It has taken me almost a month to read this book. I could only stand four or five chapters at a time, if that. Although I believe that Mr. Strieber and Mr. Kunetka intended this to be both a warning, and an inspiring book they've succeeded IMHO only in being depressing.It is an interesting concept, a renowned writer of novels, and a non-fiction reporter, both experts in their fields. The book contains both detailed technical information about what would happen if Russia had attacked us in the late 1980s with nuclear weapons, as well as thoughtful stories of how the American people, and their neighbors and allies, would react and survive.
Although it is somewhat dated, the only effect that had on me was to think of how much more damage might be inflicted now. Every little country has a nuke. All it takes is one fanatic with his hand on the button and everyone will fire - the devastation would be so much more. The number of cars and businesses and airplanes affected in 1980 has grown geometrically in this century when everything, but everything has a computer chip running it. I also believe that, bless them, the authors are over optimistic about the "American spirit" and the willingness of people to help one another. It would be nice if all of the selfish, criminal, and otherwise unkind people would vaporize in an instant, however I suspect that like cockroaches and rats, they will survive. And they will have guns and greed. I'm not saying it's hopeless, I just don't think the majority of the population would be as friendly and generous as they do. It's a difference of opinion.
It is an educational read. Anyone who believes that we're going to survive any sort of nuclear attack needs to read it. Anyone who thinks that after the 20 minute or so war, it's all going to be "really COOL, like Mad Max" ought to read it (but they probably won't be able to understand much of it).
I'm just glad it's over with.