How to Survive the End of the World - by Katy Doughty

Book Synopsis

In a full-color debut, a graphic novelist takes an engrossing, gleefully existential deep dive into the many ways that humanity could--and almost did--meet its end.

Since 99.9 percent of all species that have lived are extinct, it's bound to be our turn eventually, right? So what's most likely to kill us? A well-timed asteroid? Some new robot overlords? With wit and dry humor, debut graphic novelist Katy Doughty blends science and history to explore our chances of surviving disasters such as plagues, global warming, and alien invasion. Drawing on interviews with experts in fields like infectious diseases, AI, and interplanetary exploration, she combines cutting-edge research with compelling visuals: mugshots of the deadliest microbes, graphs of the winners and losers of mass extinction events, and a whole lot of dinosaur drawings. For apocalypse aficionados, the morbidly curious, and the just plain curious, this is your antidote to existential dread--a timely, imaginative, and ultimately hopeful take on humankind's ability to survive the odds.

Review Quotes

The author has distilled an impressive amount of research into a lucid, matter-of-fact narrative--and counterintuitive though it may seem, there's a pervasive optimism running through the doom and gloom, a conviction that no matter what goes down, humanity is special enough that something of us will survive. The attractive illustrations in highly saturated colors illuminate the content through both imaginative whimsy and helpful diagrams.Brilliant; at once terrifying and fascinating.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The characters are well developed and relatable. Select chapters include beautiful illustrations from Rioux. . . . With mystery, and adventure, this historical fiction is an easy sell for a wide range of readers.
--School Library Journal

This book bursts with equal measures of catastrophe and hope, of wisdom and humor. Will become a prized resource for a young generation inheriting a planet on the brink.
--Eliot Schrefer, two-time National Book Award Finalist and New York Times best-selling author

A surprisingly hopeful tour of the apocalypse, filled with fascinating history and expertise.
--Dan Nott, author of the National Book Award Long List selection Hidden Systems

I have never felt so satisfied and well-informed while contemplating my own demise.
--Ben Orlin, best-selling author of Math with Bad Drawings

A fascinating and visually striking chronicle packed with intriguing facts and insights. Doughty's narrative conveys a sense not just of the dangers we face, but also of hope. An engaging and thought-provoking read.
--Sage Stossel, award-winning cartoonist for TheAtlantic.com and The Boston Globe

Terrifying, in a warm and witty way. More than that, this book is an avenue into so much fascinating science--clearly and elegantly presented.
--Jonathan Case, Eisner Award-winning cartoonist

About the Author

Katy Doughty is a California-born, Texas-bred, New England-educated designer and illustrator who holds a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MPH from Boston University's School of Public Health. Her unique interdisciplinary background fuels her interest in the intersection of visual communication, research, and healthcare. She lives in Boston with her husband.