A review by nursenell
The Jakarta Pandemic by Steven Konkoly

4.0

I don't generally like, or read, doomsday/apocalypse books. I think this one struck my fancy because I'm a nurse and interested in infectious medicine and the possibility of pandemics, especially of influenza. I don't know anyone in real life who is a prepper although I have one friend who is Mormon and keeps a year's supply of food and basic supplies. This book got me to thinking about what I would do if there was a worldwide pandemic that basically would shut down commerce, education, banking, communication, etc. Could it happen? Possibly, although I think other scenarios like power grid failures, cyber attacks, and terrorism are more likely than an influenza pandemic. But whatever the cause how ready would I be to sustain myself in my home for a prolonged amount of time? Not very ready!

The main character in the book is Alex Fletcher, a former Marine and Iraqi war vet who is now a pharmaceutical rep. One of the drugs his company sells is an anti-viral medication which, if taken in the first 48 hours of influenza, can reduce the severity and length of illness. He is a prepper who has a year's worth of food, medicines, and first aid supplies in his basement along with a small arsenal of weapons, which are locked up and safe. He also has a solar power system for his home. I found this part of the book informational in providing a framework that I could use to begin preparing my home for an extended period of seclusion, whatever the reason.

I found the book well written, the characters likable, and overall it was a good story. I haven't decided if I will read the author's other books.