Books matching: societal chaos
91 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Lagoon" by Nnedi Okorafor is a unique first contact novel that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria, where aliens land in the ocean just outside the city. The story follows a marine biologist, a soldier, and a rapper who become involved in the alien encounter and the chaos that ensues in Lagos. The writing style incorporates multiple points of view, including non-human characters like a spider, a road, and a swordfish, adding depth to the narrative and creating a vibrant and troubled portrayal of the city.
It was an eerie moment as Adaora and the two strange men arrived at that spot, right before it happened. Exactly three yards from the water at exactly 11:55 p.m., 8 January 2010. Adaora came from the ... - #2
Save:'The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047' by Lionel Shriver is a dystopian novel set in the near future where the United States faces a severe economic collapse. The story follows the Mandible family as they navigate through the financial meltdown, societal chaos, and lawlessness that ensue. The author creatively imagines various technologies and societal changes, depicting a world where the American economy crumbles, leaving its citizens struggling to survive. Shriver's writing style combines elements of humor, satire, and thought-provoking scenarios to paint a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse.
Intended as a gentle reminder, the admonishment came out shrill. Florence didn’t want to seem like what her son would call a boomerpoop, but still—the rules of the household were simple. Esteban consi... - #3
Save:Set in a near dystopian world where nature has rebelled causing evolution to hit reverse, Cedar, a mother-to-be, attempts to find her real parents to gain insight into her baby's future. As society spirals into chaos with the government rounding up pregnant women, Cedar unravels the truth behind her family and adoption. The novel beautifully blends science fiction elements with Native American life, told through Cedar's journal entries as she navigates the challenges of protecting her pregnancy and discovering her roots.
Future Home of the Living God explores themes of women's rights, environmental disaster, prejudice, and authoritarian government in a dystopian setting. The story follows Cedar, a young Ojibwe woman, as she grapples with the implications of a world where evolution is reversing and human reproduction is under strict control. Through Cedar's journey, the book delves into the bond between mother and child, reflecting on faith, heritage, and the resilience of marginalized communities.
When I tell you that my white name is Cedar Hawk Songmaker and that I am the adopted child of Minneapolis liberals, and that when I went looking for my Ojibwe parents and found that I was born Mary Po... - #4
Save:'Good News from Outer Space' by John Kessel is a science fiction novel set in a chaotic America on the brink of collapse. The story combines elements of societal chaos, religious extremism, and alien encounters. The plot follows characters dealing with an impending apocalypse, with a touch of humor and clever storytelling. The book explores themes of identity confusion, impending doom, and the interplay between right-wing politics and evangelical religious beliefs.
- #5
Save:'Suffer the Children' by Craig DiLouie is a horror novel that explores a unique take on the vampire genre. The story revolves around a new disease called Herod's Syndrome that only affects children, leading to their sudden death and subsequent reanimation with a need for human sacrifices. The book delves into the desperation of parents to keep their children alive, even at the cost of compromising their humanity. The writing style is described as mature, intelligent, and character-based, with a gradual build-up of tension and a thought-provoking exploration of human nature.
Joan had just set a box filled with reject plastic-lens eyeglasses, a donation from a local LensCrafters, on the floor for the kids to play with. Dillon and Danielle put on oversized black frames and ... - #6
Save:'Titus Andronicus' by William Shakespeare is a revenge play that revolves around the intertwined cases of revenge between the families of Titus Andronicus, a Roman general, and Tamora, Queen of the Goths and later Empress of Rome. The plot is driven by themes of instability, chaos, death, and violence, showcasing how revenge begets revenge in a cycle of destruction. The play is known for its extreme violence, shocking plot twists, and complex characters, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores the depths of human nature.
In recent years, ways of dealing with Shakespeare’s texts and with the interpretation of his plays have been undergoing significant change. This edition, while retaining many of the features that have... - #7
Save:Ashfall is a gripping young adult dystopian novel that follows the story of Alex, a teenager caught in a post-apocalyptic world after a supervolcano eruption. The plot is intense and realistic, portraying the struggles of survival, growth of characters, and the challenges faced in a world turned upside down. The writing style is engaging, drawing readers in with visceral sensations and a fast-paced narrative that keeps them hooked from the very beginning.
I was home alone on that Friday evening. Those who survived know exactly which Friday I mean. Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing, in the same way my parents remembered 9/11, b... - #8
Save:In 'Sleeping Beauties', an intriguing premise unfolds as women worldwide fall asleep, becoming encased in cocoons, while one woman named 'Eve Black' remains immune in a small Appalachian town. The story revolves around the town's residents, including employees and prisoners of a women's prison, as they grapple with the mysterious disease and Eve's presence among them. The Kings blend the supernatural with realistic characters and settings, creating a solid and entertaining narrative that delves into themes of peace, cooperation, hopelessness, and human emotions.
The plot tracks the rapid spread of a sleeping sickness affecting only women, leading to chaos and panic in the world. In a small town called Dooling, a woman named Evie emerges as a supernatural figure amidst the crisis, offering a potential cure. The story unfolds with a diverse cast of characters, from inmates to townspeople, showcasing Stephen King's masterful character development and thought-provoking themes, making readers ponder on male-female relations and societal issues.
Ree asked Jeanette if she ever watched the square of light from the window. Jeanette said she didn’t. Ree was in the top bunk, Jeanette in the bottom. They were both waiting for the cells to unlock fo... - #9
Save:Quincas Borba by Machado de Assis is a philosophical fiction masterpiece that delves into themes of humanitism and selfishness. The novel follows the legacy left by the eponymous character, exploring Brazilian selfishness and delusions of grandeur with a touch of humor despite the grim subject matter. Quincas Borba, the philosopher and friend of Bras Cubas, provides a formalized philosophy to the narrative that echoes various philosophical concepts like Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Eastern religion, pointing towards the Buddhist notion of maya and the absurdity behind existence.
Posthumous Memories of Bras Cubas, another work by Machado de Assis, continues to resonate with readers from Rio, portraying the city as beautiful, unpredictable, and unjust. The novel reflects on historical buildings, monuments, and the lack of community in the city, while also commenting on social and economic conditions through characters like Marcella. Machado skillfully weaves in critiques of the alienation of upper classes and the use of theories to justify crimes, creating a rich narrative that encompasses societal issues and philosophical musings.
The Library of Latin America series makes available in translation major nineteenth–century authors whose work has been neglected in the English–speaking world. The titles for the translations from th... - #10
Save:"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...
