BOOKS & MORE: The emergency is coming

"This Book Will Save Your Life" is the subtitle of "Emergency". The double meaning of that only becomes clear at the end of Neil Strauss's 400-page, yet extremely entertaining journey.

The New York Times bestselling author has been gripped by doomsday paranoia: based on 9/11, fear of further terrorist attacks, and environmental disasters, Strauss begins to "prep" thoroughly and comprehensively: he learns how to slaughter sheep and create hiding spots, attends knife fighting courses and "Tom Brown's Trackerschool", seeks dual citizenship, and explores all aspects of a possible escape.

But "Emergency" is never a textbook in the sense of a survival manual (even though the back cover may suggest otherwise). Instead, it documents Neil Strauss's efforts, which border on the absurd, to finally feel "safe" and prepared for all eventualities of life. The author's good dose of self-irony and cynically humorous view of the American prepper scene are the common thread throughout the book.

One can definitely learn a lot from the book, even though it focuses less on specific techniques and more on the fundamental attitude towards this topic. In the author's case, the constantly threatened "I" emerges not only from the private panic room but also recognizes how much potential lies in a "We". Instead of fearing the future and "bunkering down", the gained skills can do a lot of good for the community in the present.

Neil Strauss's "Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life" costs 11.95 euros.