World War Z – Audio Production (Abridged)

Even if you’re not into zombies, the  abridged audio production of World War Z is worth a listen.  It is the prefect length for a day trip (to and fro).  Author Max Brooks clearly traded on his connections and, with an all star cast, created an extremely well-done production.  The voice actors included Rob Reiner, Carl Reiner, Alan Alda, Mark Hamill and John Turturro among others.

This is probably not a book this reviewer would have taken the time to read, but as an abridged audio production it was terrific.

The book is not your typical post-apocalyptic, The Walking Dead, zombie novel.  It bears almost no similarity to the movie with Brad Pitt.  After listening to it, it is clear why this is the case. It would not have been possible to be faithful to the book and make a Hollywood movie anyone would watch.    The book is presented as a series of taped interviews between author Max Brooks and the major actors in World War Z.

Each of the interviewees has a different insight into the war, and offers his or her own perspective on governance, human nature, and the events of the war.  Along the way, they provide a believable and plausible description of how different governments responded to the crisis.

To be sure, a zombie uprising is something that requires a heavy dose of suspended disbelief.  But, Brooks’s zombie crisis could fairly easily be adapted to any other global catastrophe.  The amount of consideration and research that had to have gone into this book is impressive.

So, if you’re looking for something different and thought-provoking – and have a few hours to kill on a road trip, try World War Z.