BOOKS & MORE: Survival of the fittest

Crises and disasters are events that occur unexpectedly. So it's good to be prepared in advance. Even before Corona, a lot of literature on "prepping" was published, quickly gaining a bad reputation, along with plenty of online groups where people can prepare together. The cover of the book is spectacular, with the announcement that it deals with the ("almost secret") knowledge of special forces. However, this book definitely does not belong to current events literature. Lars Konarek (born in 1977) is a recognized survival expert. He has shared his knowledge with the knowledge magazine "Galileo" on Pro7, among other platforms.

The structure of Konarek's disaster book is also very sensible. Prepare where you can. And yes, it starts with being physically fit and training regularly – even for survival.

Then there is a lot of equipment knowledge. This includes what you can already have before anything happens. Such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents. We know: knowledge is power – and that's what makes Konarek's book so powerful, because it really conveys knowledge and encourages critical thinking.

Survival also requires food. Konarek starts with what you can hoard and stock up on, which is "natural." Only then does he suggest looking for things in nature, which is often very arduous. Preparation prevents the worst hunger.

When it gets serious, there is still enough time to deal with surviving in the wild. Urban and familiar environments are certainly easier. Konarek doesn't offer a fantasy program, but he provides a lot of information instead.

Need something to wear? There are – let's remember Rambo – some tricks to maintain body temperature. Not fashionable, but sensible.

Folding spades, ropes, carabiners, knives, and more can all save lives and make survival easier. Konarek explains what it's all about.

The rappelling process is visually depicted, with all the necessary information in the text. Overall, the book is consistently well illustrated and depicts its subject matter accurately.

A real emergency is a whole different category. The first challenge here is the psychological aspect, often the shock that needs to be overcome.

Sometimes it also requires very specific skills, like sewing wounds (Rambo made pioneering efforts here too, but it's better to look at the details in the book).

And also the book review from the back cover of Konarek's book.

CONCLUSION: A great paperback that can accompany you through the summer. Lots of exciting knowledge, well explained and organized. Not a book with sleight of hand tricks, no nonsense, but one with fundamentals. Can be read at the beach, in the mountains, or after work - and be inspired to try things out. Always remember: in the end, it's not just about what you've read, but what you can do in practice. Konarek's book offers plenty of that ...

“Surviving in Crises and Disasters: A Handbook for Everyone. The Survival Knowledge of Special Forces” by Lars Konarek, Graz 2020, 232 pages, Euro 24.49