Okay so this isn’t an archery related book but I was curious about this book when I saw it advertised a few months back. I had been a fan of John Hudson after first seeing him a series called Survive That and then on an episode of Ed Stafford series: First man out. Nicknamed the Professor by his fellow presenters on Survive That. He comes across as a most capable individual who uses his very calm head to survive what ever situation he finds himself in.

I have to say the book was not a disappointment, as I found it a very easy read and strangely relaxing to read at times too. If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen me post about sitting under a tree with a cup of coffee reading the book, whilst waiting for a group of students to arrive for their archery lesson.

Unlike other survival books it is not technical or heavy in content on how to light a fire or build a shelter. Actually to be completely accurate the appendix at the back does give a great breakdown of how to plan and start a fire, with the second one detailing igloo construction. So there are some survival techniques.

Instead of focusing on techniques, it focuses on the mindset of the survivor. Nor is the books an autobiography of Johns life or a guide to survival technique which John is an expert, but something I think, no feel is potentially far more useful. It explores survival stories and at the end of each chapter summaries elements with the last chapters looking at how we can apply strategies to modern life.

I think because of this I found it a really good read and a book I have gone back to, to reread parts and chapters, which I think is what John intended when he wrote the book. I have found myself making notes from his summaries on more than one occasion. One of the things I quite like is his survival triangle Hope, Plan and Work.

I feel he wants you to read it and reflect on the content, applying the knowledge. It has certainly made me think about things and how ideas might be applied.

For those interested here are the details. My copy is a hard back, I’m afraid I don’t know if a paper back version is out

Title: How to Survive: Lessons for Everyday Life from the Extreme World

Author: John Hudson

Hardcover: 304 pages

Publisher: Macmillan

ISBN–10: 1509833560

ISBN–13: 978-1509833566

I think this is a great stocking filler or maybe a survival guide for the festive season, so well done Professor.

Thanks for reading.