Home | Books By Year | Books from 1985
After the Bomb (novel)
Buy After the Bomb (novel) now from AmazonFirst, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the book. And once you've experienced the book, tell everyone what you thought about it.
Wikipedia article
'After the Bomb' is a post-apocalyptic juvenile novel by Gloria D. Miklowitz, first published in 1985.
Plot
The story follows a teen, Philip, who attempts to survive in the aftermath of a nuclear missile accidentally launched at Los Angeles by the Soviet Union, with his mother (the father is presumed dead as he worked in downtown Los Angeles, ground zero for the bomb), older brother, and friends. During the story Philip develops an attitude of "Me and mine first", with him being portrayed as switching the tag of an evacuee with his mother's so that his mother would be evacuated to another state for treatment.
Writing of the novel
Miklowitz based the protagonist of the book, Philip, on her son, who was awkward as a teenager. Her regular publisher refused the book due to its grim content, so it and its sequel were published instead by Scholastic, who also issued a teachers guide to accompany the book and facilitate classroom discussions. The book was written with the objective of turning young people into anti-nuclear weapons activists.
Reception
The book won the 1989 Iowa Books for Young Adults Poll. A May 1985 review published in the Wausau Daily Herald by Alice Hornbacker described the subject-matter of the book as "scary and morbid", but also as offering young readers afraid of nuclear war not only an opportunity to "sort out their unspoken fears, but articulate and share them as well". A 1995 review in the book 'Anatomy of wonder: a critical guide to science fiction' described 'After the Bomb' as being "well researched and harrowing" and featuring "attractive characterization". A 1986 review of the book in 'Fantasy Review' by Martha A. Barrter was more critical, however, describing the book as "almost blithely optimistic".
Sequel
In 1987 a sequel entitled 'After The Bomb: Week One' was published. It portray's Philip's reunion with his father, who had been in Passadena when the attack happened, and the chaotic evacuation of the area of the attack.
References
Category:1985 novels
Category:1980s science fiction novels
Category:Novels by Gloria D. Miklowitz
Category:American science fiction novels
Category:American young adult novels
Category:Post-apocalyptic novels
Category:Novels set in Los Angeles
Category:Scholastic Corporation books
Buy After the Bomb (novel) now from Amazon
<-- Return to books from 1985