So many of them are completely believable, and that is terrifying. I do read them, but I worry that one day, after reading one, I will put a bunker in the back yard and stock the house with guns.

The power outage novel that I have never forgotten, even after 30 years, was Arthur Hailey's Overload. Maybe that is because it was not so much end-of-world, but it was on the verge of happening at that time. Although I am still environmentally active, I did think very seriously about the dilemma we have with our need for electricity....and have had to come to terms with what it takes to fill that need.

for things to go to hell in a handcart - only confiming my worst fears re/ our dependence on electricity.

reminds me of the time I was without power for 8 days after a hurricane. I know what you say is true, because all the neighbors were getting pretty testy after a few days of no TV or video games, and no light at night. It was fine for a few days, like a camping trip---until all the food went bad and the temperatures soared and boredom set in. I can only imagine what would happen, and how quickly, if these people had seen no end to it.

allowed us to run the 'fridge, a fan, and a light to read by... no medical needs that require electricity, thank goodness... the worst for me was no hot shower... but our neighbor was in a panic and that was a real concern... harbinger of things to come, perhaps...

not finishing it. I seem to recall a strong right-wing bias which turned me off, and that there were some other things in the first couple of chapters that just felt not believable. I wish I could remember more specifics.

I am someone who reads a lot of s-f, and I've read most of the post-apocalyptic novels out there. Not The Road. That was another one that didn't work for me, so I put it down after a few chapters.