Forstchen/dp/0765356864/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314301599&sr=8-1

Probably the best written of my suggestions so far, One Second After follows a man, his family, and his small mountain community during and after an EMP strike. It's a bleak rendition of a popular scenario, and really touches on the realities of such a situation. This is among the more realistic SHTF novels that I've picked up, with a sobering gut-punch from reality which brings home the message that even if you do everything by the book, there will still be painful losses and tremendous hardships to overcome. This is the book that I hand to non-preppers, non-sheepdogs, and non-survivalists that I wish to convert to our mindset and bring onto The Page.


The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour
Chapters Link: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Self-Sufficient-Life-How-Live-John-Seymour/9780756654504-item.html?ikwid=the+self-sufficient+life+and+how+to+live+it&ikwsec=Home
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Self-Sufficient-Life-How-Live/dp/0756654505/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314302552&sr=1-1

This is my go-to introductory farming textbook. While it doesn't get into the seriously technical requirements of individual crops or livestock, it provides a pleasant introduction to living the good life on your own holding. This book covers everything from land preparation, tool selection, planting, harvesting, preservation, etc. This is a must-have, even if you don't own acreage - there's things that even an apartment dweller can utilize and help bring down their monthly expenses.


Survive! Ultimate Edition by Les Stroud
Chapters Link: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Survive-Ultimate-Edition-Les-Stroud/9781554686377-item.html?ikwid=survive&ikwsec=Books
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Survive-Ultimate-Stroud/dp/1554686377/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1314302836&sr=8-2

Stroud's Survive! is your typical outdoor survival manual, along the sames lines as the venerable SAS Survival Guide, but with more complete information, better instructions, and beautiful photography and artwork. This book has replaced all of my wilderness survival handbooks. Support a local author!


Emergency War Surgery by NATO
Link: http://f4fs.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Survival-Guide-6.pdf
Link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/12933035/NATO-Emergency-War-Surgery
Link: http://www.google.ca/#sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&source=hp&q=Emergency+War+Surgery+NATO+Handbook&pbx=1&oq=Emergency+War+Surgery+NATO+Handbook&aq=f&aqi=g2g-v1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1916l3081l1l3398l9l8l0l6l6l1l212l552l0.2.1l3l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=4ca7f742fc3e6bb9&biw=1920&bih=967
(Use any of the links provided, I include them for the sake of redundancy)

Medicine is so often overlooked by the survivalist that it makes me sick (no pun intended). This is an excellent resource and it gives you the knowledge of what to do when shit goes really, really bad. While nothing will replace professional emergency medical training, it is better to have the handbook and memorize its details than to know nothing at all. So grab it, and read it!

[Waif]

Many titles can be found on Scribd

That's where I found my Copy of "One Second After"

[Wilson]

I find it to be hard on the eyes to read for extended periods on a computer monitor. These are all good books and well worth the small amount that it would cost to purchase them.

Everyone here is willing to drop hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every year on gear... why not spend a little on some gear for the mind as well?

[Waif]

I find it to be hard on the eyes to read for extended periods on a computer monitor. These are all good books and well worth the small amount that it would cost to purchase them.

Everyone here is willing to drop hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every year on gear... why not spend a little on some gear for the mind as well?

I agree, But scribd can tell you quickly if you cant find it Easily


Paper Books Rule any day..... EMP Anything on Hardrive is Useless

[Wilson]

Not to mention any minor electrical grid failure can leave you without something to read!

[bushido]

When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need to Survive When Disaster Strikes by Cody Lundin

Ragnar's Urban Survival: A Hard-Times Guide to Staying Alive in the City by Ragnar Benson

Two other great reads, both cover how to live in a city after a collapse.

[Waif]

http://www.militarynewbie.com/manuals.php

Cody Lundin's"98.6 the art of keeping your ass Alive" was a good read

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