Books matching: environmental catastrophe
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- #1
Save:Atmospheric, weird, and undeniably Tepper - The Waters Rising isn’t her strongest, but it’s still a memorable ecological fable best suited for established fans and adventurous sci-fi/fantasy readers.
In a post-apocalyptic world, 'The Waters Rising' follows Xulai, a soul carrier for a dying princess, on a journey to save humanity from an impending flood. The plot unfolds with twists and challenges, blending elements of fantasy and science fiction to create a unique and intricate narrative. The writing style is described as smooth and evocative, with a touch of philosophical themes that challenge readers' preconceptions and imaginations.
Abasio, the driver, resolutely keeping his eyes forward, yawned and stretched, giving no indication he had seen the archers. Among Abasio’s former friends and companions it was generally supposed that...August 2010•512 pages
(Also, see 7 recommendations for the series Plague of Angels ) Paradise Falls: The True Story of an Environmental Catastrophe by Keith O'Brien tells the harrowing story of the Love Canal disaster in the 1970s. It focuses on how toxic waste, buried by Hooker Chemical, affected the health of an entire community. The book puts a human face on this tragedy, showcasing the struggles of residents like Lois Gibbs and Dr. Beverly Paigen against corporate negligence and government indifference. The narrative details the suffering of families due to illnesses caused by exposure to harmful chemicals and highlights the fight to bring attention to their plight.
O'Brien's writing style is compelling and very readable, making complex scientific issues accessible to a broad audience. He combines thorough research with personal stories, creating a vivid picture of the events that unfolded. The book also serves as a cautionary tale about environmental disasters and the power of grassroots activism. Readers find it hard to put down, as it not only informs but also evokes strong emotions. It is recommended for anyone interested in environmental issues and the impact of corporate actions on communities.
Lois Gibbs was a sucker for Christmas decorations. Ceramic angels, miniature Santas, music boxes wired to play holiday tunes, and festive homemade crafts of every possible variety—Gibbs had it all, an...April 2022- #3
Save:Weirdly beautiful, unsettling, and sharply original - if you’re up for a literary trip through a crumbling, water-starved California, this book is definitely worth your time (even if it doesn’t answer all your questions).
'Something New Under the Sun' by Alexandra Kleeman is a near-future novel set in a dystopian Southern California where water has been replaced by a substitute called WAT R, leading to a mysterious dementia-like illness among the residents. The story follows the journey of Patrick Hamlin, a novelist whose book is being turned into a movie, as he navigates through the chaotic world of Hollywood, environmental crisis, and personal relationships. Kleeman weaves together elements of Hollywood satire, mystery, and social commentary on the consequences of an environmental catastrophe, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of adaptation, corruption, and the destruction of the natural world.
The writing style in 'Something New Under the Sun' is described as sharp, beautiful, and filled with terrific powers of description. Kleeman's storytelling combines unease and eeriness, reminiscent of authors like Don DeLillo and Philip K. Dick, creating a narrative that is both alarming and witty. The novel delves into the complexities of stardom, the corporatization of art, and the impact of climate change on individuals and communities, offering a thought-provoking exploration of a possible future that is both dreadful and captivating.
On the palm-sized screen it looks curiously real, like something he’s already seen. She slouches in the drugstore aisle, clawing the skin on the back of her hands, sunglasses black and gleaming in the...August 2021•368 pages - #4
Save:A brash, funny, and fiercely satirical take on environmental doom and media culture - uneven at times but well worth it for fans of sharp, comedic social commentary.
In a future world plagued by environmental catastrophes, Ben Elton's 'This Other Eden' follows the story of Plastic Tolstoy, a rich businessman marketing Claustrospheres as a solution to survive the Earth's degradation. The book humorously delves into the extreme consequences of environmental degradation, showcasing a wide array of characters including a vain actor, environmentalists, eco-terrorists, and an FBI agent. Elton cleverly uses satire to critique current trends, focusing on themes of pollution, marketing, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology like Claustrospheres.
The desperate man knows it will be easier to detach the limb from the body than the rat from the limb. The diner is stronger than the dinner, for the diner has no drug to numb its pain. The rat’s head...1993•446 pages - #5
Save:A fast-paced eco-thriller with a chilling premise, "Ill Wind" is compulsively readable - perfect for disaster fans, even if the characters and science don’t always hold up to close scrutiny.
"Ill Wind" by Kevin J. Anderson and Doug Beason is a disaster novel that unfolds after a supertanker crashes in San Francisco Bay, causing the largest oil spill in history. The multinational oil company responsible releases untested designer microbes to clean up the spill, but chaos ensues as the microbes uncontrollably dissolve petrocarbons, leading to a breakdown in communication, scarcity of food, rioting, and the enforcement of martial law. The story follows a diverse cast of characters who must band together to overcome the challenges they face in a world rapidly deteriorating due to the unforeseen consequences of the microbe release. The plot weaves together the individual stories of these characters, both before and after the disaster, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
The writing style of "Ill Wind" is described as heartwarming in the face of adversity, with a mix of science, technological jargon, heroes, and villains. Despite initial concerns about two-dimensional characters, the plot gradually fleshes out the cast, making them more relatable and engaging as they navigate the unfolding crisis. The book manages to balance the scientific aspects with storytelling, creating a gripping tale that combines elements of thriller and disaster genres while delivering a message about resilience and cooperation in the face of catastrophe.
Oilman Todd Severyn crushed a blob of dried seagull-dropping under his work boot, then paced up and down the Oilstar pier that extended into the deep channel in the north Bay. Tankers such as the Zoro...1995•570 pages - #6
Save:A gorgeous, unsettling blend of sci-fi and psychological horror - perfect if you love mysteries that refuse to explain themselves. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right reader.
'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is a mysterious and eerie novel set in a landscape undergoing a transformation due to an outside agent, reminiscent of the Strugatsky brothers' work. The story follows the protagonist, a biologist, as part of an expedition into Area X, a zone being altered by something completely alien, leading to rapid disintegration of their mission and inevitable eerie encounters. The narrative style is described as straddling the line between science fiction and horror, with an unreliable narrator providing a vague description of Area X, leaving more questions than answers.
The tower, which was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before the black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh fl...2014•209 pages - #7
Save:A beautifully structured, thoughtful family saga with trees and environmental themes at its heart. If you like literary fiction that digs into the roots of family and our relationship with nature, this one's well worth your time.
"Greenwood" by Michael Christie is a multi-generational family saga that spans from 2038 to 1908 and back again, connecting various members of the Greenwood family through their relationships with trees and the logging industry. The book explores themes of addiction, wealth, environmental destruction, and the definition of family. The narrative structure moves back and forth in time, revealing the interconnected lives of characters like Jake Jacinda Greenwood, Harris, Everett, Willow, and Liam. The story unfolds in a dystopian future where trees are scarce, and the past reveals how one misguided action can impact future generations.
The writing style of "Greenwood" is praised for its beautiful prose, intricate plot, and well-developed characters. The book uses trees as a central metaphor, weaving together themes of family, nature, and the impact of human decisions on the environment. The novel skillfully juxtaposes different time periods, creating a compelling story that delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the consequences of past actions.
AS FIRST LIGHT trickles through the branches, Jake greets this morning’s group of Pilgrims at the trailhead. Today, she’ll lead them out among the sky-high spires of Douglas fir and Western red cedar,...October 2019•516 pages - #8
Save:A sharply written, allegorical climate-apocalypse novel bursting with wit, symbolism, and big ideas - ideal for readers looking for smart, unsettling fiction that lingers long after the last page.
'A Children's Bible' by Lydia Millet is a novel that delves into the themes of climate change, generational divide, and parental neglect through the lens of a group of children facing an apocalyptic storm and flood. The story follows the children as they navigate a world where the adults have failed them, forcing them to rely on themselves for survival. The narrative is filled with biblical allusions and allegorical elements, creating a fable-like atmosphere that explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the consequences of ignoring environmental warnings. The writing style is described as simple, dreamlike, and thought-provoking, with layers of symbolism that add depth to the story and engage readers in contemplating the current state of the world.
Even the smallest canoe could take us down to the ocean. We’d paddle across the lake, over a marsh, down a stream, and come to the river’s mouth. Where the water met the sky. We’d run along the beach...May 2020•234 pages - #9
Save:Creepy, timely, and tensely immersive - Sealed is a standout eco-horror with a chillingly believable premise and an unforgettable central character, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
'Sealed' by Naomi Booth is a psychological thriller set in a time not far from the present, where the world is facing the consequences of environmental catastrophe and a mysterious disease called Cutis. The story follows Alice and Pete, a couple expecting a baby, as they move to a remote mountain town to escape the urban chaos and the skin-sealing epidemic. As they struggle with isolation, fear, and the horrors of the disease, the narrative delves into themes of social commentary, environmental disaster, and personal struggles, culminating in a shocking and gripping climax.
WE make our first trip into Lakoomba the next day. We spend most of the morning unpacking, surprising ourselves with our own belongings. My mother’s old crockery, Pete’s dad’s old toolkit, stained tow...2017•240 pages - #10
Save:A daring, if dated, disaster-techno-thriller - full of fascinating ideas but not afraid to get dark and messy. Worth a look for bold sci-fi fans, but be ready for a few rough edges.
John Barnes' "Mother of Storms" is a thrilling novel set in the future of 2028, where killer hurricanes are unleashed due to a nuclear explosion releasing methane from undersea clathrate deposits. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, delving into the science of global weather patterns and meteorological phenomena. The plot unfolds with a military action leading to the escalation of ocean temperatures and the creation of superstorms that threaten Earth's population. Despite the disaster theme, the book explores cyber reality, deep space, and the role of augmented humans in saving the world.
Barnes weaves a complex narrative that encompasses political, social, and business angles of life in 2028, highlighting technological advancements such as self-driving vehicles and social media. The book touches on themes of global cataclysm and the need for humanity to reset, while also incorporating elements of suspense, unexpected twists, and a wide cast of characters that maintain varying levels of interest throughout the story.
She sits tapping the arm of her chair and trying to look simultaneously concerned and as if she has gotten very close to the people responsible for the problem. Redalsen realizes that she is in this c...1994•432 pages
