First BookBlog: Ashfall

Finally!! A post-apocalyptic book that is NOT about zombies!!!

 

     Imagine yourself as a teen boy by the name of Alex, about to play some good old World of Warcraft, when the whole world starts to shake, and the thunder made from a thousand Zeuses penetrates your eardrum. This is Alex's story of being alone for a weekend when the super volcano in Yellowstone National Park erupts after years of build up. The deafening booms, although far away, are constant and ear-ringing. The next day, the world is covered in a thick layer of Ash, and the world is dark. Alex is alone in this new world, his parents and sister left for a vacation a few days before. Alex must find his family. This is Ashfall.

 

I finished this book in a week, which is saying something because it usually takes me a LOT longer than that to finish a book. I just couldn't put it down. I got sucked in this doomed world, the new dangerous environment. The eruption changes people into scavengers and survivors. The ash ruins everything, from food to health. Alex has to go through many hardships to survive, finding a beautiful angel along the way (Of course it has some romance too; this book has everything).

 

Through my reading I sticky-tabbed some AMAZING sections. Readers beware, this book is graphic and has adult situations. A couple passages are graphic, reader discretion is advised.

 

The world of Ash turns people into a protective, defensive stature. As a survivor wandering in the ash, every step you take must be take with precaution. Alex learns this for the first time as he walks up to a boarded up farmhouse along the road, and knocks on the door.

"The door pulled inward in a rush, and I saw the long, black, double barrel of a shotgun pointing right at my nuts. My nuts knew where that shotgun was pointing, too; I could feel them trying to climb up into my body for protection. All my muscles tensed and my eyes widened, adrenaline coursing through my system." (98)

 

The world of Ash is a dangerous placed, filled with dangerous people. Alex meets a man by the name of Target. Alex was drawn in to him by the smell of cooking meat, and later finds out Target is fresh out of prison, crazy, and very dangerous. In this scene, Alex realizes how dangerous he is, and tries to get away from him. It is never that easy. Thankfully, Alex heavily practiced taekwondo.

"I stabbed the tip of my staff forward in a desperate strike. I'd practiced it thousands of times, but I had never though I'd have to use it for real. I lunged, stepping with my right foot. I aimed for his eye, guiding the blow with my right hand, thrusting with my left.

The result was spectacularly disgusting. His eye pretty much exploded. Blood and some kind of fluid steamed down the side of his face. He staggered back a few steps, toward the fire. "You mother-!""

 

Last but not least, you have to learn how to be a survivor. After Alex meets the Edmunds family, he and Darla (Who is 18 and Alex immediately loves) have to prepare a rabbit for stew. All livestock is sickly and dying from the ash, so the rabbits that are sick were eaten. But before one can cook a rabbit, one must kill it.

"I held the rabbit as she directed me, upside down in front of me. He waved his legs feebly. Darla grabbed his head and pulled down sharply, twisting it. There was a soft pop, and he went limp in my hands. I was so startled I dropped him.

Darla picked up the dead rabbit and said, "Bring the water, would you?"

 

I'd give this book a 10/10, and I'm on the hunt for the sequel. A great read if you want a realistic struggle against  humanity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

101 Things About Myself

     I am not really going to be 101 things, because that would be ridiculous. Why would I want to give myself away all at once? I like attaining somewhat of mystery. But we will start with 17, because that is how old I am (1).

    My dream was, is, and always will be attaining rock-star status (2). I want the thrill of a thousand screams echoing through my spine, on stage with thunderous drums and crunchy riffs. There is nothing more overpowering than a crowd screaming at the top of their lungs. All of the energy, the expression...

    However, dreams will not always come true. I will always pursue that vision, but realistically I've been thinking about trying my luck in the medical field. I'd like to be a paramedic (3), on the front lines and in the action. I see myself as a fairly calm person in tense situations. I would love to save lives, and help the world everyday.

    Currently, I've been trying to enjoy the senior life. I work a lot of my life away at Price Cutter (4). After working there over a year and a half, it is almost a home. I love all of my co-workers dearly, and have seen many of them go on to new careers and life-styles. It's surprisingly hard to watch a friend leave. Over the week-end, I am the designated Milk Man, or more commonly referred  to as a Dairy Associate. I go in, stock for 8 hours, and get out. A couple days over the week, right after school, I stock and take care of the Health and Beauty department. Then, they call me the Pad-Man...

    When I'm not schooling or working, I enjoy playing video games (5). I've been an avid gamer since Mario on the super Nintendo, and I imagine I always will have a great interest in the virtual realm. But when I decide not to waste time, I try to be a musician. I play guitar, violin, love to sing, and try to mess around on the piano (6). You're lucky I don't count that as 4.

    I am a single-child (7), and spoiled rotten. My mother, even though had to raise me alone (8), did a good job at keeping me happy. My mother is on disability now, so I am the man of the house somewhat. It's time for me to return the happiness to her.

    Wow this is getting long isn't it? I , even though can't afford to do it often, love to fish (9). It's a patience thing...listening to the silence, feeling the breeze, the smell of dead fish and bacteria filled water. Memories man.

    I've also come to enjoy camping (10). Favorite place so far is Ponca, Arkansas. It's not called the natural state for nothing. Appreciate nature, it is beautiful.

 

    I love animals (11). All types, all sizes. Hostile or passive, they are all interesting. Of course I'd prefer a dog over a bear, but a bear is still pretty cool to look at before he/she mauls you.

 

    My favorite show is South Park (12). I've seen every episode, at least twice. All 230+ episodes. Even the one they banned because of religion issues. It may be a tad inappropriate, but that show has some great messages. Believe it or not, I've learned a lot from that show.

 

   Science is by far my favorite subject (13). Real world application, raw data and proof, and unlimited information. The world strives of science. Science made this blog.

 

   I have no favorite food, because I love it all (14). Beggars can't be choosers, and I am always begging for food.

 

   If you thought I was patient person for loving to fish, you are wrong (15). My paragraphs are looking pretty pathetic now.

 

  I am a person that loves good quotes (16). You know, the ones that make you go, "Ohhh." As I say goodbye on my first post, I'll leave you one by the great Winnie the Pooh: "But I thought, how could I ever say good-bye to myself?"

 

  My favorite number is 143 (17). Why 143? Well, it's a secret. I'm sure you'll find out in the future.

 

  Phew, there's 17. Kody Allen is signing off. Let's hope this thing posts...