The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

In his first novel, Peter Heller skillfully constructs a post-apocalyptic world in which society has collapsed and the few humans that remain are a constant threat. The story follows Hig, a pilot living at an abandoned airport with only a survivalist neighbour for company. Tired of simply existing, Hig decides to fly off into the unknown to see what’s out there. Chasing ghosts from his past, he searches for something — or someone— to give meaning to the unfriendly world around him.

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller, $28.