Books matching: environmental catastrophe
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- #1
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...
(Also, see 5 recommendations for the series Plague of Angels ) - #2
'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New Under the Sun' by Alexandra Kleeman is a near-future novel set in a dystopian Southern California where water has been replaced by a substitute called WAT R, leading to a mysterious dementia-like illness among the residents.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... - #3
'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... - #4
'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... - #5
Eruption, a collaboration between James Patterson and the late Michael Crichton, spins an intense tale set on the Hawaiian island of Mauna Loa, where scientists race against time to prevent a catastrophic volcanic eruption. The plot is fast-paced and filled with scientific insights, mainly regarding the dangers posed by volcanoes and the consequences of human intervention. Despite its gripping premise, the story suffers from an overwhelming number of characters and underdeveloped plot lines, leading to a muddled reading experience.
Patterson’s writing style shines through in the short, snappy chapters, making it easy to turn the pages, but it lacks the depth and meticulousness associated with Crichton’s earlier work. The science is present but not overly complex, allowing for a thrilling read without overwhelming the casual reader. While the book has its merits and presents an engaging narrative, many readers felt it fell short of the high expectations set by Crichton's legacy.
- #6
In "Migrations" by Charlotte McConaghy, the story follows Franny Stone, a woman in a world devastated by climate change where most animals have become extinct. Franny is determined to track the migration of the last Arctic terns and convinces a fishing crew to join her on this journey. As the narrative unfolds, Franny's troubled past is slowly revealed, intertwining with her present quest to follow the terns on their epic migration. The novel skillfully weaves together multiple timelines, exploring themes of loss, environmental destruction, and the human connection to nature.
Franny's character is portrayed as complex and haunted by personal demons, leading her on a reckless yet captivating voyage to follow the Arctic terns. The writing style is described as beautiful, with a focus on nature writing and the climate crisis, creating a sense of urgency and poignancy throughout the novel. The story blends elements of adventure, mystery, and environmental themes, making it a timely and thought-provoking read that delves into the depths of human nature and the impact of our actions on the world around us.
Once, my husband found a colony of storm petrels on the rocky coast of the untamed Atlantic. The night he took me there, I didn’t know they were some of the last of their kind. I knew only that they w... - #7
Joy Williams' book 'Harrow' is a darkly humorous and unsettling novel that delves into an eco-catastrophe world where a cataclysm has already occurred. The story follows Khristen, a teenaged protagonist, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic setting populated by strange individuals and explores themes of decay, environmental destruction, and the absurdity of redemption. The writing style is described as brilliant yet disjointed, with a focus on creating an alternative universe that challenges readers to pay attention to the dying world.
My mother and father named me Lamb. My mother believed that I had died as an infant but had then come back to the life we shared. As I grew, her intention and need was to put me in touch with where I ... - #8
'The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl' by author Timothy Egan is a gripping narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of families and communities during the Dust Bowl era in America. Egan brilliantly captures the catastrophic events of blinding black dust blizzards, crop failures, and the struggles of individuals to survive through the darkest years of the Depression. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the resilience and hardships faced by the stoic men and women who braved the relentless dust storms and economic turmoil, painting a poignant picture of a devastating environmental and human tragedy.
Egan's writing style in 'The Worst Hard Time' has been praised for its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and the ability to humanize the characters who lived through the Dust Bowl. not only provides a historical account of the era but also offers insights into the political, environmental, and societal factors that contributed to the disaster. By focusing on personal narratives and intimate details, Egan brings to life the struggles, sacrifices, and courage of those who endured the unimaginable challenges of the Dust Bowl, making it a compelling and informative read for anyone interested in American history.
THEY HAD BEEN on the road for six days, a clan of five bouncing along in a tired wagon, when Bam White woke to some bad news. One of his horses was dead. It was the nineteenth-century equivalent of a ... - #9
'The End We Start From' by Megan Hunter is a post-apocalyptic novella that follows a new mother and her son as they navigate a world plagued by rising floodwaters. The story is narrated in poetic snippets, focusing on the mother's observations of her son's growth and milestones amidst the chaos of a crumbling society. The writing style is spare and simple, omitting details of the apocalyptic event but retaining the emotional impact, creating a hauntingly beautiful narrative.
Z opens his eyes a little more every day. I am constantly aware of the complex process of breath: how the heart has to keep beating, to bring oxygen to the blood, to power the bags of the lungs in and... 'The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming' by David Wallace-Wells is a profoundly convincing and frightening book that delves into the harsh realities of climate change. The author presents a grim outlook on the future of our planet, discussing the catastrophic consequences of global warming in a detailed and factual manner. Divided into sections that explore the current effects of human pollution, past incidents due to climate change, and speculations on future events, the book serves as a wake-up call to the urgent need for action to combat climate change. Wallace-Wells' writing style is described as dense and slow, providing a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on society and the environment.
It is worse, much worse, than you think. The slowness of climate change is a fairy tale, perhaps as pernicious as the one that says it isn’t happening at all, and comes to us bundled with several othe...