Books to Read if You Like The Walking Dead
By Amber Johnson, Youth Services Library Assistant
A post-apocalyptic story at its finest, The Walking Dead tells the story of sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes, after he wakes from a coma to find the world infested with “walkers.” Survival becomes tantamount to Rick and the people he meets along the way, as they try to avoid the ever-growing zombie population. This show, for some, has become more than just a story with zombies. It has become a commentary on the nature of violence and the lengths to which we go to survive and thrive. As the second part of season seven begins tonight, here are some books that might pique your interest.
Feed by Mira Grant
The zombie apocalypse has happened, but information regarding it doesn’t seem to be very widespread. Mainstream news has yet to reveal what the infected are actually doing, but bloggers Georgia and Shaun Mason are shouting the truth loud for all to hear. When they are asked to be a part of the presidential campaign, they find out that the zombies themselves might not be their worst enemies.
Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The only world Mary has ever known has been inside the walls of her community. The Guardians serve to protect the community from the Unconsecrated, who live beyond the wall and seek to turn people into their own, into the undead. In this softer, less violent story, Mary seeks to understand her world and the limitations that have been set before her, wondering what kind of threat the Unconsecrated actually hold for her.
Partials by Dan Wells
The human race has been ravaged by a weaponized virus, and the survivors are currently hiding out on Long Island. Living under mandatory pregnancy laws and in such close quarters, the community is finding it hard to maintain sanity and composure. Sixteen-year-old Kira is doing everything in her power as a medic not only to reclaim immunity for humans, but also to keep those still living from taking each other out.
Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Benny Imura wants more out of life than following in his brother’s footsteps as a zombie hunter. Tom, his brother, is respected, revered and just insanely good at what he does. In a post-apocalyptic world in which “zoms” run rampant, the job of bounty hunter has become even more important. As Benny wrestles with his animosity towards his brother, the threat of zombies, and the truth about his family, he might just discover more about his own identity in the meantime.
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
Nailer is a “ship breaker,” meaning he salvages parts and pieces from old ships, in hopes of finding something to build a life on. While fortunate enough to have the opportunity to salvage, Nailer goes home to a shanty town and a deadbeat dad. The idea of rising above this life of poverty and hopelessness is beyond his imagination. When he discovers a survivor on one of the boats, a wealthy girl named Nita, he has to decide what to do next. Kill her and take all her wealth? Or help her out, trusting his chance at a better life will come soon?
This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
The end of the world has arrived, and six students are hiding out in their school, listening to the sounds of zombies trying to get in. The situation seems dire, but to Sloane, the world collapsed before the apocalypse happened. With not much left to live for, Sloane gets to watch her classmates struggle to understand their new reality and learn how to interact with each other.
After you’ve hunkered down to watch the beginning of the second part of this season, be sure to stop by the library to check out these titles. Or if you’re new to The Walking Dead series, use your library card to check out the seasons on DVD.