Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Books and Information)

Dear Preppers and Survivalists,

Bookseller

painting by

Géza Kukán

Books
I have found, most books aren't worth the money when bought new, for several reasons. First, they usually repeat information from other books.

So, ... If you have bought one good book on any subject, say finances, buying another book on the same subject will give you the same information with a twist or a little bit more information about the subject.

Take Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman, and many others. They all have great financial advice for you and your family, but they're almost the same advice. To get out of debt, Mr. Ramsey's first step is save $1.000 for an emergency fund, and his second step is pay off all your debt. Ms. Orman's first step is to pay off your debt then save for an emergency fund. Almost the same advice.

The second reason, I don't buy new books, many times the book has been 'hyped' by the publishing houses, authors, and .. fanboys.

Take, as an example, Thomas Piketty's book "Capital in the Twenty-First Century." When it first came out, the book was hailed by everyone. A few months later, after being thoroughly read, the book was found to be lacking. Definitely not worth the $25 a copy.

That brings up my next point.

New books are expensive. I can purchase books, every year, for 1/10 their original price at my local library, during the annual used book sale.

Speaking of the local library. I can borrow books for free! (More about that later)

Lastly, some books, like the Patriots novel series have several problems. First, these books offer some good advice, but they are fictional books. Their characters make stupid decisions and survive their choices. Second, these books have been around for over twenty years and they have been hyped, especially the second and third book of the series. Third, at about $17 there are, many, better survival manuals for less money.

Lastly, ... I have read these books and many other better books for free from the local library ; - )


Buying Books
With that said, there are going to be books that you and your family will want to purchase.

Before I begin, let me explain, ...

Buying books is a want, not a need!

* You need an inventory of all the things you own!

* You need to build an emergency evacuation kit for everyone in the family!

* You need to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home!

* You need to store two weeks of potable water for your family!

* You need to stock a food pantry with enough food to last three months!

* You need a first-aid kit and a telephone to call 911

* You need ...

To practice the skills you will need to survive an event such as ...

 * Make and Start a Fire

* Build a Woodland Shelter

* Disinfect Water for Drinking

* Treat a Sick or Injured Person

And, ... many more skills, but which books do you need?

First, do you need references for your career that contain critical information?

I'm a part-time carpenter. I'll build a deck, that I design, once or twice a year, so I need a deck design guide. The design guide has ideas and contains information about planning a deck such as, loads, spans, and other 'technical' information.

Kind'a similar, do you need a reference for something that you do sporadically?

Every once in a while, Forest (a nephew) will help build up an AR-15. He doesn't do it enough to stay proficient, so he consults a manual before each build.

Second, do you need a reference for something that you do that is dangerous like reloading ammunition?

Reloading ammunition, using explosives, and ... can be very dangerous, so you may need a manual to help you complete these tasks.

Lastly, do you plan to do some critical task during an event?

You know, treat someone with something a little bit more aggressive than first-aid?

For a situation like that, you will need several good medical manuals to help you decide whether to risk using fishbiotics (I made that word up) on a loved one, find 'wild' medicines, or ... leave them alone.


Some Suggestions
First, I would like to suggest my e-book Prepper: Surviving the Tough Times Ahead from Barnes and Nobles or Smashwords, for $4.95.


Second, I suggest Backwoods Home Magazine. They have several 'deals' for your family this Christ Mass, like the Half Sheebang, for $200. If you haven't seen Backwoods Home Magazine, you're missing a great resource.

P.S.
Many libraries carry Backwoods Home Magazine in their periodicals section. They might even be able to get you a copy of the anthologies, from the inter-library loan program, for you to read and copy.


Third, the SAS Survival Handbook. It's a good reference to have in your emergency evacuation kit for events. At $13.45, it's a steal.

P.S.
Of course, you need to read it, before an event, and practice those skills.


Fourth, You know ... Nuclear War Survival Skills. 'Cause, 'If' your family is prepared for a nuclear war, you can pretty much survive anything.


Fifth, ... any of the Storey Publishing books for the topics your family is interested in to learn.

P.S.
Needless to say, I suggest you borrow it from the library before you buy the book.


Sixth, ...

I have to go but you can leave any suggestions in the comments ; - )