"A Beginner’s Guide to Survival Before, During, and After the Apocalypse" from Before and Afterlives
Christopher Barzak
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Lethe Press (March 18, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1590213696 ISBN-13: 978-1590213698A gently humorous, metafictive look at the the Apocalypse story: "Practice these phrases: 'I am a
patriot of the first order,' and, 'God has shown me the light,' and, maybe the most important one, 'If you don’t like it here, go somewhere else.' "
The best part appears near the end (spoiler? Not so much as it isn't really a drama-building story). The shadow of the protagonist remains in the cave he used to live in, which gives the tale poignancy.
"The Other Angelas" from Before and Afterlives (originally appeared in Pindeldyboz)Angela meets a younger/older version of herself, which initially is disconcerting, but they accustom themselves to the situation. After a disappointing encounter with her future husband, the younger wakes to find a third Angela. She takes on a disappointing lover, and the next day, a fourth appears. After packing her husband's stuff, they settle for coffee.
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