(Reading Gratitude Book #0) Brains: How to Survive Apocalyptic Bibliophilia

By Eric S. Piotrowski

(We’ll call this Book #0 for the year…I finished it on 12/31/25, but I’m counting it for 2026 anyway!)

Here’s why I’m grateful for this book:

As a colleague, Piotrowski rocks

When I started my second (brief) career as a high school English teacher, I had the uncommonly good fortune for my classroom to be right next door to Mr. Piotrowski, aka Mr. P.

Mr. P is a standout teacher. Rigorous with coursework and craft. Honest & vulnerable with students. Passionate about so many things--teaching, human rights, comic arts, and hip hop history to name a few.

He’s also an author. And even though I’m no longer a teacher, I consider Priotrowski to be one of my writer colleagues.

His book Brains sat on my shelf waaaay too long, I’m sorry to say. (I’m a slow reader who wanted to wait for the perfect moment to read the book, which of course does not exist. Please forgive me.)

A challenging genre

Brains is a post-apocalyptic zombie story, which I find hard for two reasons:

First, since parenthood, I’m a wimp. I actively avoid books that will portray children in seemingly hopeless situations. So it’s challenging to get my emotions in control to read it.

Second, I can’t imagine how hard it is to write. There’s a minimalist world building going on that’s so impressive. In Brains, we see so little of the wider world, just a few character’s perspectives. And yet! And yet! Even that little slice creates a believable setting for the story, while still having some tantalizing unanswered questions.

A deep & diverse cast of characters

Piotrowski has a deliberate and honest attempt to have his world reflect the diversity of the real world and all the intricacies that come along with that. Nash, Dan, and Santiago all come from such different backgrounds, and each was clearly crafted with care and humility.

Timely (and timeless) questions about what we consume

Without being overly prescriptive, Piotrowski uses the zombie genre to frame a reflection on how our consumption drives our lives. To say more might give away too much, but it’s a painfully potent idea that I’m constantly wondering about myself.

Writers, geek out

The “Notes” section of the book gives a wonderful insight into Piotrowski’s process. I love having a window into his choices about plot, research, character naming, cut scenes, and more.

The “Notes” also make it crystal clear just how much love went into this book. Love for the subject matter, for the characters, and for the real people who inspired and supported his work along the way.

Celebrating mentorship

The theme of mentorship goes straight through Brains.

I attended a library book event that Piotrowski held in November 2024. Some of his former students were also there too. They spoke for Piotrowski and what he meant to them. It was truly moving.

A few days later, Piotrowski came to my 40th birthday party, where I was also celebrating completing the first draft of Ring of the Axe. I had him sign my copy of Brains.

I’d like to claim Piotrowski as a mentor myself, although he might not know it. He showed me what was possible in the classroom. He shows me what’s possible as an independent author: maybe not contracts and fame and runaway riches, but something sustaining and worthwhile and inspiring.

Each one, teach one!