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The Flu #1
The Flu
In a world blackened with plague, a glimmer of light exists in the small town of Lodi, Ohio.They shine as a sanctuary because they ... are 'flu-free' In the wake of the reality that they are spared, the spirit and strength of Lodi is tested. It becomes a fight against what is morally right or wrong in an increasingly difficult battle to stay healthy and alive until the flu has run its course.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
February 28, 2012
At times a bit overdone, I thought: stilted dialogue and a contrived plot finds a sensitive biker Mick (also the chief of police and something of a 24-esque hero) slowly falling in love and saving a small town...along with intrepid doctor Lars (also a romance novelist and aid worker). FBI partners holed up in an LA hotel have a 'the world is ending' sexual encounter - which is frankly so out if place that it's laughable. I suppose it plays along with the sense of civil disorder that the story tries to build, but is shockingly contrasted by references to 'the New Jerusalem' and a book section titled 'The Walls of Jericho.'
The story is slow, slow, slow to start. You'll get to know the hairstyle of each character. And as the plot builds, you'll find yourself rooting for the flu. Several typos spoil what's meant to be emotional moments, and everything is thunderous: coughing, trucks, whatever.
I do actually think, though, that this would be a stronger piece if it were adapted for the screen. It would make an excellent tv movie. The pacing felt right for a screenplay, and the melodrama, but it doesn't translate quite as well to the novel form.
A good book to take on an airplane, I think. You'll be done in a few hours with a satisfactory ending but feel no remorse in abandoning the book in the setback pocket.
The story is slow, slow, slow to start. You'll get to know the hairstyle of each character. And as the plot builds, you'll find yourself rooting for the flu. Several typos spoil what's meant to be emotional moments, and everything is thunderous: coughing, trucks, whatever.
I do actually think, though, that this would be a stronger piece if it were adapted for the screen. It would make an excellent tv movie. The pacing felt right for a screenplay, and the melodrama, but it doesn't translate quite as well to the novel form.
A good book to take on an airplane, I think. You'll be done in a few hours with a satisfactory ending but feel no remorse in abandoning the book in the setback pocket.
October 22, 2011
I purchased The Flu thinking it would be an OK read. A filler if you like, something easy to read on my daily commute. But I was wrong - very wrong!
The Flu immediately plunges you into the story with characters that are incredibly likable and not the usual infallible types that are predominate in the post-apocalyptic genre. They are normal people with normal lives, and have the same feelings and fears that you can imagine yourself having in such situations.
The story is free-flowing and addictive, easily understandable and not bogged down by the scientific explanations that can make such novels a bit of a chore in places. I read these type of novels for fun, not an education, and The Flu has a big tick in that box.
Now, I do have to mention the errors, spelling and grammatical in this book. But in the end, I didn't care - the story is good, the characters great and these small issues did not distract me from that.
I will definitely be purchasing more of Ms. Druga's stories in future.
The Flu immediately plunges you into the story with characters that are incredibly likable and not the usual infallible types that are predominate in the post-apocalyptic genre. They are normal people with normal lives, and have the same feelings and fears that you can imagine yourself having in such situations.
The story is free-flowing and addictive, easily understandable and not bogged down by the scientific explanations that can make such novels a bit of a chore in places. I read these type of novels for fun, not an education, and The Flu has a big tick in that box.
Now, I do have to mention the errors, spelling and grammatical in this book. But in the end, I didn't care - the story is good, the characters great and these small issues did not distract me from that.
I will definitely be purchasing more of Ms. Druga's stories in future.
November 19, 2021
I love apocalypse and post-apocalypse fiction so thought I’d give this a shot.
It’s a very lazy book. Cliches abound. Sexual assault as if it’s perfectly ok (main character: “I suppose I should have waited for her to sober up before sleeping with her” and no further consequences or discussion) and sexist characterisation bounces from every page.
Every single character snickers and chuckles through every single event - and I mean EVERY event. On every single page someone either chuckles or snickers inappropriately. Eg “they looked around at the pile of bodies. Lexi chuckled. “Do you think anyone will look for these bodies?” - Wtaf??? Has the author got no reaction for anything other than chuckling and snickering?
Not to mention the excessive typos and extra words littered every couple of pages or so throughout the book. Does nobody have editors or proof readers any more?
Sloppy writing all round and I won’t be rushing to read another one by this author. Very disappointing read.
It’s a very lazy book. Cliches abound. Sexual assault as if it’s perfectly ok (main character: “I suppose I should have waited for her to sober up before sleeping with her” and no further consequences or discussion) and sexist characterisation bounces from every page.
Every single character snickers and chuckles through every single event - and I mean EVERY event. On every single page someone either chuckles or snickers inappropriately. Eg “they looked around at the pile of bodies. Lexi chuckled. “Do you think anyone will look for these bodies?” - Wtaf??? Has the author got no reaction for anything other than chuckling and snickering?
Not to mention the excessive typos and extra words littered every couple of pages or so throughout the book. Does nobody have editors or proof readers any more?
Sloppy writing all round and I won’t be rushing to read another one by this author. Very disappointing read.
January 20, 2013
Okay, I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I went into it expecting chaos and conflict, horror, which I was perfectly okay with. I did not expect to end up a blubbery mess. I also didn't expect to laugh as often as I found myself laughing. I was surprised all the way through. The pacing was just brilliant to me. The way the story came together and how amazingly the pieces all fit, it blew my mind. As a writer, I'm still shaking my head. Now I need to go back to my own writing and figure out how Jacqueline Druga organizes like she does. Dammit.
April 26, 2020
I felt it was fitting that I read this now, in the midst of COVID-19. It is the story of a pandemic illness that affects the world, and of Lodi, Ohio, a small town that fights to keep it's residents safe and disease free. It was unsettling to read a fictional account of what seems to be taking place in the world. However, the book ends on a note of hope for the future and I am optimistic about our future too. We will get through this.
July 13, 2020
Timely
With the Coronavirus swirling through the country it's ironic that I would be reading this now. That's scary stuff. This is actually a pretty good apocalyptic tale. Original situations in different environmental settings. I grew up right near Wadsworrh Ohio and Medina County. I knew all the places near Lodi.
With the Coronavirus swirling through the country it's ironic that I would be reading this now. That's scary stuff. This is actually a pretty good apocalyptic tale. Original situations in different environmental settings. I grew up right near Wadsworrh Ohio and Medina County. I knew all the places near Lodi.
October 1, 2012
This book goes in a number of directions, only 2 of them finished. If you're here for the pandemic/influenza book, you're going to be sorely disappointed. It sucks. The author apparently doesn't know the difference between bacteria and viruses. The entire book is written as if Influenza is bacterial in origin.
The other aspect of this book that is complete is the love story between Mick and Dylan. That story is well told and as long as you're not too analytical the romance between these two characters is endearing. Of course if you look beyond the surface, these two, especially Dylan, can barely function in society. I don't know why the author chose to make them so codependent, but it does make for an interesting story.
This is a good read for anyone interested in the love story aspect and not very analytical.
The other aspect of this book that is complete is the love story between Mick and Dylan. That story is well told and as long as you're not too analytical the romance between these two characters is endearing. Of course if you look beyond the surface, these two, especially Dylan, can barely function in society. I don't know why the author chose to make them so codependent, but it does make for an interesting story.
This is a good read for anyone interested in the love story aspect and not very analytical.
February 17, 2014
I started this book two days ago and was hooked from the beginning. The end threw me for a loop and I was definitely in tears for the lat couple chapters. Such a great read, you get incredibly close to the characters in this book!
January 27, 2016
It's been a while since a book made me cry. Not that this is a bleak story - but I had a real connection with the characters. This is well worth a look.
July 15, 2019
I started this years ago on my Kindle and then got carried away with other newer books. I started it again this summer. I was pleasantly surprised at how "new" the story still seemed, despite being written in 2012. I loved the idea of a tiny town in the "boonies" being able to quarantine itself against the end of the world. I liked the character development and thought the book was never "stale." It was a bit predictable in the end, but I still liked the way it ended. There are more in this series but I think I'll stop my reading with this one. I liked the arc and I'm ok with the ending as it was in this book.
If you like "doomsday books" this is one you should pick up!
If you like "doomsday books" this is one you should pick up!
September 8, 2021
Oh My God such a great book
While reading this book I experienced a full range of emotions. I could feel the passion that the author put into this story and I was able to easily feel the emotions of Dylan and Mick. I don't know if I am ready to read the second book but I know I have to. Please choose to read this book but be prepared for the emotions.
While reading this book I experienced a full range of emotions. I could feel the passion that the author put into this story and I was able to easily feel the emotions of Dylan and Mick. I don't know if I am ready to read the second book but I know I have to. Please choose to read this book but be prepared for the emotions.
January 30, 2014
The Flu opens up with a grim description of the effects that a flu-like plague has on its unsuspecting victims. One day, you’re feeling fit and well, the next down for the count. Without rhyme or reason, the plague strikes and strikes hard. I was very intrigued by the premise of this book from the get go. Beginning in Alaska, you read with white knuckles as the plague spreads from the cold confines of the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles. You writhe as the sickness infects and creeps east, finally bringing an entire Nation to its knees.
In the small town of Lodi, Ohio, Chief of Police Mick Owens is everybody’s favorite guy, and our story’s small town hero. Mick is clearly the story’s protagonist as we are introduced to him very early on, although he is surrounded by many interesting supporting characters. Dylan Hughes, a fiery woman and loving mother to her three sons, Dustin, Chris and Tigger. Dylan’s estranged husband, Sam, is in and out of the picture. A mysterious new teacher arrives in Lodi and the famous Dr. Lars Rayburn returns for his month long holiday just before the plague spreads nationally. Mick acts quickly, like no other man of his caliber, and will stop at nothing to keep the people of his town and the people he loves the most, safe from all harm.
Lars Rayburn quickly became my favorite character, he was full of wit, charged with intelligence and the necessary means Mick needed in keeping the town of Lodi safe during the darkest time the world has seen since the Spanish Flu. The friendship that he builds with Lodi Elementary’s new teacher and the mystery surrounding his adoration by the people of Lodi definitely forces you to keep reading. At the end of the book I was forced to compare the Lars Rayburn mystery to the “Plastic Parrots” joke. (I would definitely recommend looking that joke up.)
The book overall was a good read. Where I found it lacking was in the pace of the story. It isn’t until the second part of the book that you are ever aware of why the town of Lodi, Ohio is even relevant. The plot line as a whole lacked any real climax or crescendo. The character development was great, but far too much time was spent on the faults of characters involved in a bizarre love triangle. The character development was so good in fact that some of the streamlined characters (there purely for filler) didn’t need to be developed at all. I’m a mature reader, but the mild and random sex scenes scattered here and there honestly took away from the story as a whole and served as mere distractions.
Jacqueline Druga is obviously a talented writer. I love to encounter fellow female writers in the apocalyptic genre. She is definitely someone who’s work I will continue to read. I’ve rated the book a 3 out 5, but only because of what I’ve previously mentioned. The book ends on a bitter sweet note, bringing an emotional ending to the plague ravaged town, which leaves room for a sequel. And there is a follow up read to The Flu, which I will definitely be checking out!
Review submitted by Stevie Kopas, member of The Bookie Monster team. bookie-monster.com
In the small town of Lodi, Ohio, Chief of Police Mick Owens is everybody’s favorite guy, and our story’s small town hero. Mick is clearly the story’s protagonist as we are introduced to him very early on, although he is surrounded by many interesting supporting characters. Dylan Hughes, a fiery woman and loving mother to her three sons, Dustin, Chris and Tigger. Dylan’s estranged husband, Sam, is in and out of the picture. A mysterious new teacher arrives in Lodi and the famous Dr. Lars Rayburn returns for his month long holiday just before the plague spreads nationally. Mick acts quickly, like no other man of his caliber, and will stop at nothing to keep the people of his town and the people he loves the most, safe from all harm.
Lars Rayburn quickly became my favorite character, he was full of wit, charged with intelligence and the necessary means Mick needed in keeping the town of Lodi safe during the darkest time the world has seen since the Spanish Flu. The friendship that he builds with Lodi Elementary’s new teacher and the mystery surrounding his adoration by the people of Lodi definitely forces you to keep reading. At the end of the book I was forced to compare the Lars Rayburn mystery to the “Plastic Parrots” joke. (I would definitely recommend looking that joke up.)
The book overall was a good read. Where I found it lacking was in the pace of the story. It isn’t until the second part of the book that you are ever aware of why the town of Lodi, Ohio is even relevant. The plot line as a whole lacked any real climax or crescendo. The character development was great, but far too much time was spent on the faults of characters involved in a bizarre love triangle. The character development was so good in fact that some of the streamlined characters (there purely for filler) didn’t need to be developed at all. I’m a mature reader, but the mild and random sex scenes scattered here and there honestly took away from the story as a whole and served as mere distractions.
Jacqueline Druga is obviously a talented writer. I love to encounter fellow female writers in the apocalyptic genre. She is definitely someone who’s work I will continue to read. I’ve rated the book a 3 out 5, but only because of what I’ve previously mentioned. The book ends on a bitter sweet note, bringing an emotional ending to the plague ravaged town, which leaves room for a sequel. And there is a follow up read to The Flu, which I will definitely be checking out!
Review submitted by Stevie Kopas, member of The Bookie Monster team. bookie-monster.com
June 16, 2019
It took much longer than it should have to finish this book. It was so dull. I've been looking for good end-of-the-world/horror/dystopian fiction, and I'm about ready to give up. I feel like I've already hit the good ones, and all of those genres are filled to the brim with really terrible books. This is one of the terrible books. I should have known better. I knew by the synopsis that the author has no idea what she's talking about, but I was hoping she would gloss over the science a bit and just deal with the effects on society and survivors. Nope. She tried to write as if she knew what she was talking about.
Flu viruses don't work the way she thinks they do. The 'Spanish flu" never went away. Its an H1N1 virus. It will never cause a pandemic again, even if it mutates. It has mutated several times, which the author would know if she bothered to do 5 minutes of research. H1N1 was in the news about 6-7 years ago when they tried to add it to the flu vaccine. I don't know how the author missed that. It can still be a nasty flu bug, but it isn't much more dangerous than any other flu. I saw another reviewer already mentioned this, but I also suspect the author doesn't know the difference between a virus and bacteria. She writes as though influenza is a bacteria. Almost every bit of medical and scientific references in her book are inaccurate. This isn't really a book abut a pandemic or the end of the world anyway. It feels like she just set up some shaky framework to write a dull romance novel.
Flu viruses don't work the way she thinks they do. The 'Spanish flu" never went away. Its an H1N1 virus. It will never cause a pandemic again, even if it mutates. It has mutated several times, which the author would know if she bothered to do 5 minutes of research. H1N1 was in the news about 6-7 years ago when they tried to add it to the flu vaccine. I don't know how the author missed that. It can still be a nasty flu bug, but it isn't much more dangerous than any other flu. I saw another reviewer already mentioned this, but I also suspect the author doesn't know the difference between a virus and bacteria. She writes as though influenza is a bacteria. Almost every bit of medical and scientific references in her book are inaccurate. This isn't really a book abut a pandemic or the end of the world anyway. It feels like she just set up some shaky framework to write a dull romance novel.
December 13, 2021
Pretty awful romance dressed up in an apocalypse setting.
This book has some redeeming features - characterisation is thorough, perhaps too much so as we are told everything that every character is feeling to the point of boredom. The main female - called Dylan - is a mother of 3 boys living in smalltown, Ohio, and is exactly the same as every female lead in every Druga book. Basically an overwrought, overemotional, overprotective, impulsive loudmouth harridan whom men seem to adore. I really can't understand why.
Anyway, the flu mutation escapes from a laboratory and spreads all over. The author doesn't seem to know much about viruses and confuses bacterial and viral diseases and symptoms. There's a world renowned doctor, a biker chief-of-police and a couple of male FBI agents who suddenly become gay because it's the end-of-the-world. The plot is decidedly weak and rather dull, with unrealistic dialogue - lots of swearing, especially from old ladies. Everyone is 'snickering' and 'chuckling' all the time, and in the most inappropriate situations, such as when finding a pile of dead bodies. Chuckle count - 53, snicker - 36 my kindle says...
The usual typos and homonyms this author is famed for are not as frequent as usual, but there are still plenty to be found, and they're not an attractive "site".
This book has some redeeming features - characterisation is thorough, perhaps too much so as we are told everything that every character is feeling to the point of boredom. The main female - called Dylan - is a mother of 3 boys living in smalltown, Ohio, and is exactly the same as every female lead in every Druga book. Basically an overwrought, overemotional, overprotective, impulsive loudmouth harridan whom men seem to adore. I really can't understand why.
Anyway, the flu mutation escapes from a laboratory and spreads all over. The author doesn't seem to know much about viruses and confuses bacterial and viral diseases and symptoms. There's a world renowned doctor, a biker chief-of-police and a couple of male FBI agents who suddenly become gay because it's the end-of-the-world. The plot is decidedly weak and rather dull, with unrealistic dialogue - lots of swearing, especially from old ladies. Everyone is 'snickering' and 'chuckling' all the time, and in the most inappropriate situations, such as when finding a pile of dead bodies. Chuckle count - 53, snicker - 36 my kindle says...
The usual typos and homonyms this author is famed for are not as frequent as usual, but there are still plenty to be found, and they're not an attractive "site".
October 15, 2017
More that half the book treats the looming disease as a side story and mostly is centered on a small town Ohio triangle of a woman and two men. The female main character, Dylan, is so very annoying that I was hoping she would end up being the first person in the world to die of the flu. There are some interesting moments once the flu gets started but it was hard for me to envision that this little town in Ohio would attract a world renowned infectious disease physician and two research scientists as well as being the country's hope for being able to beat the disease. The FBI guys seemed to only be there for a bizarre sex scene that was pointless to the story and to bring a villainous agent of disease to Ohio. I bought both books together since I have read other books by this author that I liked so I guess I will continue with the series.
January 22, 2013
This book works its way into your system and does not let go. The Flu tells the tale of a killer flu accidently let loose upon the world; it highlights how fragile as a species we truly are. This is what scares you about this book, it has happened before and it is bound to happen again. A great cast of characters take us through this tale that has it all, action, romance, suspense and humour. Like the Flu this book leaves exhausted once it is done with you. But this is a good thing because it shows that you have just read a great book.
August 6, 2012
This book was so emotional for me. No one writes family drama the way this author does. She makes you care about the characters, and she writes them in such a way as to make you invested in them. Just to warn you, this book was an incredibly emotional read for me. I love to read apocalyptic end of the world stories, but this book is so much more. It is driven by the characters. I also highly recommend her books Dust and Sleepers!
November 9, 2015
"The Flu" was an amazing story. From the first page to the end, it was hard to put down. How it spread from Alaska to the west coast all the way to the east coast. The lives it touch, the twists and turns as how some people got it and other didn't. How the small town of Lodi, Ohio handled the flu which was the main focus of the story. The ending was very surprising I would say more but don't want to spoil it for others. I will be reading more books by Jacqueline Druga.
February 12, 2020
More than I expected!
The book began with several different locations, characters, and storylines. With great skill the author crafted the lines together into a web that had me totally captivated. At the end I was feeling emotions that I haven’t felt in a long time.
The book began with several different locations, characters, and storylines. With great skill the author crafted the lines together into a web that had me totally captivated. At the end I was feeling emotions that I haven’t felt in a long time.
January 21, 2013
The author focuses on the one town that is "flu free" and their fight against what is morally right or wrong in the difficult battle to stay alive until the flu has run its course.
January 20, 2016
Read about 12% of the book and couldn't continue. Really boring. Nothing was happening and none of the characters were likeable. Normally I really enjoy end of life as we know it books.
November 28, 2016
When a devastating strain of the flu is inadvertently unleashed from a research station in Alaska, it only takes days for the virus to spread across the world, decimating the population. As cities fall and civilization collapses, a team of specialists decide to make a last stand in the small town of Lodi, Ohio. With a radical plan, they hope this one town will escape the rest of the world's fate.
Jacqueline Druga's captivating novel The Flu reads a lot like Outbreak meets The Stand (minus the supernatural elements). The story features the usual suspects - doctors, federal agents, researchers - but is largely focused on the residents of Lodi and their relationships and everyday lives. Druga takes her time setting up the story and focuses a great deal on developing her characters. The result is that while you may get only the briefest outline of events in the larger world, you come to really know and love these characters. It's an interesting mix of a leisurely setup and a backdrop of a fast-moving virus, but it works really well.
One of Stephen King's greatest talents is his ability to make you care about the day-to-day lives of his characters, sometimes even more than you care about the larger story. Druga has this gift as well. 95% of the world's population is dying and you still get wrapped up in whether the small town sheriff will find love, a mother's relationship with her sons, and countless other little details. You will laugh with the townspeople, and you'll definitely cry with them. Of course, the way this pandemic unfolds is fascinating in its own right, and Druga spares no gory detail in describing the way it claims its victims.
It's not perfect. I'm sure you could go through and "kick the tires" long enough to find some things that don't quite work, but by and large The Flu is so captivating and moving that looking past a few flaws is not hard at all. The Flu is an interesting and emotional departure from Permuted Press. They're no strangers to apocalyptic plague stories, but The Flu doesn't have zombies or any other kind of supernatural elements. It's an entirely plausible story, and one with real heart. It reads a lot like one of those blockbuster thrillers you'd pick up at an airport bookstore, or even a book club selection.
Jacqueline Druga's captivating novel The Flu reads a lot like Outbreak meets The Stand (minus the supernatural elements). The story features the usual suspects - doctors, federal agents, researchers - but is largely focused on the residents of Lodi and their relationships and everyday lives. Druga takes her time setting up the story and focuses a great deal on developing her characters. The result is that while you may get only the briefest outline of events in the larger world, you come to really know and love these characters. It's an interesting mix of a leisurely setup and a backdrop of a fast-moving virus, but it works really well.
One of Stephen King's greatest talents is his ability to make you care about the day-to-day lives of his characters, sometimes even more than you care about the larger story. Druga has this gift as well. 95% of the world's population is dying and you still get wrapped up in whether the small town sheriff will find love, a mother's relationship with her sons, and countless other little details. You will laugh with the townspeople, and you'll definitely cry with them. Of course, the way this pandemic unfolds is fascinating in its own right, and Druga spares no gory detail in describing the way it claims its victims.
It's not perfect. I'm sure you could go through and "kick the tires" long enough to find some things that don't quite work, but by and large The Flu is so captivating and moving that looking past a few flaws is not hard at all. The Flu is an interesting and emotional departure from Permuted Press. They're no strangers to apocalyptic plague stories, but The Flu doesn't have zombies or any other kind of supernatural elements. It's an entirely plausible story, and one with real heart. It reads a lot like one of those blockbuster thrillers you'd pick up at an airport bookstore, or even a book club selection.
February 28, 2020
I found an ad for this book in the back of Glen Bullion's Dead Living and having enjoyed that I thought I'd check this out as I do find Permuted Press has a fairly good level of quality in their publishing.
This story begins in a reasonable fashion that has you quite involved in the unfolding story from nearly the beginning, it's not like some books that take awhile for you to become invested. I found it to be a quite compelling story, well written with a reasonably realistic portrayal of how events would unfold in such a crisis.
Overall, I thought it was a good book, however there's one issue I found that bothered me considerably during the reading of this - the author doesn't seem to have an understanding that a virus and a bacterium are two different organisms and not interchangeable. Either that or they just took some artistic licence with it, but it seems to be the former as artistic licence isn't really needed to have a treatment for a virus. In the story they're given a huge dose of anti-bacterials to treat the virus, whereas they should have been given anti-virals for a virus, antibacterials aren't going to do anything for a viral infection. At any rate, asides for this continual niggling issue I thought it was a great story, if you can look past this you'll enjoy it, if such things immersion for you, you probably won't.
This story begins in a reasonable fashion that has you quite involved in the unfolding story from nearly the beginning, it's not like some books that take awhile for you to become invested. I found it to be a quite compelling story, well written with a reasonably realistic portrayal of how events would unfold in such a crisis.
Overall, I thought it was a good book, however there's one issue I found that bothered me considerably during the reading of this - the author doesn't seem to have an understanding that a virus and a bacterium are two different organisms and not interchangeable. Either that or they just took some artistic licence with it, but it seems to be the former as artistic licence isn't really needed to have a treatment for a virus. In the story they're given a huge dose of anti-bacterials to treat the virus, whereas they should have been given anti-virals for a virus, antibacterials aren't going to do anything for a viral infection. At any rate, asides for this continual niggling issue I thought it was a great story, if you can look past this you'll enjoy it, if such things immersion for you, you probably won't.
September 19, 2017
I've read a lot of apocalyptic fiction over the last two years, and I do have to say this is one of the better ones, as you are primarily concentrating on one small community in Ohio vs. jumping back and forth with multiple situations and events. The author does an excellent job of getting you into the heads and interactions of her characters, and you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action and feel their emotions. This one was really hard to put down, and I would consider purchasing a sequel to the book to find out what happens with the characters and society once the flu has run its course.
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion about six months ago and just now got around to reading it; as I type this review, I see the pricing for the Kindle version has reverted back to $3.99: you will receive a heck of a lot more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value from this one. If you enjoy a good apocalyptic tale, I highly recommend this one!
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion about six months ago and just now got around to reading it; as I type this review, I see the pricing for the Kindle version has reverted back to $3.99: you will receive a heck of a lot more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value from this one. If you enjoy a good apocalyptic tale, I highly recommend this one!
April 4, 2021
This was a prophetic read in this era of COVID. Many of the scenarios in "The Flu" becomes facts of life as we moved through the pandemic.
I wasn't sure at first what to make of this book. The first half of it was like two separate books in one. You have the disease and the initial reactions to it and also the saga of Dylan, Mick and the residents of Lodi, Ohio. Each subplot is compelling but become even more so as they combine in the last half of the book. What I didn't expect, however, was to have my heart broken so many times. I won't add any spoilers here but suffice it to say that nobody in the book is left untouched by the flu. If you insist on happy endings, you may want to avoid this book. If you like real drama and a look into what could become a scary reality, this one is for you.
I wasn't sure at first what to make of this book. The first half of it was like two separate books in one. You have the disease and the initial reactions to it and also the saga of Dylan, Mick and the residents of Lodi, Ohio. Each subplot is compelling but become even more so as they combine in the last half of the book. What I didn't expect, however, was to have my heart broken so many times. I won't add any spoilers here but suffice it to say that nobody in the book is left untouched by the flu. If you insist on happy endings, you may want to avoid this book. If you like real drama and a look into what could become a scary reality, this one is for you.
December 31, 2021
A major, deadly pandemic strikes
A terrible version of the flu has broken out of a research station in Alaska, and ends up decimating the entire world. Over 80% of the population is dead as a result. But one small town in Ohio tries to wait it out...
Once again, Jacqueline Druga has created great characters. I will not soon forget Mick, Dylan, Dustin, Tigger, Lars, and Patrick!
In light of what we are going through with the coronavirus pandemic, this is a timely story. The world was just lucky that the virus wasn't any more deadly than it was. A virus that spreads as quickly as covid, but with the lethality of Ebola - this current pandemic could have been just such an event as described in this book.
Anyone who likes apocalyptic fiction with good characterization and a solid story line will like this book. A good read!
A terrible version of the flu has broken out of a research station in Alaska, and ends up decimating the entire world. Over 80% of the population is dead as a result. But one small town in Ohio tries to wait it out...
Once again, Jacqueline Druga has created great characters. I will not soon forget Mick, Dylan, Dustin, Tigger, Lars, and Patrick!
In light of what we are going through with the coronavirus pandemic, this is a timely story. The world was just lucky that the virus wasn't any more deadly than it was. A virus that spreads as quickly as covid, but with the lethality of Ebola - this current pandemic could have been just such an event as described in this book.
Anyone who likes apocalyptic fiction with good characterization and a solid story line will like this book. A good read!
September 24, 2021
Good story
This is another great book from this author. The story is mostly a love story between Mick and Dylan. They have been in and out of a relationship since high school. The only problem is Dylan is married. She's married to a man who was Mick's friend in high school.
The little town they live in is free of the flu that is going around the world. So they lock it up until the flu runs its course through the rest of the country.
I'm not going tell any more of the story. You have to read this book. I laughed and cried through it and really loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves apocalyptic stories with some romance and a little mystery thrown in.
This is another great book from this author. The story is mostly a love story between Mick and Dylan. They have been in and out of a relationship since high school. The only problem is Dylan is married. She's married to a man who was Mick's friend in high school.
The little town they live in is free of the flu that is going around the world. So they lock it up until the flu runs its course through the rest of the country.
I'm not going tell any more of the story. You have to read this book. I laughed and cried through it and really loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves apocalyptic stories with some romance and a little mystery thrown in.
May 16, 2022
Another awesome novel
Jacqueline Drug's characters are complex and have depth. I laughed, I cried, and I stayed up way past my bedtime just to read a little more. The characters felt real and I couldn't help but feel their joy and their anguish. Mick, Dylan, Dustin, Chris, and Trigger (along with the entire town of Lodi) will grab your heartstrings and demand your attention. This book is not just another one in the apocalyptic genre. It's a love story, a book about friendships, a book of sorrow, and a book about family.
I have yet to find a book written by the author that I have not loved. Always a winner, every book is a must read.
Jacqueline Drug's characters are complex and have depth. I laughed, I cried, and I stayed up way past my bedtime just to read a little more. The characters felt real and I couldn't help but feel their joy and their anguish. Mick, Dylan, Dustin, Chris, and Trigger (along with the entire town of Lodi) will grab your heartstrings and demand your attention. This book is not just another one in the apocalyptic genre. It's a love story, a book about friendships, a book of sorrow, and a book about family.
I have yet to find a book written by the author that I have not loved. Always a winner, every book is a must read.
February 19, 2022
Different Approach
Why did you end it like that. I was really enjoying this book as it was so different to the other post apocalyptic stories I’ve read all down to the details of the characters’ interactions. This was a story that was more about the people than the event and I just loved that. There were really comedic laugh out loud moments then that ending! Arghhh!!!! I don’t want to spoil it so I’ll end it there. A very different approach to this genre so will give it a five star.
Why did you end it like that. I was really enjoying this book as it was so different to the other post apocalyptic stories I’ve read all down to the details of the characters’ interactions. This was a story that was more about the people than the event and I just loved that. There were really comedic laugh out loud moments then that ending! Arghhh!!!! I don’t want to spoil it so I’ll end it there. A very different approach to this genre so will give it a five star.
April 17, 2018
The Flu by Jacqueline Druga 2/5
This book started well. It followed the standard trope of a worldwide epidemic, something that I enjoy very much. I’m sorry to say that the minute (spoiler) Mick started surrounding the town using bikers, as if somehow, they weren’t sick, and that there were even as many bikers as he needed left alive- suddenly strained the bounds of belief. It didn’t follow from the preceding events. I had to bail at 60% or so. Too bad.
This book started well. It followed the standard trope of a worldwide epidemic, something that I enjoy very much. I’m sorry to say that the minute (spoiler) Mick started surrounding the town using bikers, as if somehow, they weren’t sick, and that there were even as many bikers as he needed left alive- suddenly strained the bounds of belief. It didn’t follow from the preceding events. I had to bail at 60% or so. Too bad.
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