Complacency: One Man's Story

by Edward Minyard

"Complacency" exposes the perils of disregarding current global events and underestimating potential threats, drawing from his experiences in emergency management and cybersecurity to create an unforgettable tale that illuminates both preparedness and inaction - leaving readers with an intimate knowledge of the potentially devastating repercussions of becoming complacent in an ever-changing, ever-more volatile world.

Finally, the author calls upon his own real-world experiences to offer the reader guidance and resources to help them become more prepared, more resilient - and less complacent - in their own lives.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Joy Tarbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world shaped by uncertainties, Edward Minyard’s “Complacency: One Man’s Story” emerges as a beacon, casting light on the very vulnerabilities that surround us. Released at the perfect time, this story doesn’t merely entertain, but educates, cautions, and propels readers to introspection and action.

Not just a novel, it’s a clarion call, to shed complacency, to recognize the challenges before us, and to galvanize into collective and individual action.

Highly recommended for those seeking a thrilling read underscored by the urgency of real-world implications. Don’t be complacent -- read this book!

[Jennifer A Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Complacency. This book brought so much to the forefront for me. For years, I've felt like we're living in a house of cards, with so much of our infrastructure and societal norms always on the edge. Time to pack a "go home" bag for my family and practice our plans!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Complacency" by Edward Minyard is a thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of settling for mediocrity. This book serves as a powerful reminder to strive for excellence and never become stagnant.

Ronnie Martin

[Ed Sterrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've all heard this and that about vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, electrical grid and all of that. But with all that "head knowledge", we fail to relate to what it all means to us personally. Its no big deal until it hits home- affects us on the personal level- before we can grasp how serious this issue really is.

Eddie Minyard, who literally wrote the book on disaster response, accomplishes exactly that with "Complacency: One Man's Story". In this fictional journey into "What If", Eddie brings it home to the reader in a very realistic and very possible scenario, dramatizing the many repurcusionns and possible outcomes *when* our fragile but taken-for-granted electrical infrastructure is no longer at our beck and call. What happens when you flip the On switch... and nothing happens?

"Complacency: One Man's Story" is a very enjoyable read with well developed characters. This book will help you examine your own vulnerabilities and hopefully increase your awareness, guiding you into preparedness for this or any other type of similar situation where you and those you care for must rely on yourselves for immediate assistance. The message is clear and understandable. Ignore at your own peril!

[John Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Complacency : One Man’s Story” is a gripping read of one man’s response to a world gone mad. The story begins with a world wide catastrophe that results in the breakdown of all societal norms. As the chaos spreads the story focuses on a family increasingly in peril and the actions taken to protect themselves from the civil unrest and desperation of friends and neighbors. Minyard adroitly transports the reader through a series of challenging and frightening events as the protagonists struggle to survive in a new reality of lawlessness and desperation.
The author could have easily titled this book as “Preparedness: One Man’s Story” for it clearly demonstrates how knowledge and prior planning can determine a positive outcome in a disastrous situation. As a thrilling read this book is exciting and realistic. As a cautionary tale it is a terrifying warning of a future where we are left to provide for our very survival.

[Roy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complacency…A riveting Must Read! I found the book to be not only well constructed, but contextually valid!

Mr. Minyard takes the veil off of mainstream media misrepresentations and shares a realistic look at where we are Now as a country racing toward the probable catastrophic fallout from poor decisions in government.

The Author paints a very clear picture of what happens in a complacent society, and then concludes with very good links to valid information and actions each person can take to be better prepared.
If you’ve been on the front lines, this will make sense!
If you can’t handle the truth, don’t read it.

[Bob Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fictional story is quite enthralling, and sometimes scary as well. It may not be an easy or comfortable read for some folks. Unfolding with a cascading series of possible situational events that threaten civilization as we know it today, this book certainly rings an alarm bell. The author, employing his professional and technical backgrounds in resilience and crisis management, weaves realistic details into this tale that warns of complacency. This is a thought-provoking tome about the failure to recognize the horrible dangers in lack of preparation and the fall-out from resulting responses. Highly recommended for thrill readers.

[Christopher Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed Minyard has not spent his life behind a desk. He has sp by it serving others. In both military and private sectors, Ed truly puts service before self. "Complacency" is not just a novel; it is a cautionary tale that underscores the urgency of heeding warning signs before it is too late. Its blend of factual accuracy with speculative elements provides a unique reading experience that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by the dynamics of crisis management and the human capacity for denial in the face of impending threats.

[jackie hamblet · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this book on many levels. The out right discrimination and pejorative language used for many groups hits hard. Having lived in the valley for 45 years and living through the 1998 NE ice storm I truly understand
the importance of preparedness but certainly not paranoia. As a work of fiction I understand the license being used, but even a license comes with limits and responsibilities.

[Roger Dorethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real eye opener! A well crafted, intriguing story, with believable characters, reacting to recent and possible events.
Based on his real world experiences, Mr. Minyard urges everyone to have a personal plan. To aid in that endeavor, he includes a treasure of references to aid in that endeavor.

[Scott Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Complacency: One Man's Story, by Edward Minyard. The book is a well written fictional story that outlines a number of potential real world scenarios about cyber security, contingency planning, personal and organizational security and much more. As a career security and crisis management professional, I found it well worth the read.

[Frank Finnerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Minyard’s hardhitting take on the perils and fragility of our existence, albeit fictional, resonates with those of us who refuse to bury our heads in the sand of political distraction and national hubris. Will his exhortation, born of experience in numerous manmade and natural disasters, and our feeble bureaucratic responses to the same be unheeded ? Let’s hope not !!

[Nate A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book from an author that is do experienced and well respected in this field. Never in our lives has technology been moving faster than it is right now and it is more critical than ever for individuals, organizations, and companies to not become complacent when it comes to understanding what kinds of issues and threats these changes are bringing. Well written.

[Jessica Milner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so realistic that it gave me the chills! Also a very fast paced and well written story! After reading it, I really took a different look at society and how ready my family would be if the walls came down! The author clearly knows what he's talking about! This book is a must read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale of what could be in an ever changing world. Minyard reminds us both that we need to be prepared for an uncertain future, but also that in the end we need to trust and depend on each other.

[Lawrence Eakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

About half way through and I'm already giving 5 stars. Highly recommend this book if you want to challenge your mind with what's going on in today's world....

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author enlightens the readers on the dangers that most people don’t realize is happening in this world. All because most are Complacent!!

[Gary Schoolcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Minyard has written a book that is simultaneously entertaining and frightening. His background in disaster recovery and risk management serves to give the book an all too realistic feel to a work of fiction. You can easily see the events described here happening in the near future, if not sooner. The appendix at the back is worth the price of the book. Highly recommended for any one who does not want to be complacent.