Prepared: A Manual for Surviving Worst-Case Scenarios

Focusing on everyday skills rather than traditional “survivalist” activities, consider how these skills could be cultivated further and made more applicable to a survival situation.

Does Prepared present social media and other communication technologies as playing a positive or negative role in relation to coverage of catastrophic situations? Why is it presented in this way?

Consider the ways in which Glover presents himself as simultaneously the same as and different from the reader. How does this balance further his book’s purpose?

Look at the material created by Glover elsewhere, such as his websites, blogs, and videos. Concentrating on his use of language, analyze how he presents his personal brand and persona.

Prepared covers different mass violence events, from the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007 to the Uvalde school shooting in 2022. Look at statistics on violent incidents in the US and consider the individual risk of being affected. Does this alter your reading of Prepared? Why or why not?

Glover discusses the portrayal of “doomsday preppers” in media, which he sees as mostly negative. Do you think that Glover is supportive of this movement or wishes to be differentiated from it? Why?

In what ways do you think Glover’s survivalist message reflects and utilizes current socio-political concerns in the US?

Consider the four aspects of psychological success in the face of disaster: resilient mindset, preparedness, situational awareness, and the decision point. Which of these would you consider your most robust skill? Which is the weakest? How could the weakest be improved, and how can you use your psychological strengths to benefit others?