dystopian, books

[JudyO]

Has anyone read any really good dystopian plots lately? I have begun reading the Divergent trilogy.....pretty good stuff. (But mainly because I know what the future is really going to be like--so I have a glimpse into what the world sees as the future of mankind)....

 

Any suggestions for other series or stand alone books?

[DW]

Dystopia, n.

1. a hypothetical place, society, or situation in which conditions and the quality of life are dreadful

2. a novel or other work depicting a dystopian society or place (Cf. UTOPIA)

[DW]

Have you read "The Giver" by Lois Lowery? There is also a young adult book "The Bar Code Tattoo" that I have not read. Both of these books brand me as being "old school".  I'm a little cautious about the current surge in novels like the Divergent trilogy, ie: "The Hunger Games", "The Maze Runner",  etc. as something being potentially detrimental to our spirituality (The "Left Behind" series from a while ago is a good example). Of course, this is a conscience matter. I grew up on Jules Verne, H. G. Wells, and later George Orwell. Now I'm more into post-modern poetry and literature.

[JudyO]

Dave:

" I'm a little cautious about the current surge in novels like the Divergent trilogy, ie: "The Hunger Games", "The Maze Runner", etc. as something being potentially detrimental to our spirituality (The "Left Behind" series from a while ago is a good example). Of course, this is a conscience matter. I grew up on Jules Verne, H. G. Wells, and later George Orwell. Now I'm more into post-modern poetry and literature."

I certainly understand your caution. I am careful about what I read as well...but I would make a distinction between dystopian plots and The Left Behind series, which I have not read, but know by reputation--the Left Behind stories have to do with the Rapture scenario....

Thanks for the book suggestions, though.

[DW]

but I would make a distinction between dystopian plots and The Left Behind series, which I have not read, but know by reputation--the Left Behind stories have to do with the Rapture scenario....

 

 

Hi,

 

I have not read the "Left Behind" series, and I thought a while before I included them. When I searched "dystopian" they were usually found with the others in the results. That is why I used them as an example, I was surprised to find them too.

[JudyO]

I am always surprised when they include fantasy and werewolves/vampires in the science fiction category!!!! So I know just what you mean. We have to be very careful when trying to find "alternate" reading material.

 

To me, The Left Behind series should be in the religious section.....but Satan likes to get his audience YOUNG.....so I can see how he would sneak that into the regular reading materials......

 

I don't have a lot of extra time for reading these days....it's a challenge to keep up with all of the spiritual food we receive!---but when I look for something to read, I usually enjoy science fiction or dystopian plots (young adult is interesting!). But they can't just be anything.....no gory violence.....no magic.....no misuse of blood......no obvious religious themes....it limits what's available.

 

 

And even then, part of my mind is saying....".now, you know this won't even BE in the New System....why are you reading this junk???"

[DW]

 

I don't have a lot of extra time for reading these days....it's a challenge to keep up with all of the spiritual food we receive!---but when I look for something to read, I usually enjoy science fiction or dystopian plots (young adult is interesting!). But they can't just be anything.....no gory violence.....no magic.....no misuse of blood......no obvious religious themes....it limits what's available.

 

They are planning a movie based on the novel "The Giver".  Here is the link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435651/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

I'm not sure I agree with the choice of actors. Jeff Bridges will be good, I'm sure.

[JudyO]

The movie on the Divergent series will be out in March, 2014.......I will have to get hold of "the Giver" to see if I might want to see the movie!!!

[DW]

I don't have a lot of extra time for reading these days....it's a challenge to keep up with all of the spiritual food we receive!---but when I look for something to read, I usually enjoy science fiction or dystopian plots (young adult is interesting!). But they can't just be anything.....no gory violence.....no magic.....no misuse of blood......no obvious religious themes....it limits what's available.

 

 

Hi, here is a book you might like to read. It was in the young adult section, but I think is more adult: My Abandonment, by Peter Rock. There is an interview with the author about the book on YouTube. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=A8E5CcZPJ14

 

 

The book is surprisingly clean and free from worldliness. The main character expresses a disbelief in the religion that she was raised in. I found it a good read. It won't take you long, it is a page turner.

 

-Dave

[PottersClay]

I too like dystopian novels. I find that many of the themes are reflected in today's society. To me, the last days is a dystopian society, people are just so used to it they don't see it. Thats the true story. People think they are striving towards utopia, when in reality they are shunning Utopia (the kingdom) in favour of Dystopia (Satan's System) falsely believing it to be their only hope.

I am currently reading "Nineteen Eighty-four" by George Orwell.

I've read Divergent and have got Insurgent waiting in the wings, Its nest on my novel "to-read" list.

Also another dystopian book a little further on my list is a book called "The Chrysalids", I still need to research it more, but I've yet to find anything to suggest its spiritistic, but apparently its a classic dystopian novel.

I don't intend to spark controversy but I have read The Hunger Games trilogy, and while I realise opinion is divided on the levels of violence in its content, I do think it was really reflecting today's society just under a different name and wearing a different costume.

And I'm not trying to impose my conscience on others or anything and I don't mean to stumble anyone by what I've said here.

[Shawnster]

Margaret Atwood's - The Handmaid's Tale is good.  It even mentions Jehovah's Witnesses briefly.

 

And the classics - 1984, Brave New World, Atlas Shrugged

[DW]

I don't intend to spark controversy but I have read The Hunger Games trilogy, and while I realise opinion is divided on the levels of violence in its content, I do think it was really reflecting today's society just under a different name and wearing a different costume.

And I'm not trying to impose my conscience on others or anything and I don't mean to stumble anyone by what I've said here.

 

I understand. There are a few books that I have read that I wouldn't discuss because of love and respect for my brothers and sisters. The post-modern "Weetzie Bat" books by Francesca Lia Block fall into that category. Does anyone remember the "Magnus Robot Fighter" comic books? That was a dystopian society!

[Shawnster]

I used to read Magnus.

 

It's more cyber punk than dystopian, but you might also check out Snowcrash.  It's set in a world where corporations are more powerful than governments. 

 

Jennifer Government is also another cool one.  This might border more on dystopian. 

[DW]

I used to read Magnus.

 

It's more cyber punk than dystopian, but you might also check out Snowcrash.  It's set in a world where corporations are more powerful than governments. 

 

Jennifer Government is also another cool one.  This might border more on dystopian. 

 

Hi Shawn,

 

I took a look at the Wikipedia pages for these two books and they sound good. I'll hit the library up for them. I can see why you think Magnus is more cyber punk. I cut my teeth on the 60s Russ Manning version. Are you into Steampunk at all? I am a fan of the original Last Exile anime series.

 

-Dave

[normadenardo]

I understand. There are a few books that I have read that I wouldn't discuss because of love and respect for my brothers and sisters. The post-modern "Weetzie Bat" books by Francesca Lia Block fall into that category. Does anyone remember the "Magnus Robot Fighter" comic books? That was a dystopian society!

I understand. There are a few books that I have read that I wouldn't discuss because of love and respect for my brothers and sisters. The post-modern "Weetzie Bat" books by Francesca Lia Block fall into that category. Does anyone remember the "Magnus Robot Fighter" comic books? That was a dystopian society!

Weetzie bat.... huge waste of time. Should have stopped after the first couple pages, thought it might get better but it never did.

[Shawnster]

Hi Shawn,

 

I took a look at the Wikipedia pages for these two books and they sound good. I'll hit the library up for them. I can see why you think Magnus is more cyber punk. I cut my teeth on the 60s Russ Manning version. Are you into Steampunk at all? I am a fan of the original Last Exile anime series.

 

-Dave

 

I think you misunderstood.  I was saying Snowcrash was more cyberpunk than dystopian.  I enjoy steampunk, but I've not read that many.  I did read Gibson's The Difference Engine.

 

You might also check out Sewer, Gas and Electric by Matt Ruff.  It has to deal with sentient computers and a conspiracy surrounding Walt Disney.  Also, check out Microserfs.  It's about a group of programmers that quit Microsoft to go play with legos.

[DW]

I think you misunderstood.  I was saying Snowcrash was more cyberpunk than dystopian.

 

I'm sorry, I should learn to read more carefully.

 

Thanks,

 

 -Dave

[DW]

Weetzie bat.... huge waste of time. Should have stopped after the first couple pages, thought it might get better but it never did.

 

Sorry you didn't like Weetzie. I probably should never have mentioned the series. I don't want to stumble anyone.

[normadenardo]

It's ok... not stumbled.. just found it really not worth the time.. maybe not the best subject matter.

Sorry you didn't like Weetzie. I probably should never have mentioned the series. I don't want to stumble anyone.

[VL4D]

I'm currently reading the last book in the Legend trilogy by Marie Lu. They won't take long to read, they're page turners!

[VL4D]

One book series you can check out is the "Enclave" series.. it's pretty good

[disneytrav]

You might try the "Park Service" trilogy by Ryan Winfield. Just finished Book One, "The Park Service". Very quick read, finished 330+ pages in two nights, but one of those that's hard to put down once you get started. It kept me up too late so was a bit the next morning.

[Lorelaisbiggestfan]

I'd be just a little iffy on 1984. I had to read that in high school and if memory serves me right it seems there might be a sexually depicted scene or two in the book. I don't know maybe I'm wrong, I just remember feeling awkward discussing the book in high school and this was before I was in the truth.

[Greg Dent]

Sorry folks I don't get the premise of these books at all. 

[PhorosM]

A Gift Upon the Shore, by M K Wren

Edited September 2, 2014 by PhorosM