Dystopian Novels

Why are alternative realities so popular among teen books?

Dystopian fiction is hardly a new topic, but one that is still trending in today’s YA scene.

From “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells to “The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins and beyond, society has had a fascination with alternate realities that are far worse than our own.

Dystopian realities tend to come with incredibly high stakes. Government oppression and corruption are common themes, as well as wars, forced conformity, religious fanaticism, and heroes facing odds that are incredible to the point of hopelessness. Most of all, they feature heroes fighting against those odds. Dystopian heroes typically suffer more than ordinary heroes, and not all of them make it out alive, but they all put up a fight.

Again, why are these types of books so popular with our youth? Are teenager’s tastes are growing darker? Could it have something to do with the angst that many teenagers encounter? 

 

In a world where teens feel watched and monitored, even controlled, by parents and  teachers, where they feel the daily pressure of peers, where there seems to be no resolution in sight for the political and economic issues our society faces– is it any wonder that this popular escapism has become a nightmarish speculation of the future?

Dystopian literature provides an escape from the world in which teens currently live, providing stories of youth having great adventures and attempting to exert control on their life.

What’s wrong with having hope?

Interested in reading some dystopian novels? Click here to see Goodreads Dystopia Book Lists. Include Dystopian Fiction as one of the five genres you choose for the 5-5-5 Reading Challenge! 

 

Stop in, our staff can point you in the “right” direction – AND get you signed up for the Reading Challenge too.