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Dust
Without warning the United States is invaded and attacked. The result ... World War III. In the sanctity of her shelter, Joanna Collins reconciles her life on the pages of a notebook. In doing so, she gains the determination to discover what has become of those she loves in a world that has turned to dust.
7 pages, Nook
First published December 1, 2002
49 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 7, 2012
I thought this story was interesting, and I could imagine all the things happening that the author described.The characters were very well written but sometimes it was hard to keep up with the secondary characters who popped in and out of the story. It kept me interested until the end which I won't spoil anything but was a little to much coincidence for me.
October 14, 2016
Excellent
I love Jacqueline Drugas writing style. Her character so loveable and they never give up hope. This author is fast becoming my favorite "disaster" writer!
I love Jacqueline Drugas writing style. Her character so loveable and they never give up hope. This author is fast becoming my favorite "disaster" writer!
September 16, 2013
Dust follows a group of people in the aftermath of a nuclear war. Jo has been preparing for this most of her life by stockpiling supplies into her basement and encouraging her friends to do the same. Still, she never actually expected it to happen. When the bombs hit, she takes her teenage son and her young nephew she is babysitting into the basement cellar. Her daughter, Matty, is at the school a few miles away. While waiting out the initial few weeks until she can safely go upstairs, Jo makes a list of her close friends and family and it becomes her goal to try and find them.
This book was unique in that it wasn't a YA book. I can't remember the last time I read a post-apocalyptic book that wasn't teenage based. I like YA, but this was refreshing. I also thought it was unique that it followed a woman who had prepared for this scenario. Most of the book took place in her basement or within a few blocks of her home -- no traveling across the countryside or anything. The characters were great. I liked that there was a pretty wide variety of people's reactions to the bombs. Some went psychotic, some stopped talking, some pretended nothing happened, and some simply used sarcasm to make it through the day.
One of the things I didn't like was the ambiguity of some of the characters ages. Initially, I thought Jo was in her 20s. Then she has a teenage son so she must be closer to 40, although she acts more like a 20 year old (such as leaving her children to go off with a new love interest later in the book). I'm also not sure how old her daughter Matty was. She supposedly goes to a school that has lockers (so she must be 13+ or so) but she acts more like she's 7-8 years old most of the book. I'm still confused as to why she kept drawing pictures of one guy as satan throughout the book. I kept waiting for the explanation that he did something awful to her (he found her and brought her home), but they never said anything about that.
Overall, I think it's a pretty solid book, especially if you're tired of exclusively reading YA dystopian fiction. Beware: there is a sort of cheesy love story thrown in towards the end, but it's not too bad.
This book was unique in that it wasn't a YA book. I can't remember the last time I read a post-apocalyptic book that wasn't teenage based. I like YA, but this was refreshing. I also thought it was unique that it followed a woman who had prepared for this scenario. Most of the book took place in her basement or within a few blocks of her home -- no traveling across the countryside or anything. The characters were great. I liked that there was a pretty wide variety of people's reactions to the bombs. Some went psychotic, some stopped talking, some pretended nothing happened, and some simply used sarcasm to make it through the day.
One of the things I didn't like was the ambiguity of some of the characters ages. Initially, I thought Jo was in her 20s. Then she has a teenage son so she must be closer to 40, although she acts more like a 20 year old (such as leaving her children to go off with a new love interest later in the book). I'm also not sure how old her daughter Matty was. She supposedly goes to a school that has lockers (so she must be 13+ or so) but she acts more like she's 7-8 years old most of the book. I'm still confused as to why she kept drawing pictures of one guy as satan throughout the book. I kept waiting for the explanation that he did something awful to her (he found her and brought her home), but they never said anything about that.
Overall, I think it's a pretty solid book, especially if you're tired of exclusively reading YA dystopian fiction. Beware: there is a sort of cheesy love story thrown in towards the end, but it's not too bad.
June 26, 2021
Not just another prepper story
Yes, this is the story of a prepper who has a bunker stocked with every manner of survival gear, weapons. MREs etc., but rather of a woman who took reasonable precautions to prepare for the potential of nuclear war - primarily with the distribution of advice to her friends on how to survive and to regroup at her home. She kept a list of those people and wrote in a journal all the events that transpired.
This is not a "dear journal" narration. The story is told from Jo's point of view. I found it a very quick read and actually had trouble putting it down. Perhaps because it seemed more realistic from the perspective of how someone might try to survive in his basement rather than in a hardened bunker.
The circumstances were a bit contrived and where other books mike focus on the hardship of the environment, this book emphasized, instead, on the human element - the mental struggle each character was going through. It was not about how they McGyvered solutions but about how they dealt with the anger, loss, hopelessness, and then ultimately hope.
Set aside your expectation for total realism and focus instead on the human story. It is a very good book.
Yes, this is the story of a prepper who has a bunker stocked with every manner of survival gear, weapons. MREs etc., but rather of a woman who took reasonable precautions to prepare for the potential of nuclear war - primarily with the distribution of advice to her friends on how to survive and to regroup at her home. She kept a list of those people and wrote in a journal all the events that transpired.
This is not a "dear journal" narration. The story is told from Jo's point of view. I found it a very quick read and actually had trouble putting it down. Perhaps because it seemed more realistic from the perspective of how someone might try to survive in his basement rather than in a hardened bunker.
The circumstances were a bit contrived and where other books mike focus on the hardship of the environment, this book emphasized, instead, on the human element - the mental struggle each character was going through. It was not about how they McGyvered solutions but about how they dealt with the anger, loss, hopelessness, and then ultimately hope.
Set aside your expectation for total realism and focus instead on the human story. It is a very good book.
February 27, 2019
I loved this book so much! The author really knows how to build a story and characters that you grow to love. Jo, the heroine of the book, is an ordinary mother and wife going about her day when a friend calls and tells her to turn on the news. The U.S. is being hit by nuclear missiles. Jo has always been someone who plans for everything. Although she has prepared for disasters and given her friends and family small disaster kits to carry with them in their car, she isn't prepared for the emotional upheaval of a changing world. Her son is at school when it happens. Jo is at home with her daughter and nephew. They run to the basement cold cellar and remain there. As the days pass, other characters join our story and we learn to like and love them as well. It is rare in this genre to come across romance/love interests but this book has that and I ate it up! I loved the humor in the book from Burke, the weird and cranky friend and I wanted to take the hunky doctor, Tanner, home with me!
January 8, 2018
Another excellent book by Jacqueline Druga. The few errors were not distracting. As with her other books, she has a knack for really getting you to see the main character's point of view. This did seem to unfold a little too neatly with finding everyone she wanted to locate but I like the positive nature of the ending.
March 7, 2020
Outstanding read
I cried, I laughed, and I cussed. This book had everything that makes a book great. There was sadness, a lot of death, and horrible people. But there was also humor, heart, and people that were strong and would not quit. One of my favorite books written by Jacqueline Druga.
I cried, I laughed, and I cussed. This book had everything that makes a book great. There was sadness, a lot of death, and horrible people. But there was also humor, heart, and people that were strong and would not quit. One of my favorite books written by Jacqueline Druga.
December 9, 2021
while I love some of the author books, there were alot that just pissed me off in dust. Jo prepped for a nuclear apocalypse but somehow, forget about mask the most important of all. she's worried about Sam being exposed to the radiation but send him to bust her friend out of a basement miles away. that's about all I could take before I dnf... couldn't take the stupidity of it all.
September 21, 2017
Very good
I enjoy Jacqueline Druga's writing very much. She is consistently inspiring. Awful things happen in her novels and yet her characters manage to survive with their morality intact. There is always hope in her novels, hope for a better future or simply hope.
I enjoy Jacqueline Druga's writing very much. She is consistently inspiring. Awful things happen in her novels and yet her characters manage to survive with their morality intact. There is always hope in her novels, hope for a better future or simply hope.
May 29, 2020
Very good!I liked it a lot!It was shorter than most of Ms Drugas works. Ms Druga was also a good narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 13, 2021
…thank you for another fabulous book!!!!
Another great book from Ms. Druga!!!! Each character w all there strengths and flaws comes alive. You will love to love or love to hate each one. Thoroughly enjoyed each character and their adventures!!
Another great book from Ms. Druga!!!! Each character w all there strengths and flaws comes alive. You will love to love or love to hate each one. Thoroughly enjoyed each character and their adventures!!
January 17, 2022
Not to take advantage of the pun but I found this to be a little dry. Good story, some interesting situations, but overall, not a lot of character development. It feels like this might have been published before the characters were fully fleshed out.
June 30, 2023
Wishes and dreams.
What a very riveting story. I'm holding my breath to see what happens next. Jo's life is spinning on it's axis. My wish that Tanner and Jo get together was granted. I'm so glad it ended on a happy note.
What a very riveting story. I'm holding my breath to see what happens next. Jo's life is spinning on it's axis. My wish that Tanner and Jo get together was granted. I'm so glad it ended on a happy note.
October 13, 2019
It was just ok. I really didn’t like the characters and it moved slowly. I kept reading it only because it was on my kindle.
August 27, 2023
one of my faves
I’m a big fan of the author and this is one of my faves of hers! She has an incredible imagination
I’m a big fan of the author and this is one of my faves of hers! She has an incredible imagination
November 23, 2024
Dust
One of her better end of times novels. This one has hope. It catches you and you stay engaged for the full story. Can’t wait for the next episode!
One of her better end of times novels. This one has hope. It catches you and you stay engaged for the full story. Can’t wait for the next episode!
December 29, 2014
Dust by Jacqueline Druga is the apocalyptic tale of a small group of friends and their battle to survive the aftermath of a nuclear war. It is a wrecking ball of a story -- smashing through the reader's defenses and evoking myriad emotions as varied as shock, humor, sadness, & joy. The power in this story is the utter plausibility of it. Joanna Collins is not a superwoman, refuses to own a weapon, and is completely unprepared for the apocalypse when it strikes -- despite her survivalist leanings and her obsession with being prepared for the worst. She is a stay at home mom, self-admittedly unfit and certainly no Rambo. She could be anyone. Or everyone. She could be me. Though she is unsuited for survival, she is tough and courageous and a bit lucky, too. She rises to the occasion as most people undoubtedly hope they would in the case of an apocalyptic event. The format of the book contributes to it immediacy; it is told in diary format as Jo writes about the events unfolding around her. She writes as a coping mechanism and way to stay connected with her missing friends. Most of the story takes place in her basement bomb shelter, and the bulk of it revolves around interactions with friends and family, as they work out how to get along with each other in a confined space in the worst of circumstances. As in real life, some rise to the occasion when faced with adversity, and some don't. A big part of Joanna's struggle is how to retain her humanity and compassion while protecting herself and her friends/family, and this raises lots of thought-provoking questions about how far one would go to protect loved ones, whether "us v them" is necessary and/or justified in extreme circumstances, and whether human nature is inherently good or bad. If you like a thinking-man's apocalyptic novel, with ordinary, likeable characters, then I recommend Dust by Jacqueline Druga. I also highly recommend other apocalyptic books by this author (who I have just recently discovered). H5N1 by Ms Druga is one of my all-time favorite post-apocalyptic stories, and I have read an extensive collection of PA books.
December 30, 2015
Once again Jacqueline Druga has successfully grabbed and held the attention of the reader or listener (I had the experience of both amazon & audible) plus for the first time Ms Druga was the narrator of the audible version which added a feeling of one telling you a story one on one.
The added bonuses as well with the undeniable talent of being engrossed in her writing, and the need to find of what happens next, she also includes a great deal of vital information that could save a life during certain situations. one can say not in this day and age, but there are many more look and say yes exactly in this day and age. so along with a good story if someone even subconsciously can take away something that may save their life all the power to them. and a big thank you to someone like Jacqueline druga who uses her talents to pass it on.
The added bonuses as well with the undeniable talent of being engrossed in her writing, and the need to find of what happens next, she also includes a great deal of vital information that could save a life during certain situations. one can say not in this day and age, but there are many more look and say yes exactly in this day and age. so along with a good story if someone even subconsciously can take away something that may save their life all the power to them. and a big thank you to someone like Jacqueline druga who uses her talents to pass it on.
November 14, 2016
Really, really enjoyed this book. For the most part, very realistic and engaging. I thought Jo was a bit irritating every now and again...mostly when she had the balls to walk into the military camp with was flooded with THOUSANDS of people, and actually expected a doctor to GO TO HER HOUSE and help her husband. Seriously?? Who the hell does this chick think she is?
I also thought Tammy was a bit over-the-top. Who would put up with that kind of verbal abuse?? Kick her ass out and be done with it.
Overall though, great story. I discovered Jacqueline Druga less than a month ago, and this is my 8th book of hers that I've read. Absolutely LOVE her stuff.
I also thought Tammy was a bit over-the-top. Who would put up with that kind of verbal abuse?? Kick her ass out and be done with it.
Overall though, great story. I discovered Jacqueline Druga less than a month ago, and this is my 8th book of hers that I've read. Absolutely LOVE her stuff.
February 3, 2016
First off, this was read by the author. I nearly didn't listen to this for this fact because authors reading their own work almost always are terrible at it. However, after listening for a while I found I enjoyed the author reading this book. Her voice lends sincerity to the protagonist. This book is about an American family in the immediate aftermath nuclear war. This felt like a very believable scenario should one be fairly prepared for a nuclear strike. I am glad that I am a literary emotional masochist, this one does not fail to deliver.
February 12, 2013
I absolutely loved this "end of the world as we know it" story and finished it in just one day. I couldn't put it down! The writing style was similar to most YA that I enjoy in that it was straightforward and fast paced but the story itself seemed to be meant for adults, with adult characters, language, and situations. Definitely recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic stories who enjoy a quick, exciting read.
March 5, 2013
Freaking awesome! I could not put this down. I read the whole thing in 1 day and I even worked that day! I loved all the characters and the beginning is very intense. I felt like this was exactly what things would be like. It was a great story!
July 14, 2012
very poorly written but yet I still kept reading.
May 3, 2013
Very enjoyable and I loved the characters.
December 29, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. I would love to read more about these characters, it would be nice to have another book dealing with how life went on after they went to the cabin.
February 24, 2013
Not the same old end of the world story...it's both uplifting and depressing at the same time.
March 14, 2013
Awesome book. Couldn't put it down.
April 30, 2013
Interesting - POV character is, or was, a "doomsday prepper".
May 31, 2013
Started a bit slow, but turned out pretty wonderful.
:-)
:-)
November 30, 2013
This is my favourite Druga book. That is saying a lot as she is one of my favourite authors. I started screaming when I found out there is a sequel, When the Ashes Fall. It is a must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews