Books matching: societal control
100 result(s)
- #1
'The Filth' by Grant Morrison is a dark and intense exploration of the human psyche, filled with bizarre and trippy storylines. The book delves into Morrison's twisted and brilliant ideas, presenting a universe similar to works like 'Naked Lunch' and featuring biologically monstrous illustrations reminiscent of Giger's style. The plot is described as incomprehensible at times, with covert government agencies portrayed in a unique light, blurring the lines between good and evil.
The story is all over the place, crammed with too many ideas akin to a bad Philip K. Dick novel. Readers are warned that the book may not be for everyone, as it pushes boundaries and contains a lot of ugliness without inspiring amusement. Despite its flaws, 'The Filth' is praised for its ambitious and creative effort, showcasing Morrison's postmodern brilliance but also leaving some readers unsatisfied with the confusing message about control.
- #2
The novel 'Suicide Club' by Rachel Heng is set in a futuristic New York City where society is divided into 'Lifers,' who undergo treatments for immortality, and 'Sub 100s,' who live normal human lifespans. The protagonist, Lea Kirino, is an overachiever striving for immortality until she encounters the underground movement called the Suicide Club, challenging society's pursuit of eternal life. As Lea navigates between these two worlds, she discovers the complexities of life, death, and the true meaning of existence. The book presents a thought-provoking exploration of moral dilemmas, societal pressures, and individual choices in a world obsessed with longevity.
The narrative of 'Suicide Club' unfolds through a fast-paced dialogue and plot-heavy structure, keeping readers engaged with its swift pace. The novel delves into themes of immortality, freedom, love, and the consequences of eternal life, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values. Through the characters of Lea, Anja, and others, the book challenges societal norms, raises profound questions about existence, and offers a poignant reflection on the human condition in a technologically advanced yet morally conflicted society.
No one talked about it, or even looked at it. But every now and then, someone would linger a little too long by the drinks table, pretending to assess the various bubbly greens on offer while peeking ... - #3Rashby:
In the book 'Rash' by Pete Hautman, readers are transported to the United Safer States of America, a future society where safety is paramount, and even minor injuries are criminal offenses. The protagonist, Bo Marsten, finds himself entangled in a series of events that lead to his imprisonment in a work camp in the tundra. Forced to play football, an illegal sport, Bo navigates the dangers of prison life while grappling with his own anger issues and seeking a way to survive within the confines of a society obsessed with safety. The narrative offers a satirical take on a world where personal freedoms are sacrificed for the sake of protection, blending elements of dystopia, humor, and thought-provoking social commentary.
Gramps, who was born in 1990, once told me that when he was my age the only way to wind up in prison in the USSA (back when it had only one S) was to steal something, kill somebody, or use illegal dru... - #4
The Blemished by Sarah Dalton is a young adult dystopian novel set in a sinister reimagined Britain controlled by the Genetic Enhancement Ministry. The story follows Mina Hart, a Blemished girl with genetic defects, who defies societal expectations and vows to escape a life of oppression. The plot is filled with action, romance, and feminist themes, depicting a world where Blemished individuals are treated as second-class citizens while GEMs, genetically modified perfection, live privileged lives. The writing style is gripping, thought-provoking, and current, drawing parallels to real-world issues like genetic enhancement and segregation.
- #5
'The Risen Empire' by Scott Westerfeld is a pure sci-fi story set in a well-fleshed out universe with different classes of people, dark secrets, and detailed scientific descriptions that make the concepts unique and believable. The plot is described as a grand-scale epic that follows multiple characters through a multi-layered narrative, including high-tech military hardware, space battles, political intrigue, and complex relationships. The writing style is praised for its brevity, allowing the story to unfold naturally without excessive exposition, engaging the reader from the very beginning with nail-biting action scenes and challenging preconceived notions about factions and races.
The five small craft passed from shadow, emerging with the suddenness of coins thrown into sunlight. The disks of their rotary wings shimmered in the air like heat, momentary rainbows flexing across p... - #6
The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov is a classic science fiction novel that combines elements of detective fiction with a futuristic setting. The story follows Detective Elijah Baley as he investigates the murder of a Spacer, working alongside a humanoid robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw. The book delves into a society marked by tensions between humans and robots, exploring themes of advanced technology, social change, and the consequences of human actions in a future world. Asimov's storytelling prowess shines through in this ingenious mixture of mystery and science fiction, offering readers a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends elements of both genres.
The plot unfolds as Detective Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw must navigate through a delicate investigation to solve the murder case, all while dealing with societal attitudes and challenges in a world set 3000 years in the future. The book presents a thought-provoking narrative that not only entertains but also reflects on the potential consequences of technological advancements and the evolving dynamics between humans and robots. As readers follow the duo's journey to uncover the truth behind the murder, they are drawn into a captivating story that offers insights into the complexities of a future world that mirrors aspects of our present reality.
A closely coded tape reeled out of the merc-pool’s vitals as the small instrument searched and analyzed its “memory” for the desired information stored in the tiny vibration patterns of the gleaming m...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot ) - #7
'Girl One' by Sara Flannery Murphy is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Josephine, known as 'Girl One', who was born in an experimental commune where girls were conceived without male DNA. The book explores Josephine's search for her missing mother after a devastating fire destroys their home, leading her to uncover secrets about her past and the other daughters with special abilities. The plot combines elements of mystery, female empowerment, and magic, set in a dystopian world with a focus on mother-daughter dynamics. The writing style of the book has been described as gripping, with layers of character development and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
I’ve just taken a call from President Nixon, who asked me to pass on his fondest birthday regards to you. Right now, I’m in my hotel room in New York City. (The Pierre, can you imagine? Last time I wa... - #8
'Crazy House' by James Patterson follows the story of twin sisters, Cassie and Becca, who live in a fenced self-contained town called a cell in a post-apocalyptic world. When Becca goes missing, Cassie embarks on a determined search for her sister, uncovering a much larger conspiracy in the process. The narrative alternates between the sisters' points of view, providing insight into their struggles and the challenges they face in a society reestablishing itself.
The writing style of 'Crazy House' is described as simple yet compelling, with a perfect balance of intrigue and plot development. offers dual points of view, exploring the relationship between the twins and delving into themes of freedom, survival, and the bond between siblings. As the story unfolds, it touches on dystopian elements and the characters' journey towards self-discovery and unity.
THX 1138 by Ben Bova is an adaptation of George Lucas' original film, focusing on the character THX 1138 who lives in a dystopian future where emotions are managed through medication and natural born individuals are rare. The story follows THX's illegal relationship with LUH 3417, which leads to severe consequences imposed by the controlling government. The book delves into themes of conformity, surveillance, and the suppression of individuality, reminiscent of classic dystopian works like George Orwell's '1984' and Yevgeny Zamyatin's 'We'.
Popping the two pills into his mouth, THX 1138 made his way back to the hologram room. He curled up in the deep soft relaxer chair. He was dressed as always in loose-fitting white pajamas. His head, l...- #10
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett is a thought-provoking YA novel set in a near future society where 16-year-old girls are banished to an isolated camp for a year to rid themselves of a perceived magic that grows within them. The story follows Tierney James as she embarks on her own Grace Year, facing physical and emotional challenges while unraveling the mysteries of the society she lives in. The book explores themes of control, survival, sisterhood, and the resilience of women in the face of societal expectations and oppression.
I follow her through the woods, a well-worn path I’ve seen a thousand times. Ferns, lady-slipper, and thistle, the mysterious red flowers dotting the path. Five petals, perfectly formed, like they wer...