I recommend Ashfall. 
 ***** 
 Ashfall is disturbingly good. Disturbing in a way that there are horrid scenes not fit for fifteen-year-old Alex. Good because no matter how perilous the task maybe, Alex is capable and more than willing to survive no matter how big the dent it will give to his morality. Still, Alex managed to be as humane as any would be who might be trapped in such a catastrophe. 
 Darla is a superwoman. Managing her family's farm mostly on her own, she's resourceful and intuitive to things that might've escape Alex's attention. She's a pretty strong character. I've had enough of damsels in distress in post-apocalyptic settings. 
 This book kind of reminds me of The Road. The highways are perilous, especially to teenagers like Alex and Darla. and the danger came not only with cannibals, looters and hoarders, but also with a parent who would do anything to protect her kids. Alex's generosity for food was also dangerous. 
 I enjoyed Ashfall. The gritty feel of Alex's predicament is straightforward.