Hey, campers! We all survived the End-of-the-World, AKA The Mayan Apocalypse. That's good news, unless you gave all your stuff away or ran up your credit card debt.
Back to literature. You might have noticed that there are two types of apocalyptic novels: Apocalyptic, and Post-Apocalyptic. The first deals mostly with "How the world ends". The second deals mostly with "What people do to survive and rebuild after the world ends". Some are hybrids, dealing with both the end and the aftermath. Different readers may prefer one type over the other. In that vein, I've listed below my favorites by type.
You'll notice very few straight up end-of-the-world novels. Readers want hope, generally. But sometimes we love to wallow in the misery of a hopeless story. I recently watched the movie "Melancholia". Without spoiling it, the movie was utterly hopeless to the bitter end, so much so that it literally depressed me for a couple of days afterward. However, my main criteria for any "great" story is that it touches me deeply. In that sense, Melancholia was a great story.
End of the World:
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy
- I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
- On the Beach by Nevil Shute
After the End of the World:
- Shore of Monsters by David Nix (that's me)
- Blood Red by Moira Young
- City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
- Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
- Eternity Road by Jack McDevitt
- A Gift Upon the Shore by M. K. Wren
- The Postman by David Brin
- Through Darkest America by Neal Barrett Jr.
- Z for Zechariah by Robert C. O'Brien
- Daybreak 2250 A.D. (Star Man's Son) by Andre Norton
End of the World and What Comes After:
- The Passage by Justin Cronin (reading this right now, in fact)
- Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
- A Canticle for Liebowitz by Walter M. Miller (although this is harder to place; more like what comes after, and then the end of the world again)
- The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
- The Death of Grass (No Blade of Grass) by John Christopher
- Earth Abides by George Stewart
- The Tripods by John Christopher
- Vault of Ages by Poul Anderson
Monday, January 21, 2013
Friday, December 21, 2012
It's The End of the World As We Know It!
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.
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.
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.
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