When I first picked up this book in Costco I thought it was a joke. But as I read on I was shocked that two authors (Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht) had condensed a lot of "interesting information" in a small handbook entitled:


THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook


I think it was simply pure morbid curiosity that drove me to read further. This book has practically anything you want to know in the event the most unfortunate should occur. I don't know what is worse ever being in one of those situations or the fact that you are reading it with some perverse desire to see if you could survive it now.

The book is divided into several sections. Each section has a wealth of information that you can use to save the day or your life for that matter.

Chapter One: Great Escapes and Entrances...
How to...
Escape from Quicksand
Break down a Door
Break into a Car
Hot-Wire a car
Perform a Fast 180-Degree turn in Your Car
Ram a Car
Escape a Sinking Car
Deal with a Downed Power Line

Chapter Two: The Best Defense...
How to...
Survive a Poisonous Snake Attack
Fend off a Shark
Escape from a Bear
Escape from a Mountain Lion
Wrestle Free from an Alligator
Escape Free from Killer Bees
Deal with a Charging Bull
Win at a Sword Fight
Take a Punch

Chapter Three: Leaps of Faith...
How to...
Jump from a Bridge or Cliff
Jump from a Building into a Dumpster
Maneuver on top of a Moving Train and Get Inside
Jump from a Moving Car
Leap from Motorcycle to a Car

Chapter Four: Emergencies...
How to...
Perform a Tracheotomy
Use a Defibrillator to restore a Heartbeat
Identify a Bomb
Deliver a Baby in a Taxicab
Treat Frostbite
Treat a Leg Fracture
Treat a Bullet or Knife Wound

Chapter Five: Adventure Survival...
How to...
Land a Plane
Survive an Earthquake
Survive Adrift at Sea
Survive when Lost in the Desert
Survive if your Parachute Fails to Open
Survive an Avalanche
Survive if You are in the Line of Gunfire
Survive When Lost in the Mountains
Make a Fire without Matches
Avoid being struck by Lightning
Get to the Surface if your Scuba Tank Runs out of Air


It seems like a pretty conclusive list. Though they don't mention how to make rudimentary guns and explosives. But that is something you can find in the Army Field Manual. Which is another interesting read in itself.

But this book is incredible. I do wonder what sort of situation would require you to break into a car and hotwire it. That does not seem as "survival" like as it is "felony" like.

And even if you don't ever have to use the information you read in this book...it is still nice to know that you MIGHT be able to have that much self discipline that you could calmly recall the information. Or better yet...simply carry this book around in your pocket until the situation arises, after all the book is rather pocket-sized.

This is a great book and I reccomend anyone picking it up if they come across it. Even if you never do use it...it is awfully nifty to talk about at a party to impress people with your vast store of Mcguyver knowledge.

Well...it has been awhile but it is nice to be back. Thanks for reading...

Mr. White



Recommended: Yes