This book is what started my personal zombie craze. I have read this book every year since I picked it up and I have gone through about 8 copies. Every time someone asks me for a book recommendation I point them to World War Z - or I give them my current copy. 
 The zombie plague in this book could be replaced with any other widespread epidemic of catastrophic proportions and people who aren't into the whole zombie craze would probably dig it just as much. Personally I love how this book switches perspective every chapter. The different stories of each individual weaves together to tell the complete tale. Some made me laugh and others made my cry. - but importantly they each had their own flavor. 
 If you don't mind that it is essentially mini stories to make up the one story then you will thoroughly enjoy this book. The transition between each character is done so well I only wish the book was twice as fat! I've seen other authors try to do this and they come no where near executing it successfully the way Max Brooks has done. 
 You must read this book! - if you don't I'll drool on you....