I've always been drawn to the ones that lean into the logistics because they make the scenario feel terrifyingly plausible. 'World War Z' by Max Brooks is the classic recommendation here, and it deserves it. The format of oral histories lets you see how different societies and militaries would actually break down or adapt under that kind of pressure. It's less about a single hero and more about the global, systemic collapse, which feels brutally real.
For a truly granular look at survival mechanics, there's 'The Zombie Survival Guide' by the same author. Some dismiss it as a novelty, but the detailed breakdowns of weapon effectiveness, fortress construction, and long-term strategy have influenced a whole subgenre. Reading it, you start evaluating your own home's defensibility, which is a weird but effective testament to its grounded approach.
If you want that realism woven into a continuous narrative, 'The Remaining' series by D.J. Molles is a standout. The protagonist is a soldier with a pre-existing government bunker and mission, so his tactics and gear choices are professional from the start. The focus on resource scarcity, group dynamics under stress, and the gradual degradation of equipment over time adds layers of credibility that many other series gloss over for the sake of constant action.