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299 Days #2
The Collapse
Picking up where The Preparation ended, the collapse begins to unfold in this second book of the 299 Days series. In The Collapse, the government stops working, guns and ammo are in high demand, and a trip to the gas station has become a mission rather than an errand. Grant and the Team see these warning signs and know it is only the beginning, so they begin taking action to protect themselves and their loved ones. As they prepare to get out of dodge after a deadly incident in Grant's neighborhood, they will soon learn whether the preparations they made in Book One will be enough to survive the breakdown of society, or if they don't stand a chance against greed and violence in the face of a collapse. The resulting chaos and fear that begins to envelop the country will strip all of the characters of what they know to normal, and will require them to question what they will stand for, what they will stand up against, and, most importantly, who they will stand with.
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 6, 2015
I don't know if I can continue on with this series... I *want* to like it, but 'Glen' is making that a difficult task.
As I noted on book 1, his writing style is like that of a high school freshman trying to impress his buddies and live out his wildest imagination through a composition assignment. What became even clearer in book 2 is the way he continuously repeats himself to highlight points, beating a dead horse, like we'd forgotten he already mentioned it. Or, worse, he forgot...
I could have put all of that aside for the sake of the story, considering "Glen" wasn't an author prior to starting this venture and is still coming into his voice, but what I couldn't put aside is the pompous arrogance that rises from the pages.
First, there's the whole "told ya so" theme. Over and over he puts on an act like he doesn't want to tell his wife that "he was right, she was wrong", except that he incessantly insists that he wants her to know it. He wants her to feel wrong - and realize she's wrong - without having to say it. He wants to reign supreme, but doesn't have the sack to stand up to her.
Then there's the belief that hitting the range occasionally, with a group of untrained civilians, will turn you into a badass operator. As a VFW Marine, I can assure you that's not how it works.
Finally, what drove the nail in the coffin was the way he just gave up and walked out on his family, then spent the rest of the book whining about how unfair it was and that he didn't really abandon them. No, dude, you did. You said 'let's go', she said 'no', so you conceded 'cool, I'm gone'. Like I said, no sack. A "man", as you called yourself for doing what you thought was "right", would have done everything possible to ensure the safety of his family - even if that meant upsetting his wife - not hightailing to save his own six and leaving his own children in a situation that you, yourself, deemed unsafe.
I realize that, by the end of book 2, the family is reunited, but it's too late. All of these themes run together to highlight one glaring point: "Glen", I mean "Grant", is a self-righteous mall ninja that certainly has a high opinion of himself.
I've even heard a few interviews of him where he claims he didn't write a story, he lived it out and just took notes as he went. Really? You lived out the collapse of Washington state? The collapse of the federal government? The abandonment of your family?
Mkay...
As I noted on book 1, his writing style is like that of a high school freshman trying to impress his buddies and live out his wildest imagination through a composition assignment. What became even clearer in book 2 is the way he continuously repeats himself to highlight points, beating a dead horse, like we'd forgotten he already mentioned it. Or, worse, he forgot...
I could have put all of that aside for the sake of the story, considering "Glen" wasn't an author prior to starting this venture and is still coming into his voice, but what I couldn't put aside is the pompous arrogance that rises from the pages.
First, there's the whole "told ya so" theme. Over and over he puts on an act like he doesn't want to tell his wife that "he was right, she was wrong", except that he incessantly insists that he wants her to know it. He wants her to feel wrong - and realize she's wrong - without having to say it. He wants to reign supreme, but doesn't have the sack to stand up to her.
Then there's the belief that hitting the range occasionally, with a group of untrained civilians, will turn you into a badass operator. As a VFW Marine, I can assure you that's not how it works.
Finally, what drove the nail in the coffin was the way he just gave up and walked out on his family, then spent the rest of the book whining about how unfair it was and that he didn't really abandon them. No, dude, you did. You said 'let's go', she said 'no', so you conceded 'cool, I'm gone'. Like I said, no sack. A "man", as you called yourself for doing what you thought was "right", would have done everything possible to ensure the safety of his family - even if that meant upsetting his wife - not hightailing to save his own six and leaving his own children in a situation that you, yourself, deemed unsafe.
I realize that, by the end of book 2, the family is reunited, but it's too late. All of these themes run together to highlight one glaring point: "Glen", I mean "Grant", is a self-righteous mall ninja that certainly has a high opinion of himself.
I've even heard a few interviews of him where he claims he didn't write a story, he lived it out and just took notes as he went. Really? You lived out the collapse of Washington state? The collapse of the federal government? The abandonment of your family?
Mkay...
February 14, 2013
Basically the same as the first book. Glen's writing is getting better, but he still does confusing things like switching character perspective in the middle of a section, sometimes in the middle of the paragraph. The approach to collapse is a little more "Type A" that I think I would approach it were I in a similar situation, which I think is how most guys in the "prepper" movement are so he's writing to his audience well, but it's not tremendously all inclusive, but se la vie. Finally, I consider myself a libertarian (stress on the lower case "l"), and so it stuck out to me that he still very much has an us vs. them perspective about people he calls "libs." Truth is, I think most libertarians are more inclusive of both "sides of the aisle" assuming they're the right kind of people. His perspective seems more like "libertarians are best, but Republicans are ok too. Dems are the problem" which I disagree with. Just my opinion though. All in all, I think his depiction of a partial collapse is pretty accurate.
February 5, 2023
This is a relatively short tide me over until the next book. I have to admit, it delivered more bang for its' buck than I expected due to the length. So far this series seems to be the most realistic approach to a calamity/prepper series that I've come across. It's very realistic in how a Depression could strike our economy due to government overspending and America being more of a service oriented economy instead of manufacturing economy.
May 9, 2017
The second instalment of Glen Tate's 10 volume work on the impending collapse of America. This volume looks at the collapse itself. This is what attracted me to the series in the first place. I wanted to see how the collapse would be charted and to assess the plausibility of it.
We are treated to the collapse mechanism right at the start of the book. The author creates a world in which the US is over-borrowed and it is the bond markets that precipitate the collapse. The mechanism is fairly straightforward. The US economy hits a speed bump leading to a reduction in tax revenues. This gap is filled by additional borrowing. The additional borrowing leads to an increasing percentage of Federal expenditure being on interest payments. This squeezes spending on education, health, and social care.
The political system kicks in to defend those expenditures, which causes taxes to rise, pushing the economy into an even greater downturn. In the meantime, the Fed reacts with a monetary accommodation that fuels inflationary pressures. The bond market responds through overseas lenders withdrawing their cash and the financial system collapses. And then it kicks off...
The sad thing is that this is a plausible scenario. Possibly not for now, but at some point the entitlement promises made to the retiring Boomers will have to be paid for. At present, overseas funding is propping up the Federal government, which does make it a hostage to the bond market.
If nothing changes, then a significant crisis is brewing. One way to avoid this would be to raise taxes in the US, but there doesn't seem to be a great appetite for that. Another way to accommodate this all would be to experience a mild inflation. This is happening to a lesser degree, but not enough to raise the tax base in nominal terms to a level to cover the external borrowing. In the absence of either of these adjustments, some form of crisis is heading along the tracks.
Of course, supposing a crisis - or even a collapse - to occur, it does not necessarily follow that everyone will be heading for the hills, for law and order to break down, and for society to become gun focussed. That just reveals the prejudices of the author. There is a natural tendency to presume that a crisis will lead to violent disorder, but the evidence points in the opposite direction. In actual crises people pull together, work as a community and muddle through. That is the topic of the next volume, so I will keep reading to see how this is handled.
The actual book is execrable. It is very poorly written. It could do with a good edit. The over-riding theme of exaggerated masculinity, or what the author thinks that it "takes to be a man", is overpowering. If I were the main character's wife, I would have found him to be insufferable years ago. I didn't like the way in which people are placed into two discrete categories, which revolve around 'them' and 'us'. It is OK to kill 'them', if they are killed by 'us'. I find the world a little bit more nuanced than that. My world just isn't that black and white.
And yet there appears to be many people who sympathise with the author. In that regard, it is interesting to tap into these thought processes. If only to avoid them in the future. I can see why some despair over the state of America.
We are treated to the collapse mechanism right at the start of the book. The author creates a world in which the US is over-borrowed and it is the bond markets that precipitate the collapse. The mechanism is fairly straightforward. The US economy hits a speed bump leading to a reduction in tax revenues. This gap is filled by additional borrowing. The additional borrowing leads to an increasing percentage of Federal expenditure being on interest payments. This squeezes spending on education, health, and social care.
The political system kicks in to defend those expenditures, which causes taxes to rise, pushing the economy into an even greater downturn. In the meantime, the Fed reacts with a monetary accommodation that fuels inflationary pressures. The bond market responds through overseas lenders withdrawing their cash and the financial system collapses. And then it kicks off...
The sad thing is that this is a plausible scenario. Possibly not for now, but at some point the entitlement promises made to the retiring Boomers will have to be paid for. At present, overseas funding is propping up the Federal government, which does make it a hostage to the bond market.
If nothing changes, then a significant crisis is brewing. One way to avoid this would be to raise taxes in the US, but there doesn't seem to be a great appetite for that. Another way to accommodate this all would be to experience a mild inflation. This is happening to a lesser degree, but not enough to raise the tax base in nominal terms to a level to cover the external borrowing. In the absence of either of these adjustments, some form of crisis is heading along the tracks.
Of course, supposing a crisis - or even a collapse - to occur, it does not necessarily follow that everyone will be heading for the hills, for law and order to break down, and for society to become gun focussed. That just reveals the prejudices of the author. There is a natural tendency to presume that a crisis will lead to violent disorder, but the evidence points in the opposite direction. In actual crises people pull together, work as a community and muddle through. That is the topic of the next volume, so I will keep reading to see how this is handled.
The actual book is execrable. It is very poorly written. It could do with a good edit. The over-riding theme of exaggerated masculinity, or what the author thinks that it "takes to be a man", is overpowering. If I were the main character's wife, I would have found him to be insufferable years ago. I didn't like the way in which people are placed into two discrete categories, which revolve around 'them' and 'us'. It is OK to kill 'them', if they are killed by 'us'. I find the world a little bit more nuanced than that. My world just isn't that black and white.
And yet there appears to be many people who sympathise with the author. In that regard, it is interesting to tap into these thought processes. If only to avoid them in the future. I can see why some despair over the state of America.
September 13, 2013
Yes, I continued to the second book in this series, despite my misgivings. The main characters' overreactions to events continues, only magnified nearly to the point of mental illness (paranoia, self-fulfilling prophecies, isolation) and seems to know that he's borderline crazy, since he knows better than to let his wife know what he's thinking. I was hoping this book would go more in an apocalyptic direction to such a degree that I could enjoy it more, but that didn't happen. More a disfunctional semi-pocalypse. Sorry, cannot recommend this.
November 12, 2014
3.5 stars. I'm still enjoying the series, but now absolutely loathe Grant's wife. I have a hard time believing that he'd ever marry such a stupid and petty woman. While on the topic of women, I really hope that some smart and capable ones will be introduced into the story soon. I don't think I'll last through 8 more books of half-witted females.
December 25, 2015
I like it although it's a bit short. Good development, slow and steady. You know what's missing? A dog. This family or anyone else on "the team" has no canine to their name. It just struck me as odd all of a sudden. These types of stories usually have a dog don't they? Up the rating to three.point.five.
November 3, 2012
very realistic (in my opinion) depiction of how things slowly unravel as systems of support give way. Still hooked and anxiously awaiting the next book!
November 18, 2012
It was really short. This was better than the first. I'm awaiting the next.
July 21, 2013
Second book in the series getting better - the US in collapse
June 20, 2018
Over so fast!
I listened to this book extremely fast! I can’t tell if it’s just short or if I spent more time with it than I thought. But the narrative and plot are good; the best element being that it’s not bombastic or hyperbolic like doomsayers want these situations to be so they can prove themselves. The collapse is slow, awkward, and incredulous. And I like that. It feels real. The protagonist makes mistakes and is very human, despite his gut/God telling him the future.
Two things that I would fix: it seems that there are no rational females. Yes, it is typically an American male trait to be a protector, but that doesn’t mean that only males can anticipate social instability and that all females in this book are irrational. I think female readers will see it this way. Also, Tate tries to make a point about racism and inclusion but instead it just reinforces stereotypes about Asians. Poorly executed, which is odd because the rest of the book and its predecessor is deftly executed.
Four or of five because although it grips me I still haven’t read anything that spoke to my soul. Yet, I anticipate I will.
I listened to this book extremely fast! I can’t tell if it’s just short or if I spent more time with it than I thought. But the narrative and plot are good; the best element being that it’s not bombastic or hyperbolic like doomsayers want these situations to be so they can prove themselves. The collapse is slow, awkward, and incredulous. And I like that. It feels real. The protagonist makes mistakes and is very human, despite his gut/God telling him the future.
Two things that I would fix: it seems that there are no rational females. Yes, it is typically an American male trait to be a protector, but that doesn’t mean that only males can anticipate social instability and that all females in this book are irrational. I think female readers will see it this way. Also, Tate tries to make a point about racism and inclusion but instead it just reinforces stereotypes about Asians. Poorly executed, which is odd because the rest of the book and its predecessor is deftly executed.
Four or of five because although it grips me I still haven’t read anything that spoke to my soul. Yet, I anticipate I will.
February 24, 2018
The 299 story has picked up pace as TEOTWAWKI is beginning. Extremely disappointed at how short this book was. It feels and shows as only 1/3. I'm unsure why it was decided to make 299 days 10 books when it should be 5 at most. I will only continue if there is a huge sale on eread or I find a used copy. The story sets up nicely and surprising character development.
November 18, 2022
Brilliant continuation from book one
Grant is tested and along the way he shares some great prepping tips . The brilliance in this series is its believability . There is no suspension of disbelief or accepting what the future might look like . Instead Grant find himself where you are and what we read today could easily happen tomorrow . Will you be ready if it does ?
Grant is tested and along the way he shares some great prepping tips . The brilliance in this series is its believability . There is no suspension of disbelief or accepting what the future might look like . Instead Grant find himself where you are and what we read today could easily happen tomorrow . Will you be ready if it does ?
March 9, 2019
More of the same from the first book. But I have to say, I don't see how he justifies leaving his family and kids behind in what he believes is a dangerous situation. Pride? He goes to bug out with his guy friends and completely abandons his loved ones. Weak!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2017
It makes you think!!!!
January 22, 2019
Excellent read! This is the second book in the series. Both are great.
It has been a long time since I found a book I did not want to end.
This series is that way, I cannot wait to start book #3.
It has been a long time since I found a book I did not want to end.
This series is that way, I cannot wait to start book #3.
February 26, 2019
Realistic survivalist book which shows how slowly society collapses under protests and corruption, and which psychological problems stand in the way of prepping for the worst.
July 31, 2019
Interesting story, but the writing is horrendous.
February 27, 2020
Short but a good read.
Read
December 6, 2023Great Series
I am on my third reading of this series and still enjoy it. I hope this author is working on his next books. I will definitely read them.
I am on my third reading of this series and still enjoy it. I hope this author is working on his next books. I will definitely read them.
October 13, 2012
In the second book of the 299 Days Series, The Collapse, we see the early stages of an economic collapse scenario. In The Collapse, Glen Tate captures some of the unpredictable nature of real life. Events seldom go as planned and they certainly don’t for Grant Matson, who has gone to great lengths to prepare for the safety of his family in the hard times ahead. With so many factors beyond his control, preparation for every situation just isn’t possible. People will make poor decisions, especially when they are blinded by their belief that everything will return to normal, otherwise known as the “normalcy bias”. Grant’s wife Lisa embodies the concept of normalcy bias perfectly. Living her entire life under the shelter of normal, civilized conditions, Lisa is unable to see that the rules have changed with the apparent lack of police and emergency response. Without going into too much detail to spoil the book, Lisa is in for a wakeup call. So far I am very impressed with the 299 Days Series! The Collapse is a great story with an excellent message, useful information and realistic, likeable characters. I’m really looking forward to the release of the next books in the series!
June 29, 2016
I wish I could give this series to all the sheepdogs in my life. I think it has an incredibly valuable message.
To all the negative reviewers, this isn't a Tom Clancy novel. This is written as an account of a scenario that seems increasingly more prophetic in today's world! Yes, Grant's wife is irritating, but we ALL have sheeple in our lives that we love and would have to try to protect.
I, unfortunately, see more and more sheeple in my FB feed every day. They are convinced the problems with mass shootings, or gun violence, is the individual's ability to procure guns.
I hear them speak every time Lisa opens her mouth.
The cold, hard truth is there will always be a huge group of people who believe their only safety is in calling 911 and waiting however long it takes for help. Like Nancy, they are unable to see a need to be able to protect themselves. Without sheepdogs, they will die. Me? I'm sure I'm on someone's POI list. Sure makes you think...
To all the negative reviewers, this isn't a Tom Clancy novel. This is written as an account of a scenario that seems increasingly more prophetic in today's world! Yes, Grant's wife is irritating, but we ALL have sheeple in our lives that we love and would have to try to protect.
I, unfortunately, see more and more sheeple in my FB feed every day. They are convinced the problems with mass shootings, or gun violence, is the individual's ability to procure guns.
I hear them speak every time Lisa opens her mouth.
The cold, hard truth is there will always be a huge group of people who believe their only safety is in calling 911 and waiting however long it takes for help. Like Nancy, they are unable to see a need to be able to protect themselves. Without sheepdogs, they will die. Me? I'm sure I'm on someone's POI list. Sure makes you think...
April 13, 2015
This is the second "book" in the 299 series. It is shorter than the first and it continues the story (again warning: these are not "books" in the traditional sense. This continues the trend of selling a chapter in a story as a "book". There is no natural beginning/end point in this series - in other words, it is not a standalone "book")
The book is OK. Not great.
The writing is plain, but decent enough.
The story is reasonably engaging, but the story line does not move terribly far in this 2nd volume out of 10.
The book is OK. Not great.
The writing is plain, but decent enough.
The story is reasonably engaging, but the story line does not move terribly far in this 2nd volume out of 10.
October 26, 2013
Again the quality issues of some of the references are standout concern in what is really a transition volume in the series, a shorter "bridge" volume between the more significant events of Vol 1 and Vol 3.
Glen's story weaving and telling skills do lead the way in making this volume a nice read, even if it might well be the preface for a combined Vol 2 & 3.
Glen's story weaving and telling skills do lead the way in making this volume a nice read, even if it might well be the preface for a combined Vol 2 & 3.
November 26, 2014
Believable story about the collapse of US economy
this is one in a series of books. Makes me want to sell my Treasury Bonds and buy gold. These books are short but pricey. If I sold my bonds maybe I could afford to buy the next one.
this is one in a series of books. Makes me want to sell my Treasury Bonds and buy gold. These books are short but pricey. If I sold my bonds maybe I could afford to buy the next one.
December 24, 2012
This was an incredible page turner! Gobbled it up in less than a day!
February 26, 2013
Loved it. Book 3!
Want to read
April 3, 2013Bk2
May 4, 2013
Once the introduction of characters was completed in B1 the story really got started. Looking forward to B3.
June 21, 2013
once again great,,,,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews