Ever since The Hunger Games, there seems to have been a steady stream of dystopian trilogies dotting the shelves of the young adult section in B&N.
I've loved reading all these dystopian trilogies.
According to Divergent author Veronica Roth, there are many reasons people like myself are so naturally drawn to reading books about dystopian societies. She writes, "...I think dystopian books are perfect for people who like to ask "what if?" but want to see their "what if?" questions played out in a world that has the same rules as our own...There is also something extremely interesting about looking at the world now, reading about a possible future world, and imagining the steps in between. It's imaginative, yet grounded in the read world. I also love that the majority of the characters in dystopian and post-apocalyptic literature have a lot of agency--they take charge of their lives in environments that make it hard for them to do so, and I love reading about strong characters like that." (Divergent Bonus Materials)
I think she's absolutely right.
In addition to loving the dystopian, I love listening to books being read aloud.
It all started with my parents (and older sister) reading to me, continued through school when teachers would read aloud, and now I love reading with David.
I've loved reading all these dystopian trilogies.
According to Divergent author Veronica Roth, there are many reasons people like myself are so naturally drawn to reading books about dystopian societies. She writes, "...I think dystopian books are perfect for people who like to ask "what if?" but want to see their "what if?" questions played out in a world that has the same rules as our own...There is also something extremely interesting about looking at the world now, reading about a possible future world, and imagining the steps in between. It's imaginative, yet grounded in the read world. I also love that the majority of the characters in dystopian and post-apocalyptic literature have a lot of agency--they take charge of their lives in environments that make it hard for them to do so, and I love reading about strong characters like that." (Divergent Bonus Materials)
I think she's absolutely right.
In addition to loving the dystopian, I love listening to books being read aloud.
It all started with my parents (and older sister) reading to me, continued through school when teachers would read aloud, and now I love reading with David.
When I was a kid, my dad read the Harry Potter books aloud to my siblings and I before we went to bed at night as they came out. Although the original purpose of him reading was to get us to go to bed at night, it was kind of a failure because each night my dad would wind up reading about 45 minutes and we would be wound up, chanting "Just one more chapter!" instead of getting sleepy. In another way though, reading to us was a total success because it has left me with a lot of good childhood memories. When David and I started dating, I suggested to him that we should start reading together, and we've really enjoyed it so far.
David and I were at the bookstore a couple weeks ago, having just finished our first book together, and were looking for something new to read together. After picking up several books around the store and reading reviews online, we finally settled on Divergent. I felt mixed at first because I didn't want to start a new series and the Divergent book looked like a heavy commitment, but I finally conceded. Now having read it, I have no regrets. Word is, Divergent is being made into a movie.
Divergent (2011)
I started writing my own summary, and then realized that on Goodreads someone else wrote what I had much better, "In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself." (Read more)
I started writing my own summary, and then realized that on Goodreads someone else wrote what I had much better, "In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself." (Read more)
My voice cracked a few times while I read this one aloud with David, so if you like intense books, this one's probably a keeper.
Also, as a heads up, the first two books are out and the third one is scheduled to come out in October, so now is probably the perfect time to pick them up before the movie comes out!
The Hunger Games (2008)
I know most of you have either read this trilogy or seen the movie. Basically if you haven't already read this book, start with this one. One reviewer wrote that "Hunger Games is the dystopian novel." I agree.
Goodreads states, "In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV." (Read more)
I know most of you have either read this trilogy or seen the movie. Basically if you haven't already read this book, start with this one. One reviewer wrote that "Hunger Games is the dystopian novel." I agree.
Goodreads states, "In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV." (Read more)
Matched (2010)
My mom and sister actually recommended the Matched trilogy to me.
On Goodreads, "Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black." (Read more)
David told me he didn't want to read this trilogy because it was too girly when I told him about it. I hate to admit it, but he's probably right. These are girl books.
Why do you think dystopian novels are so popular? Thoughts?
-Mr. D. and Mrs. M.
David told me he didn't want to read this trilogy because it was too girly when I told him about it. I hate to admit it, but he's probably right. These are girl books.
Why do you think dystopian novels are so popular? Thoughts?
-Mr. D. and Mrs. M.
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