One Frustrated Man's Apocalypse Story Two years since the collapse, and the whole world has gone feral. Dusty got out of his bunker, and he tried to connect with the only other survivor he knew of. Now he's sitting in a leaky kayak looking for a safe place to hole up while he figures out how to cross forty miles of dangerous suburban sprawl to get back home. He's got a pistol, a rifle, a backpack half full of supplies, and the help of a girl. But he's not sure about her. She's got the disease, and Dusty doesn't know whether to trust her, or run away as fast as he can.
Just trying to imagine presenting the highlights of ME sets off alarm bells in my head. Why would anybody want to know anything about me? What about me is remarkable enough to tell?
When I think about these questions, I recall lying on my bed back in high school, headphones muffed over my ears, heavy metal blasting through my head. As with most teens, music’s power seduced me, and as I listened, I found myself admiring the albums' cover art (yeah, I’m old enough that I used to by LP’s) and I found myself reading about the singers and guitar players and drummers in the liner notes. Why? Because those musicians had created something that was deeply personal, passionate, and wonderfully emotional, and they’d shared it with the world. They’d shared it with me.
It made me want to know them through more than just their music. So, I read.
Through the years, I found myself reading about writers I’d enjoyed, historical figures I’d admired, politicians who weren’t dipshits, and business leaders who’d built great companies. Again, why? Who the hell knows? We’re all just people. I think we find each other interesting. We like to feel connected.
And that was my answer, at least as to the WHY.
On the WHAT I can say about me, for those who feel moved by my work: I’ll give it a quick go.
I was born an Air Force brat and lived in a dozen states before I graduated high school. I’ve worked my way through a wide variety of jobs, left most on a whim, owned businesses, lived through times when I had more money than I knew what to do with, and worried my way through times when I wondered how I’d pay the rent.
Life has been boring at times, and it’s been plenty exciting, too. So far.
I’ve traveled to India, stood atop the tallest mountains around, swam with sharks, smarted-off to cops, and been arrested. I’ve tried beer and weed, but never made a thing of either one. I’ve been brushed too close by death a few times. Thankfully, doctors, EMT’s, and nurses were kind enough to put all the pieces together again. I've ridden my bike so deep into the mountains it felt like I was alone on the edge of heaven, and I've watched the red sun sinking on an evening so clear it looked like it was falling off the edge of the world.
I’ve always had a hard time being where I am, wherever that is. My daydreams forever call from just over the horizon.
I’ve been asked by a dozen bosses where I see myself in five years, and I've lied every time, always telling them what they wanted to hear. Because the only thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted to be anywhere but there.
Noooo, my right eye is twitching, and I look like a rabid owl...you are hard at work, dashing off the next few books, right, Bobsky?!! I'm actually as impatient for Dusty's next installments as I am for Diana Gabaldon next Outlander book 9, 'The Bees'..but please don't make me wait the 4 years it's taking Ms Gabaldon to bring it to print!! Oh, geez, there goes my left eye...
Dusty and Amelia are some of the best characters I've encountered in any of the books I've read for quite. I could go on, but most of what I'd have to say, I've already said in my review of the first three books. Suffice to say they're really good and you should read them. In fact they've encouraged me to take a look at more books by Bobby Adair.
I liked this book much better than book 3. Dusty is having conversations that are not only to himself. No matter how misguided, actions are being taken. It seems the whole trip to meet the deranged aunt could have been avoided with more discussion. Amelia is a good balance to Dusty’s lack of planning. I was pleased to find that the inflatables were finally put to use. I still think learning how to sail after heading out on the water is a horrible decision. The farm in the country would be my pick. The main difference in this story compared to the previous ones in this series is that it’s hopeful in a somewhat realistic way. I was becoming bogged down by Dusty’s depressing critical thinking. I will look forward to where he goes next.
I quite honestly get a kick out of this tale. I enjoy the first person narrative done up as a diary. I enjoy the interactions between Dusty and Amelia. I appreciate that there's a measure of authenticity to the character. He's no Rambo, nor does he pretend to be. These diary entries are just plain gun to read, even though they are about a man surviving the apocalypse
I recommend these works. They offer a humorous voice from a likeable protagonist.
I listened to books 1, 2, and 3 audio edition. Dusty's Diary 4 is not included in the "Audible" title "Dusty's Diary". The audio edition left me wanting to know what was next for old father-figure Dusty and youthful Amelia. So I read book 4. In book 4, while I liked Amelia's idea to go settle on an abandoned farm in the north-east, a Caribbean island is as good a destination as any. I'm hoping author Bobby Adair writes Dusty's Diary 5 to explore the next phase of their journey.
Though it may be in the same ballpark as his other post apocalyptic reads, it's definitely his flagship series in world. Other than the obvious connections to the ruined saga that's where the similarities end. It's a fun , gritty, calls you a dumb ass and you say thank you genuinely compendium. I can only hope that I'm that big of an ass and that liked when the world goes to shit.
He has grown as a character and “person” Amelia has become a definite part of Dustys world they both have much to offer each other and I hope to find out if they ever make it to an island or even if they become a weird family or meet anyone else like either one of them
Unfortunately the book was over to quick. Life is interesting for Dusty. How can he move forward, when the past seems to grip him so tightly. Dusty continues his adventures with Amelia, but the world has changed. Although he’s older, Amelia’s experience makes her the leader and logical one. I can’t wait for book 5.
Another short but fun read. In fact, this was the first time I was wishing it was longer. Or wrapping up the story. Or had Diary 5 waiting for me to read.
Are there more people out there? Are there more shrooms like Amelia? Will they move into the stadium? Will they sail away to paradise? Will they get eaten by gators? We need to know!
Is Dusty finally going to leave the stink bunker for a better place only time will tell. I have enjoyed this series so far as much as the other books by Bobby Adair
Enjoyed the series, especially Bk 4. Like the interactions between Dusty and Ameilia. Hpe there will be a bk 5 , 6, 7, etc. Would like to know what happened to Mazzie. I think Dusty & An should be headin N to colder climate, safer for them.
My only gripe Bobby is how short these are and how long between installments! I like this series. Its interesting,entertaining and, the characters are brought to you as a living breathing person. Personalities are captivating and keep your attention and interest!
Doesn't read like a diary but iit's still an enjoyable post apocalyptic fix. Just a maintaneca hit. I would like to see more , and sooner rather than later. Let's not kid ourselves, this pandemic is just the beginning.
I loved the different take on the Apocalypse. Not really zombies, but that made it even better. I actually listened to these on Audible. Ray Porter is amazing as always! I really hope to hear/read more about Dusty!
After I leave this review I'm going to check if there's another or maybe ill stalk author page for any info. If you're reading this review just go ahead and buy the books. Its a great series you won't be disappointed.
Not as much humor as in the first couple books, but still a good story. Felt like the author was in a hurry to be done with the series. That said, the whole collection is different enough to recommend.
Good contribution of the great philosophical approach to a post apocalyptic works
Another great chapter in the world of Dusty. Good things about this were the interactions of shroom heads beyond a journal approach. Intriguing what may develop.
If you liked the slow burn series you will like this too. Main character is likeable and funny. I hope there are more books in the series. Ill check out anything Bobby Adair writes.
Continuation from the three book boxed set. Short, but excellent read. 'Fun' in as much as post-apocalyptic books can be fun, with plenty of humour and very believable.