David Mitchell mentioned it in Black Swan Green. By the guy who wrote Rats of NIMH. Young adult book, not terrible, not amazing. “Z for Zachariah was completed by his wife and daughter with the help of his notes after his death in 1973.” ( )

A teen girl lives on her own on her family’s farm in a protected valley, and in fact thinks she’s possibly the only person left alive after the nuclear attacks until a man in a radiation suit enters the valley. She had both hoped for and feared this event, and it soon becomes clear to her that fear is the proper response…

An interesting little thriller, although the main character’s choices sometimes irked me, and that says, probably, a lot more about me than about the book; she yielded way too much ground to the dangerous and violent macho bullshit of Radiation Suit Man. So while it’s a good read in most respects, I was too frustrated by her actions and the resolution to love it. ( )

I don’t think that I read this as a child. Its publication date is too late, but I certainly remember the atmosphere of this book. I always liked to see kids managing on their own. The central character was intelligent, thoughtful and resourceful. Sad ending, but hopeful, too. I think this would still appeal to modern young people. I would recommend it. ( )

CW: Man attempts to sexually assault a girl. ( )

This book is a reflection of human nature in end times. Even what seems like an untouchable paradise can be ruined by one person. ( )