"We're All Infected"

April 15, 2014
With 13 original scholarly essays written by researchers in philosophy, criminology, literature, and other fields, editor and contributor Keetley ("Public Women, Public Words") gathers a collection that takes an academic approach to AMC's hit zombie show. Divided into two parts, the first half of the book explores the violence of the series and how it acts as commentary on topics ranging from racism and gun control to post-9/11 issues involving domestic security and the use of preemptive force. The second half, "Posthumanity" features essays on how the zombie apocalypse could possibly lead to a utopian reboot of society; the role of "choice" in the series; and the challenge of understanding the zombie to be simultaneously alive and dead. VERDICT Readers expecting a better grasp of the show may be disappointed that the series serves more as a reference point for academic discussion. Noticeable repetition with specific scenes from a few episodes (e.g., "Guts" or "TS-19") being mentioned are in the majority of the essays. However, for zombie fans with a strong background in the humanities there's a lot to sink your teeth into here.--Terry Bosky, Madison, WI

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