I tried reading Canticle for Leibowitz a while back, but the heavy religious themes just turned me off. I don't mind religious themes up to a point, but I felt like the author was trying to convert me. And I notice nobody's mentioned I Am Legend. Another great book. Really makes you feel isolated.

I've added both of these to the OP. I've read them both and they are great. The ending of I Am Legend was nuts when he finally comes to the realization.

And ya, Canticle was a really tough read. I forced my way through a lot of sections.

I haven't read nearly enough post-apocalyptic books, considering my favorite video game of all time is Fallout 3. I read The Road, and even though it ate away part of my soul and I will never get that back, it was perfect. Loved World War Z with a passion. Just recently sat down to watch the movie with my brother, was somewhat disappointed. I knew they would never, ever be able to recreate the book (the jumping narratives and dozens of interviewees makes that borderline impossible), but I was at LEAST expecting more than big-budget copy of 28 Days Later.

Anyway. Point is, I need to read more in the genre.

Wait. I'm reading The Diary of a Young Girl right now. Does that count?

That's one of them, though by far not the best one. What I find great is that this became sort of an open world for anyone to write in - Glukhovsky gives his blessing and off you go. Of the 9 Metro books I read only 2 were written by the original creator of this world. One of them was for example set in post apocalyptic .. Rome (and Vatican), which was a very unique setting. One I'm just finishing is set in Postapo Poland - though unfortunately it's the weakest one of them all imo, so far at least. I can't wait what for example Scandinavian authors come up with.
Yac.

I'm a big fan of Atwood's MadAddam trilogy and would The Time Machine count? Wasn't that big of a fan of The Stand's ending or the first two books of the Left Behind series. The Road is good but I think it's overrated.

While I guess technically fitting the "post apocalyptic" bill, Left Behind hardly stacks up against... well, almost anything, really. Evangelical fear-mongering does not good art make.

Agreed. Read them when I was nine I think.

Ohhh man, did you ever read the series they hacked up for teens and "youth?" It's the worst smelling bull**** ever turned into paper.

Man, really long lead up so far. Can't wait for the crap to hit the fan already.

Updated.