Nuclear War

This was an interesting read for about the first half, but quickly descended into a repetitive and frankly far-reaching scenario of a “perfect storm” that annihilates the planet. The author’s descriptions also became continually repetitive (‘carbonized’ and other phrases are used countless times). It gets old, really quickly. We all think nuclear war is bad, but this nihilistic viewpoint fails to take into account the ever-existing hope, creativity, and resourcefulness of the human spirit.

One of the most thought provoking (and scary) books I have read in years.

Wow, just wow! Read this book. Read this on a 6 hour flight start to finish. I will read this one again. Well done!

In "Nuclear War: A Scenario," Annie Jacobsen takes readers on a gripping, terrifying journey into the heart of a hypothetical nuclear apocalypse. Jacobsen's narrative is thrilling, unsettling, and uncomfortably realistic, offering a raw, unfiltered vision of nuclear warfare that goes beyond conventional fears and speculations. What sets this book apart is its ability to paint a picture of nuclear devastation so vivid and so detailed that it makes the horror tangible. The desolation it describes is not just severe; it's profoundly more immediate and total than one could ever imagine. Jacobsen doesn't just tell us about the catastrophic impacts of nuclear war; she forces us into the very heart of the nightmare, showing us a world where the aftermath is so brutal, so complete, that survival seems not just unlikely but undesired. The sheer speed at which this scenario unfolds in the book highlights a chilling reality: the end of the world as we know it could come not slowly, but with terrifying swiftness, leaving humanity in a state of shock and despair. Jacobsen’s work makes it clear that this is not just a distant possibility but an ever-present danger looming over all of humankind. As someone deeply fascinated by the topic of nuclear war—to the point of what some might call obsession—I've prepared what I believed to be an "apocalypse survival kit": water, batteries, solar panels, and even my Starlink connection. However, after delving into Jacobsen's scenario, I've come to realize the futility of such preparations. In the face of such total annihilation, the notion of survival becomes almost a mockery of hope. The adage that "the survivors would envy the dead" never felt more resonant than it does now, after reading Jacobsen's vivid portrayal. "Nuclear War: A Scenario" is a wake-up call, a profound reflection on the fragility of our existence and the shadow of doom that nuclear weapons cast over humanity. Jacobsen has crafted a masterpiece that is as enlightening as it is horrifying, forcing us to confront the grim reality of nuclear war. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our world, offering a stark reminder of the stakes involved in global peace and security. This book has transformed my perspective, moving me from a state of preparedness to one of contemplation. The real question it leaves us with is not how we might survive a nuclear apocalypse, but whether survival is something we'd truly desire in the aftermath of such unspeakable destruction.

I read this in 4 hours, late March, 2024, the weather conditions of the war in the book are the same as outside my window this very moment; that has impact, I won’t sleep well tonight.

Disturbing. Excellent. An absolute must read.