77 Days in September

By: Ray Gorham

Narrated by: Joseph Morton

Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

On a Friday afternoon before Labor Day, Americans are getting ready for the holiday weekend, completely unaware of a long-planned terrorist plot about to be launched against the country. Kyle Tait is settling in for his flight home to Montana when a single nuclear bomb is detonated 300 miles above the heart of America. The blast, an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP), destroys every electrical device in the country, and results in the crippling of the power grid, the shutting down of modern communications, and bringing to a halt most forms of transportation.

Kyle narrowly escapes when his airplane crashes on take-off, only to find himself stranded 2,000 miles from home in a country that has been forced, from a technological standpoint, back to the 19th century. Confused, hurt, scared, and alone, Kyle must make his way across a hostile continent to a family he's not even sure has survived the effects of the attack. As Kyle forges his way home, his frightened family faces their own struggles for survival in a community trying to halt its slow spiral into chaos and anarchy.

77 Days in September follows Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, as they are stretched past their breaking point, but find in their devotion to each other the strength to persevere.

What is an EMP?

An EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) is a magnetic pulse that overwhelms, and thus destroys, all electronic devices exposed to it. It is the most serious threat faced by a technologically advanced society. An EMP can be human caused, through the detonation of a nuclear bomb high above the atmosphere, or natural, through a severe geo-magnetic storm. In multiple reports prepared for Congress, scientists predict the complete destruction of modern American society and question our ability to ever recover if we are the target of an EMP attack. Further, some predict the death toll in America in the aftermath of such an event to be in excess of 200 million.

About the author: Ray Gorham lives in the small farming community of Shepherd, Montana with his wife and five children. He runs his log-home business by day and writes in the evenings, on weekends, and whenever the weather keeps him inside.

©2011 Ray Gorham (P)2012 Sunny Day Audiobooks

A Hallmark Story

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This is more of ladies love story than an adventure book

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was ok for a very non realistic love story that just happened to be set in a dark and sad time.

Which character – as performed by Joseph Morton – was your favorite?

The hero and his wife (also a hero) seemed to be great people, just living in some kind of fairy tail instead of a dire situation.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

This might be great for the ladies in the world who would value a girls love story, but very disappointing to those looking for some realism in what the country might be like after a major disaster. People crying "please don't hurt me, I just want us all to be friends", I don't think so.....

Survival and it’s best

This is one of the few books that doesn’t have gunfights and beatings on every chapter. It’s nice to be able to listen to this as a true survival story.

Simply Terrific -- Wish he had more...

Where does 77 Days in September rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Even though I'm a fairly masculine guy, this book did make me cry more than once.

Great adventure

Very enjoyable story of a journey home. It is not a knock off of the book Going Home but, to me, a more realistic representation of how life would be trying to get home after an EMP. The main character is likeable and as you will see an honorable man. I highly recommend this book and am about to start the sequel even though it is late at night and I should wait until tomorrow.

Prepper Lite, but still enjoyable

What did you love best about 77 Days in September?

Other reviewers have said that this was sort of a lightweight "prepper" story and I agree, but it was still enjoyable. I cared about these characters, even though both main characters made some stupid mistakes. The narration was top notch. I'd like to see a gritter sequel.

I loved it!!!

I loved every bit of this book! I hung on every word! The narrator was perfect for this book. He read it with perfect inflections and speed. The book was intense at times I wanted him to read faster but it kept me at the edge of my seat!

A+

fully enjoyed the book. Well written and voiced. Good plot. Apparently you need 15 words to leave a review.....

This is a great stand-alone SHTF novel

This is a very enjoyable and entertaining SHTF novel for those who are not looking for a story about the former special operator who's trying to stop terrorists or the 16 year old kid who somehow plays the roll of a hulking natural born leader with 20 years experience. This book is just about a normal guy trying to make it home to his family. I definitely recommend this one.

The narrator is definitely not my favorite, but he's passable... especially for a stand-alone novel.

Outstanding and Thought Provoking Story!

What made the experience of listening to 77 Days in September the most enjoyable?

I put myself in the position of the main character. It is not too far fetched, and caused me to consider things I would never have thought. How far from home should one wander when there are people who count on us?

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character was amazing - well written thoughts!

Which scene was your favorite?

The beginning.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! A would be 'page turner' if by book. I wore my earbuds till finished!

Any additional comments?

A must listen!

Despressing and a Slow Listen

What did you like best about 77 Days in September? What did you like least?

The premise for the story, devastation caused by an EMP, was great, and I listened to the first couple chapters with great anticipation for ensuing elements which never were delivered.

What was most disappointing about Ray Gorham’s story?

Rather than develop a story on the after-effects of the atmospheric nuclear explosion, the author chose to focus on a single person in pursuit of his family in an unrealistic walk across the country. Would have liked to have known what was happening on the government level, who our allies might be in that situation, how the rest of the world might respond to the incident, etc.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Joseph Morton?

The narrator was slow and mundane. Monotone. Maybe he was cast for the job because of the dour nature of the book itself.

Could you see 77 Days in September being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Oh no. Too depressing for the reality-show mentality of today's audiences.