"Z E O: A Zombie's Guide to Getting A(Head) in Business" by Scott Kenemore

"Z E O: A Zombie's Guide to Getting A(Head) in Business"
by Scott Kenemore
Published bySkyhorse Publishing Inc. (2009)
254 pages

I have for some reason been on a zombie kick with most of my reading,  I love the movies and now the books are becoming quite fun to read.  The books I've found conatain anything from horror to comedy to a mix of both.  When it comes to the humorous side of zombies, Scott Kenemore has become my favorite writer, so far.  Scott knows his zombie encyclopedia inside and out and in every book he makes reference to nearly every zombie movie made, including some of the ones I thought I was the only one who saw them.

This time around I read one of Scott's earlier writings (earlier by only a couple of years but he has been busy in his short career.  He is the author of the horror novel Zombie, Ohio (2011) and several zombie-themed satires, including: "The Zen of Zombie: Better Living Through the Undead" (2007), "The Art of Zombie Warfare" (2010), "The Code of the Zombie Pirate" and "Zombies vs. Nazis" (2011).  In this book "Z.E.O..." Scott tells how you can take the path of a zombie and become successful in business.  Let me tell you you may be surprised this book actually has some good ideas, except for the eating brains part, but Scott writes how brains can be loosely translated to destroying the competition, rewards for a job well done and more.

It's funny, Scott Kenemore mentions that everyone from sports stars to military commanders have written books about how to become successful in the business world and professionals actually heed their advice, so why not zombies?  So a military commander can wipe out bases with missles how does this make him able to run a business?  So Tiger Woods and C.E.O.s make a lot of money, but the similarities stop there. Tiger Woods can be stopped by knee surgery, lightning on the course and, occasionally, Vijay Singh.  But a zombie is stopped only by a gunshot straight to the head or decapitation.  Makes sense.

But seriously,  this book is full of fun comparisons to the ways of the zombie and how business should work, but it also offers up some pretty sound advice, such as:  Do it your way.  A zombie's pace is slow and steady but every time it gets the job done.  Slow and steady and done right the first time every time.  Zombie time management, don't get distracted by gossip at the water cooler, or knick-knacks in your cubicle, when someone tries to distract you just moan and shamble on to your task.  There are a lot more of these great ideas all intermingled with very funny anecdotes as to how they are all traits of zombies.

The book is divided into two parts with the first part of how to become a zombie power in the work force and the second part a one year plan to become a C...er um I mean... Z.E.O.  Humor and common sense all rolled into one with this very interesting and entertaining book by Scott Kenemore.

"The Code of the Zombie Pirate" by Scott Kenemore

"The Code of the Zombie Pirate"
by Scott Kenemore
Published by Skyhorse Publishing (2010)
248 pages

Okay to be honest, I've never really been a fan of pirates, however, give me a good zombie apocalypse and I can't refuse, but having read a couple of other books by Scott Kenemore, I saw no harm in reading this, in fact I knew I was going to have some fun. That's exactly what I got some fun and some zombies and you will to if you pick up this fun handbook on how to sail the seas pillaging with a crew of zombies.

Scott Kenemore taught us how to get ahead in the business world in "Z.E.O," how to win a war with "The Art of Zombie Warfare" and has a novel about what it's like to be a zombie during a zombie apocalypse called, "Zombie, Ohio." So Scott knows what he's talking about when it comes to zombies.

Scott gives you the secrets to selecting, customizing and managing a crew of zombie pirates, including such important decisions like how to find the right vessel, where treasure chests are buried, how to create your pirate zombie flag and when to fly it. Taking the various assortment of zombies; fast, slow, voodoo created, brain eating and others, he plunks them down in the Caribbean during the 1700s hey day of piracy. You would think that placing the zombies in that era would hinder some of the arrangements and motivations but that just makes it more fun.

So whether you are a fan of pirates or a fan of zombies or both Scott Kenemore will tell you how to combine the two and be successful at your plunders and be able to retire to your own desert isle when all is said and done.

This book is full of some supernatural undead fun so check it out.

"Zombie, Ohio" by Scott Kenemore

"Zombie, Ohio"
by Scott Kenemore
Published 2011 by Skyhorse
304 pages

Every zombie Apocalypse movie or book talks about how people work to either escape from or destroy the zombies, but very few take you into the mind of a zombie. Yeah I know zombies are supposed to be mindless but what if they could think. Scott Kenemore takes that what if and explores the mind of a zombie in his latest book "Zombie, Ohio." Scott can pretty much be called an expert in Zombie-ology especially after looking at the books he's written. He's pretty much explored all you can do with zombies with titles such as; "The Zen of Zombie: Better Living Through the Undead" (2007), "Z.E.O", (2009),"The Art of Zombie Warfare" (2010),and "The Code of the Zombie Pirate" (2010). This time around he explores a Zombie Apocalypse through the mind of one certain Zombie.

Peter Mellor regains consciousness after having an automobile accident. He's having trouble remembering who he is but after checking his driver's license he finds out he's Peter Mellor and lives near Kenton College in Ohio. He finds his hat and begins to walk away from the accident to find his home. When he arrives at his house he finds stacks and stacks of books and empty bottles of scotch. He turns on the television and the only thing on TV is coverage of the Zombie Apocalypse hitting america. Zombies attacking and eating people, the government setting up safe zones and speculation as to how this occurred. Not remembering there was a zombie apocalypse just adds to his misery of not knowing anything.

Soon his friend (only friend he finds out), Sam, finds Peter in the house and is surprised to see Peter. Peter explains the accident and the memory loss. Sam in turn explains who Peter was. As it turns out he wasn't a great guy. A womanizer, a drunk and a philosphy professor at the college. Not too bright of a future, but Peter finds out also from Sam that his life recently turned around afer he met a woman that captivated him, in fact that was where he was headed before the accident, the woman's home which is one of those green homes where it is off the grid, possibly a great place to survive the zombie apocalypse. Sam offers to take Peter out to the house but after he stops and sees the doctor at the college.

Kenton College professors have stuck around defending the college from the zombies and seem to be doing a good job. Peter and Sam arrive at one of the watch points where the doctor is assisting in keeping watch over the cemetery killing zombies as they rise from the grave. Just as the doc is about examine Peter and check for a concussion, a zombie comes out of a grave and the shooting commences. Peter is splattered with zombie gore and goes in to wash himself off. In the restroom Peter removes his cap and sees his brain exposed on the top of his head. To Peter's horror he realizes he is a zombie and wonders what happens next. Being a philosophy professor he begins at first to contemplate his being. Sam comes in and Peter quickly puts the cap back on and hides his zombieness.

Sam takes Peter to his girlfriend, Vanessa's hide out and here Peter has to decide whether or not to expose his zombieness or to keep hiding. When Vanessa's neice goes missing Peter goes out to find the girl and discovers a biker that is trying to abduct the young girl, Peter attacks with all his zombie powers and eats the dead biker's brains...and oooh they taste sooo good! Peter jumps on a 4-wheeler and heads off to contemplate his future as a zombie. When he returns he finds the home destroyed and a few dead bikers in the yard, with Vanessa dead he has no reason to "live" and embraces his zombiness and begins to walk and eat brains.

Along this walk he attracts other zombies and forms a zombie army of sorts, making sure not to eat women or children (I guess even a zombie can have scruples), they soon become 400 strong and a force to be reckoned with. The army learns of his non-zombieness because of helicopters photographing him flipping them the bird and carrying and shooting guns. This makes him a target of interest to the military. Peter also accidentally discovers his death was not accidental and wants to find who killed him.

Written in first person, from Peter the Zombie's aspect, this book gives the reader a "film noir" feel while solving the mystery and experiencing exploits. Enjoy the gore, the killing and of course the brain eating while at the same time enjoying a mystery-love story adventure. This book is full of fun, from the funny to the whole end of the world via zombies. I hope Scott Kenemore will write more novels because his talent in telling a story is superb. While this book may not be on Oprah's list (unless she becomes undead sometime soon) it should be on any zombie lover's list.

"The Art of Zombie Warfare; How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead" by Scott Kenemore Illustrations by Adam Wallenta

"The Art of Zombie Warfare; How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead"
by Scott Kenemore
Illustrations by Adam Wallenta
published 2010 by Skyhorse Publising, Inc.
266 pgs.

It all started out as a great promotion on the radio station I work for (WAKO radio in Illinois), I would interview some authors and have a pre-Halloween party. I found Scott Kenemore's series of Zombie books and thought, next to George Romero, here may be an authority on zombies. After several LOLs and needing stitches for my side I decided not only does Scott Kenemore know his zombies but he knows some history as well.

"The Art of Zombie Warfare" is a funny book about how you can not only fight like a zombie but how to raise your own zombie army and become a zombie general. So at this point you may be asking, why fight like a zombie? I think this section of the book best explains why.

If cut off from communications with HQ:
--Conventional soldiers will hold position and attempt to reestablish lines of communication
--Zombie soldiers will hunt and kill the enemy.

If caused to encounter unforseen obstacles, natural disasters, or confusing signs from the enemy:
--Conventional soldiers will wait for word from senior command on how they ought to proceed in light of this new development.
--Zombie soldiers will hunt and kill the enemy.

If faced with an overwhelming foe they cannot possibly hope to defeat themselves:
--Conventional soldiers will call for reinforcements, request an air strike, or just run away.
--Zombie soldiers will hunt and kill the enemy.

See a pattern here?

Scott goes further to explain how throughout all history ,mainly through movies and books, that zombies are the best fighting machine ever. He does this with the best tongue in cheek humor that while it may appear from the cover you are reading a horror book, but in reality you will find yourself laughing out loud several times while reading. Not only are there some funny parts throughout the book but Scott also makes references to all zombie movies ever made, from Dawn of the Dead to Return of the Living Dead to Army of Darkness and all the ones in between.

The first half of the book fully explains how to fight like a zombie and the virtues of fighting like a zombie while the second half describes how to become a zombie general. This is an important part, because, well basically because zombies can't be led. So how do you lead the unleadable? Scott explains that it's not leading because you may get in the way, but that you are there to take credit and rule the world. Whether it's storming a castle, encroaching on visiting early 19th century missionaries ona small island off the Haitian coast, or taking over the local shopping mall, the zombies will win.

Scott Kenemore even discusses historical figures that fought like zombies. People such as Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, 2nd Century Chinese zombie commander Sima Yi, and the Nazis.

So if you are looking for a fun romp through Zombie land, check out Scott Kenemore's "The Art of Zombie Warfare," the most fun you'll ever have with the undead.

Your Chance to win: "The Art of Zombie Warfare - How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead" by Scott Kenemore

Your Chance to win:
"The Art of Zombie Warfare - How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead"
by Scott Kenemore
Skyhorse Publishing
2010
266 pgs.

I've got a Halloween treat for you. This time I'm teaming up with Skyhorse Publishing http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com to give you a chance to win a copy of the book, "The Art of Zombie Warfare - How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead" by Scott Kenemore. All you have to do is comment below and on Halloween I'll draw the winner's name and you'll receive your own copy. Comment and make sure you leave a way for me to contact you. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your email address then email me gil (at) gilwilson (dot) com and let me know you commented. Drawing to be held Sunday, October 31, 2010.

Do you dream of becoming a soldier who fights with the efficacy and skill of a zombie? Are you a general commander seeking to imbue your troops with the ruthless, soulless killing efficiency of an animated corpse? Are you a voodoo priest or wizard desiring to raise an actual army of zombies to help you conquer the land and install yourself as ruler? Then this is the book for you! With "The Art of Zombie Warfare" you will learn how to fight without weapons, communicate wordlessly, and enjoy the multifarious battlefield strategy benefits that come with always just walking straight at the enemy.

5 tips for adopting the zombie combat style in this book:
Withstand massive amounts of damage.
Dish it out like a zombie.
Don't follow treaties or rules of any kind
Fight like you're already dead.
Be quiet.

Written by the author of "Zen of Zombie" and "Z.E.O," "The Art of Zombie Warfare" is the most authoritative tome available today on the subject of zombie combat.

Available @ Amazon and http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com

comment below to win. Drawing to be held Sunday October 31, 2010.