Welcome to December 21, 2012, or as many people suspect - The End of the World as We Know It! In case you've been living under a rock for a few years, this is the day the famous Mayan Long Count calender ends. Many believe that the Mayans had some magical or divine insight to the world's expiration date. The fact that they didn't foresee the end of their own civilization puts their prognostication abilities in doubt. More likely, the end of their calendar was simply a matter of a design limitation, kind of like how Y2K exposed a flaw in the calenders of computers around the world.
Anyway, whether you believe this is the end or not, today is the perfect day to consider all of the great dystopian and apocalyptic literature available. We have seen an explosion of such novels over the past several years, driven lately by the Hunger Games juggernaut. So take this day to curl up with a good end-of-the-world novel and ride it out. If the world is still here tomorrow, you will have read a great book! If the world does end today, then I'll treat everyone to lunch in the afterlife. I'm thinking a nice steak would be good.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Book Review: Unwind
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Mr. Shusterman is one of the most diverse authors of Young Adult literature, having written highly acclaimed novels in the humor, fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres. Unwind represents his bold foray into the dystopian genre, and he does not disappoint.
The novel takes place in an America a generation from now, but very recognizable in most ways. However, this America exists in the aftermath of a second civil war, which was fought to determine when life begins, and whether abortion of any kind is acceptable. A stalemate resulted in a horrific compromise where everybody lost. Abortions were disallowed, but a parent could remand any child under the age of 18 to the state for unwinding - a process where every part of the child's body is harvested and donated to those in need of a new organ, a new limb, or even new hair. The story follows a trio of 'unwinds' who escape the system and attempt to remain hidden until their respective 18th birthdays. Connor is a rebellious teen sent for unwinding by his parents because of his repeated trouble-making. Risa is an orphan whose talents are not sufficient to save her from unwinding. Most heart-breaking is Lev - a child raised from birth for the sole purpose of unwinding as an offering by his parents to God.
The fascination of Shusterman's story is not so much what happens to the teens on their journey toward freedom, but rather the presentation of a society that has become the ultimate paradox: one that saves unborn babies only to sacrifice them as teens; one that forces a child to become expendable so that others might live fuller and longer lives. When embarking upon the reading of this novel, I felt that the idea of such a society and such a terrible compromise was a bit far-fetched. I still do - perhaps I have too much faith in humanity. However, despite my feelings, I found myself genuinely aching for the characters as expendable members of society. More chillingly, I recognized the traits, thought processes, and behaviors of those defending and participating in the unwinding process - I have seen those traits and mindsets in people I know. Far-fetched or not, the novel demonstrated powerfully a weakness of human nature - our ability to rationalize evil behavior and accept it as status quo. Recent history shows that entire nations can adopt this mindset with terrible consequences, such as child slavery, female suppression, and genocide.
The most powerful scene of the novel is when the author takes us into the secret unwinding room, and follows the unwinding of a character we have come to know. Because the victim is forced to be awake for the entire procedure, the reader experiences the physical and emotional horror of unwinding through the thoughts and senses of the character. That scene alone sets this novel apart from any other I have read. I highly recommend this novel to anyone willing to face questions of deep moral ambiguity. I guarantee that you will think about this one long after reading the final page.
Mr. Shusterman is one of the most diverse authors of Young Adult literature, having written highly acclaimed novels in the humor, fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres. Unwind represents his bold foray into the dystopian genre, and he does not disappoint.
The novel takes place in an America a generation from now, but very recognizable in most ways. However, this America exists in the aftermath of a second civil war, which was fought to determine when life begins, and whether abortion of any kind is acceptable. A stalemate resulted in a horrific compromise where everybody lost. Abortions were disallowed, but a parent could remand any child under the age of 18 to the state for unwinding - a process where every part of the child's body is harvested and donated to those in need of a new organ, a new limb, or even new hair. The story follows a trio of 'unwinds' who escape the system and attempt to remain hidden until their respective 18th birthdays. Connor is a rebellious teen sent for unwinding by his parents because of his repeated trouble-making. Risa is an orphan whose talents are not sufficient to save her from unwinding. Most heart-breaking is Lev - a child raised from birth for the sole purpose of unwinding as an offering by his parents to God.
The fascination of Shusterman's story is not so much what happens to the teens on their journey toward freedom, but rather the presentation of a society that has become the ultimate paradox: one that saves unborn babies only to sacrifice them as teens; one that forces a child to become expendable so that others might live fuller and longer lives. When embarking upon the reading of this novel, I felt that the idea of such a society and such a terrible compromise was a bit far-fetched. I still do - perhaps I have too much faith in humanity. However, despite my feelings, I found myself genuinely aching for the characters as expendable members of society. More chillingly, I recognized the traits, thought processes, and behaviors of those defending and participating in the unwinding process - I have seen those traits and mindsets in people I know. Far-fetched or not, the novel demonstrated powerfully a weakness of human nature - our ability to rationalize evil behavior and accept it as status quo. Recent history shows that entire nations can adopt this mindset with terrible consequences, such as child slavery, female suppression, and genocide.
The most powerful scene of the novel is when the author takes us into the secret unwinding room, and follows the unwinding of a character we have come to know. Because the victim is forced to be awake for the entire procedure, the reader experiences the physical and emotional horror of unwinding through the thoughts and senses of the character. That scene alone sets this novel apart from any other I have read. I highly recommend this novel to anyone willing to face questions of deep moral ambiguity. I guarantee that you will think about this one long after reading the final page.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Book Review: Incarceron
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Although a captive in Incarceron prison, Flinn adamantly believes that he is there by mistake. Incarceron is more than a prison: it is a structure so vast and timeless that millions of prisoners reside within its dark interior for generation upon generation. Unlike the others who have been residents since birth, Flinn has no memories of his past in prison, but in fact indistinct memories of another place.
Although a captive in Incarceron prison, Flinn adamantly believes that he is there by mistake. Incarceron is more than a prison: it is a structure so vast and timeless that millions of prisoners reside within its dark interior for generation upon generation. Unlike the others who have been residents since birth, Flinn has no memories of his past in prison, but in fact indistinct memories of another place.
Claudia is
the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, and heir to the privileges of that
position. Despite her lofty status, she feels out of place and dissatisfied
with the role she has been asked to accept, which includes an impending
marriage to the despicable prince of the kingdom. Both Flinn and Claudia appear
fated to their bleak futures until a mysterious pair of devices bring them into
verbal contact. Together they work to escape their prisons, his physical and
hers psychological, and unlock the mystery that is Incarceron.
Ms. Fisher
creates an extraordinary world both inside and outside the prison, dripping
with atmosphere and renaissance culture. He creates highly believable
characters complete with flaws and virtues, and crafts genuine relationships
amongst them. This terrific novel is part one of a continuing series, but is
highly entertaining as a standalone work.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Book Review: The Road
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The first three things you notice about The Road are that Mr. McCarthy shuns punctuation, that nothing much is happening, and that you can't put down the book. In his telling of a relatively simple story, the author quickly grabs your aching heart and won't let go.
The story follows a father and his young son on a journey through a post-nuclear war America that could be next week. Most of the population has died, all of the plant and animal life lies dead on the scorched landscape, and nearly all hope has been crushed. The father and son cling to one another against the lawless world, journeying toward the sea where they hope to find others of like mind and purpose. Along the way they fight cannibal clans, deep hunger, and crushing despair. The man does his best to hide the despair from his son, and to infuse the boy with what little hope he has left. He repeatedly reminds the boy, "We are the good guys." This becomes one of the central themes of the book - holding onto the greater aspects humanity when the whole world has abandoned its soul. Their journey becomes a symbol of noble survival, and the fight to maintain what is good in a man when only darkness remains.
This novel is not expressly for teenagers, and it is definitely not for everyone. It does not resolve in a satisfying conclusion. It is not uplifting save for brief, shining moments. It does not leave you smiling. However, it will shatter your heart, and leave you pondering its meaning for days. This will be one of those stories you remember always. If you want happily-ever-after, avoid this book. If you want to be moved to your core, then this novel is mandatory reading.
The first three things you notice about The Road are that Mr. McCarthy shuns punctuation, that nothing much is happening, and that you can't put down the book. In his telling of a relatively simple story, the author quickly grabs your aching heart and won't let go.
The story follows a father and his young son on a journey through a post-nuclear war America that could be next week. Most of the population has died, all of the plant and animal life lies dead on the scorched landscape, and nearly all hope has been crushed. The father and son cling to one another against the lawless world, journeying toward the sea where they hope to find others of like mind and purpose. Along the way they fight cannibal clans, deep hunger, and crushing despair. The man does his best to hide the despair from his son, and to infuse the boy with what little hope he has left. He repeatedly reminds the boy, "We are the good guys." This becomes one of the central themes of the book - holding onto the greater aspects humanity when the whole world has abandoned its soul. Their journey becomes a symbol of noble survival, and the fight to maintain what is good in a man when only darkness remains.
This novel is not expressly for teenagers, and it is definitely not for everyone. It does not resolve in a satisfying conclusion. It is not uplifting save for brief, shining moments. It does not leave you smiling. However, it will shatter your heart, and leave you pondering its meaning for days. This will be one of those stories you remember always. If you want happily-ever-after, avoid this book. If you want to be moved to your core, then this novel is mandatory reading.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Book Review: Maze Runner
Maze Runner by James Dashner
Have you ever awakened in a strange place and lay wondering for a moment "Where am I" before remembering? What if you didn't remember where you were, or who you were, or anything about yourself other than your first name? This is the opening premise of "The Maze Runner", and the mystery only deepens from there.
The book is constructed in the style of game-playing
mysteries. The teens find themselves part of a diabolical game, and to survive
they must determine both the rules and a way to win the game. Although the
character relationships are a bit simplistic, the friendship between Thomas and
the hapless Chuck is touching. Nevertheless, it is not the characters that
drive the story, but rather the mystery and the inevitable action that follows.
Have you ever awakened in a strange place and lay wondering for a moment "Where am I" before remembering? What if you didn't remember where you were, or who you were, or anything about yourself other than your first name? This is the opening premise of "The Maze Runner", and the mystery only deepens from there.
Teenager
Thomas finds himself in a glade surrounded by a massive maze, and in the
company of dozens of other teenage boys who share the same memory loss. The
boys work together to survive in the glade while searching for a way of escape
without falling prey to the murderous Grievers. The arrival of a teenage girl
signals a game change, forcing desperate decisions by Thomas and the others to
escape before the Grievers take them all.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Best Post-Apocalyptic Short Story - Ever!
A Pail of Air by Fritz Lieber. With a claim like that, it better be good. It is. Written in 1951, it starts with a startling premise: Earth has been ripped away from the sun by a 'dark star', the atmosphere lies in frozen layers on the ground, and everyone is dead. Well, not quite everyone. The tale is narrated by a boy who survives with his small family in a hand-built dwelling, valiantly staving off human extinction. The story owes its title to one of the boy's daily chores: donning a suit, going outside, and retrieving a pail of frozen air. The fire inside warms the air, it turns to gas, and thus sustains the family.
Why is this the best short story ever? Because, there is no hope, but the characters hope anyway, and fight on. It is this quirk of the human spirit that makes every post-apocalyptic story so compelling, and inspires me. It was stories like this one that drew me to the genre, and keeps me coming back.
You can read the story for free at the following link posted by the original publisher.
A Pail of Air by Fritz Leiber
There is a short introduction, so just skip to the first line "Pa had sent me out to get an extra pail of air." Yep - still gives me chills.
Why is this the best short story ever? Because, there is no hope, but the characters hope anyway, and fight on. It is this quirk of the human spirit that makes every post-apocalyptic story so compelling, and inspires me. It was stories like this one that drew me to the genre, and keeps me coming back.
You can read the story for free at the following link posted by the original publisher.
A Pail of Air by Fritz Leiber
There is a short introduction, so just skip to the first line "Pa had sent me out to get an extra pail of air." Yep - still gives me chills.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Book Review: The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Imagine a future America where a central government rules all with an iron fist, fed by the tribute of 12 subjugated colonies. Those in the capital city live lives of ease, abundance and entertainment at the expense of the colonists, who struggle against nature every day to survive. This is the life of the teenage Katniss, a girl who risks punishment for excursions beyond the electric fence to find food for her widowed mother and young sister.
Her slow trudge toward a bleak future is suddenly interrupted when her sister's name is drawn to compete in the annual Hunger Games, and Katniss volunteers in her sibling’s place. The rules of the Hunger Games are simple. Twenty-four teens from the 12 colonies are chosen to fight to the death in an arena of diabolical design, their every word and action televised to a riveted nation. Because the colony of the winning contestant receives extra food allotments for an entire year, the full attention of the colonies focuses on the outcome.
The story follows Katniss through her preparation and competition. Although she wishes only to survive, Katniss' ingenuity, selflessness, and defiance soon earn the admiration of viewers across the nation. She slowly becomes that which the Capital fears the most: a symbol of rebellious hope to the oppressed colonies. Even if she survives the games, she may not survive the wrath of the central government.
Much has been said about the Hunger Games trilogy - that it is a knock-off of previous works, that it is simplistic in its view of humanity, that it is little more than a moral parable. The critics, however, have missed the bigger picture. Ms. Collins has painted a portrait of an America not far removed from our own - one where the oppression of race has been replaced by the oppression of class, and where the divide between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' has grown deep. She achieves what every author should - to have the reader care deeply for the main character, and to have the reader think deeply about the circumstances and actions of that character. This novel is a tremendous mixture of action and relationships, and should not be missed by any teen reader. Part 1 of a three-part trilogy.
Imagine a future America where a central government rules all with an iron fist, fed by the tribute of 12 subjugated colonies. Those in the capital city live lives of ease, abundance and entertainment at the expense of the colonists, who struggle against nature every day to survive. This is the life of the teenage Katniss, a girl who risks punishment for excursions beyond the electric fence to find food for her widowed mother and young sister.
Her slow trudge toward a bleak future is suddenly interrupted when her sister's name is drawn to compete in the annual Hunger Games, and Katniss volunteers in her sibling’s place. The rules of the Hunger Games are simple. Twenty-four teens from the 12 colonies are chosen to fight to the death in an arena of diabolical design, their every word and action televised to a riveted nation. Because the colony of the winning contestant receives extra food allotments for an entire year, the full attention of the colonies focuses on the outcome.
The story follows Katniss through her preparation and competition. Although she wishes only to survive, Katniss' ingenuity, selflessness, and defiance soon earn the admiration of viewers across the nation. She slowly becomes that which the Capital fears the most: a symbol of rebellious hope to the oppressed colonies. Even if she survives the games, she may not survive the wrath of the central government.
Much has been said about the Hunger Games trilogy - that it is a knock-off of previous works, that it is simplistic in its view of humanity, that it is little more than a moral parable. The critics, however, have missed the bigger picture. Ms. Collins has painted a portrait of an America not far removed from our own - one where the oppression of race has been replaced by the oppression of class, and where the divide between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' has grown deep. She achieves what every author should - to have the reader care deeply for the main character, and to have the reader think deeply about the circumstances and actions of that character. This novel is a tremendous mixture of action and relationships, and should not be missed by any teen reader. Part 1 of a three-part trilogy.
When The World Ends, Just Read
To those of you embracing the end of the world, I salute you!
If you are reading this, then you probably love dystopian and/or post-apocalyptic literature. Congratulations - I like you already! But first, let's agree on the meaning of the terms. In this site's context, the terms mean:
- dystopian: dysfunctional societies, often controlled by oppressive leaders, usually futuristic.
- post-apocalyptic: the aftermath of the collapse of civilization, usually ours.
Often, dystopia is a result of an apocalypse, creating a satisfying blend of the two themes. You can probably identify the one novel that made you a fan of this genre. For me, it was "Star Man's Son, 2250 A.D." by the great Andre Norton, which I read at age 12. I have been hopelessly hooked ever since, having read over 100 novels in this genre over three decades. You may be like me, a lifelong fan. You may be a teen who just read a popular novel like "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, and want to find more stories like it. You may have 'discovered' the genre later in life, and are catching up as quickly as possible.
Whatever your case, this site is for you. It includes book reviews and book lists for dystopian/post-apocalyptic literature, as well as general information and observations about the genre. Now raise your right hand and repeat after me.
"It is not the end of things that matter, but what comes after."
Keep reading!
If you are reading this, then you probably love dystopian and/or post-apocalyptic literature. Congratulations - I like you already! But first, let's agree on the meaning of the terms. In this site's context, the terms mean:
- dystopian: dysfunctional societies, often controlled by oppressive leaders, usually futuristic.
- post-apocalyptic: the aftermath of the collapse of civilization, usually ours.
Often, dystopia is a result of an apocalypse, creating a satisfying blend of the two themes. You can probably identify the one novel that made you a fan of this genre. For me, it was "Star Man's Son, 2250 A.D." by the great Andre Norton, which I read at age 12. I have been hopelessly hooked ever since, having read over 100 novels in this genre over three decades. You may be like me, a lifelong fan. You may be a teen who just read a popular novel like "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, and want to find more stories like it. You may have 'discovered' the genre later in life, and are catching up as quickly as possible.
Whatever your case, this site is for you. It includes book reviews and book lists for dystopian/post-apocalyptic literature, as well as general information and observations about the genre. Now raise your right hand and repeat after me.
"It is not the end of things that matter, but what comes after."
Keep reading!
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