This was an intense but fascinating read. Written at the height of the Cold War, there is a strong anti-Soviet sentiment that may be a turn-off for some readers. Some of the details are fascinating -- the items this man thought to stock his nuclear bunker with are just astounding (roller skates? really?) -- while other details related to the human response to a bombing are sensible but sickening. The suspense continues up to nearly the last page -- will the group survive and be rescued, or will they die in their shelter? For those who can handle the psychological baggage of reading about the destruction of the entire northern hemisphere, this is a recommended title.