Yes the book ONE SECOND AFTER definitely motivated our family to take steps to prepare as best as we were able for a world without electricity, water and sewer needs, transportation, medication, and communication. The reality that if the power grids in the US are hit by an EMP, the components needed to get things back on line are not even made in this country is terrifying enough - when you think of the prisoners, gang members and criminals roaming the nation unchecked who will take what you have if you cannot protect yourself it is easy to be hopeless. The book is fiction but the situations could be real in a heartbeat. Read the book and hope an EMP never happens - warning it will keep you up many nights worrying.