It's the apocalypse, and you can only save one book. Which one?

Discussion in 'Discussion of Published Works' started by Robert Musil, Apr 18, 2018.

  1. John Calligan

    John Calligan Contributor Contributor

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    “Calculus Based Physics for Engineers”
     
  2. John-Wayne

    John-Wayne Madman Extradinor Contributor

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    How to Serve Man

     
  3. BlitzGirl

    BlitzGirl Contributor Contributor

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    I would choose "The Lord of the Rings". Not only is it three books in a single volume, but it has lots of goodies in the appendices. I have tried reading the entire compilation (minus appendices) once a year, if possible, so I already know that I can't get tired of it.

    Also, my copy has Sean Astin and Karl Urban's autographs in it, so...that's another reason to try to save it from the fires!
     
  4. Infel

    Infel Contributor Contributor

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    Anyone else for Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist"? ._.

    Dang I love that book.
     
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  5. Malisky

    Malisky Malkatorean Contributor

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    A Bob Marley's lyrics book. Coudjoubeeloooo!
     
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  6. John-Wayne

    John-Wayne Madman Extradinor Contributor

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    a book on plants and what is eatable.
     
  7. John Calligan

    John Calligan Contributor Contributor

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    Between us, the new darkage will only last a hundred years.
     
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  8. John-Wayne

    John-Wayne Madman Extradinor Contributor

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    Maybe 500, starting in 2025.
     
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  9. Some Guy

    Some Guy Manguage Langler Supporter Contributor

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    "eatible"?
    I lick like it!

    "How To Survive The Apocalypse" - Unknown
     
  10. WaffleWhale

    WaffleWhale Active Member

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    Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury.

    Eventually the apocalypse will end and the people who didn't know society before it need to know some of the mistakes we've made, so they don't have to make them again.

    F451 does a pretty good job of summing a lot of them up.
     
  11. WaffleWhale

    WaffleWhale Active Member

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    Well during the apocalypse and after it they can use physical books, so they could work the whole time, not just once they fixed everything.
     
  12. badgerjelly

    badgerjelly Contributor Contributor

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    The Bible seems like a pretty obvious pick right? Y’know, kinda of a good expression of humanity and human civilization (minus the negative interpretations of sexism, and wrathful gods etc.)

    As for what has given me the most, hard to say. I guess Crime and Punishment would be a pretty solid choice or The Picture of Dorian Grey.
     
  13. Iain Aschendale

    Iain Aschendale Lying, dog-faced pony Marine Supporter Contributor

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    Yeah, with all due respect to the religious (and that Denzel movie), I think it's a fair bet that in any post-apoc community of more than about three people, odds are the holy book(s) of the local population won't be Left Behind.

     
  14. Dystopiana

    Dystopiana New Member

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    I have to be honest, as someone who's favourite books are almost always dystopian, I could not get into F451! I've tried to read it four times now and each time I get bored about 1/3 of the way through and give up on it. I desperately want to like it given that the plot is so good, but I don't find the writing style pulls me in at all.

    My pick would be The Green Mile by Stephen King. I think it's one of the most beautifully written books in existence and couldn't imagine a world without John Coffey and Mr Jingles.
     
  15. Goodey

    Goodey New Member

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    I'd save the thickest book in the house so that it lasts longer if I decide to use it instead of toilet paper :) But if I'm serious, that would be a medieval history book.
     
  16. Bobby Burrows

    Bobby Burrows Banned Contributor

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    The Complete Illustrated Kama Sutra Vs. The Pop Up Kama Sutra

    If the Pop Up version is complete, then that, but, I fear its not.

    So the survivors can have some fun while repopulating..
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2018
  17. Some Guy

    Some Guy Manguage Langler Supporter Contributor

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    Complete survival guide. Or, the book of codes to underground bunkers! :-D
     
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  18. jim onion

    jim onion New Member

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    Looks like people already took some of my possible answers (LotR, The Divine Comedy, Crime and Punishment, The Bible).

    Joke answer: One of my own books, if I'm ever published.

    Sincere answer: "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius.
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2018
  19. Bobby Burrows

    Bobby Burrows Banned Contributor

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  20. DeeDee

    DeeDee Contributor Contributor

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    The Phone book. So much to read there! :D
     
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  21. Matt E

    Matt E Ruler of the planet Omicron Persei 8 Contributor

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    Since I could only save a book I already have, and could probably grab in a hurry, I’d have to pick up my copy of The Way of Kings off the shelf. It’s not a classic yet, but being 1007 pages in hardcover, it would make a decent bludgeon should I need to defend myself from the zombies. Not to mention that:

    Dalinar Kholin considered his copy of the in-world book The Way of Kings to be a suitable weapon to take on a god.
     
  22. Hammer

    Hammer Moderator Staff Supporter Contributor

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    This is where I will run into a problem... I tend to buy eBooks and borrow physical books from the library.

    Obviously I can't run the risk of running up huge fines during the zombie-apocalypse so I will have to rush through the nuclear obliteration to return my library books, which carries its own level of danger, and I will run the risk of saving something like an AA road-map of Great Britain or the camper-van cookbook for posterity

    (hmm - better start annotating my camper-van cookbook with zombie recipes...)
     
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  23. Night Herald

    Night Herald The Fool Contributor

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    It's also quite a lovely book, with the illustrations and everything.
     
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  24. SutkiKynyR

    SutkiKynyR Banned

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  25. Cave Troll

    Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

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    I will play fair too. And if anything else it will be great as a blunt instrument. :p
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