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All-star cast chronicles zombie attack in 'World War Z'

Date published: 2/1/2007

BY SAM KRIEG

Author Max Brooks has taken it upon himself to answer the question, "What would you do if zombies attacked?" Already an authority on the subject with his "Zombie Survival Guide," Brooks' newest piece of work is titled "World War Z." It is about humanity's various reactions to a worldwide zombie infection.

Released in audiobook form, the story is presented as historical documentation, set a few short years after the official end of the Zombie War. While a purist may say that audiobooks don't stimulate the imagination as much as print books, "World War Z" proves the critics wrong.

The events are chronicled from beginning to end: From an unknown source, the infection begins in China and then rapidly spreads throughout the rest of the world. Initially, humanity reels, taken aback by the tide of walking dead. However, after several years and costly mistakes, nations begin fighting to retake their land. Eventually, the living-dead epidemic is reduced to a nuisance.

The story recollects events from all over the world. Each part of the story is told by an eyewitness or a participant in the event. Max Brooks plays himself, as the world-traveling interviewer. A great cast of actors helps the stories come alive. Names like Rob Reiner, Mark Hamill, Henry Rollins and Alan Alda stand out in particular.

The story is very detailed, which also helps the listener get immersed in it. From the different slang terms that develop for the walking dead, to the vivid battle descriptions, to the fact that Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" is played for American soldiers before they engage zombies in combat, the war-ravaged world is made very real.

With its total running time of six hours and price tag of about $30, buying and finishing this audio book may seem a tad unrealistic. However, it can become a wonderful traveling companion, as unparalleled amounts of time are spent in the car these days. I would recommend this story to any horror fan or war buff.

Sam Krieg is a student at Germanna Community College.

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Date published: 2/1/2007