Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Bleak and dismal worlds await, readers! We're off to a dystopian world this week.

Suggestions for Each Week

If you're reading in order, this week is: 11/25 - 12/1

To discuss the book, don't forget to add it in the A-Z folders or join the existing discussion if your book is already listed.

Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?
- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?

Emm wrote: "Bleak and dismal worlds await, readers! We're off to a dystopian world this week.

Suggestions for Each Week

If you're reading in order, this week is: 12/23 - 12/29

To discuss the book, don't for..."

I think the dates are 11/25 - 12/1. BTW - I LOVE this challenge and really appreciate all the effort all of you moderators have put into this.

Yes, it's 25/11-12/1 (as the weeks start on Friday). Emm will change it :)

I already listened to 75% of my book and I just realized I forgot to post here ;)

- What are you reading this week?
Ready Player One

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Honestly I don't think so haha. I would definitely not have the courage to be a hero like we read about! And I don't think I'd have the resource to survive if it became really violent and difficult. If I lived in the world depicted in this book, I'm sure I would be addicted to the oasis and be very happy to play all day to forget the real world...

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Seeing how our way of life evolved in the last 2 or 3 hundred years, I'm sure the future has lots in store for us. Sadly I think that humankind is perfectly able to react to ordeals like the energy crisis in a very bad way, thus getting close to a dystopian world. But I prefer not to be to pessimistic and continue to enjoy books picturing crazy futures.

I read Delirium by Lauren Oliver for this one.

In this dystopian world, everyone has to get cured of their ability to love when they turn 18. I think I would probably survive in that dystopian world because I'm inherently a rule follower, so I think I'd just go along with their horrible mind control, no questions asked. Eek.

As I was reading this book, I wondered how dystopian fiction became a genre, and such a popular genre at that. Is it because we're really afraid that this is what our society is heading towards? I hope not. I'm with Sophie, I prefer not to take the pessimistic view.

What are you reading this week?
Never Let Me Go. I kept switching which category I was going to use it for. I originally had it down as an award-winning book, but then I realized it was a nominee for the awards and I wasn't sure if any of them were actually won. Eventually, I put it down as a dystopian instead.

Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
I think it would depend on what kind of world it became. Definitely not something like the Hunger Games, but I'd probably be fine in a world like Divergent because I'm a rule follower. I'd probably go along with it, even if I didn't necessarily like the way it was working. It would be a case of "Well, I don't really like this, but nothing I can do about it." I definitely would not survive in a world where I had to hunt and kill my own food or defend myself with weapons.

Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Again, it depends on what you mean by dystopian. I do think things are getting pretty scary, but I don't know what direction it's going to take. In the broad sense of civilization collapsing, then yes I think it is very realistic.

I'm finally reading Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Might as well go with the basics that my high school skipped.

Certainly various forms of oppression are real and currently happening. I'm not sure how realistic it would be for a dystopia to be as organized and controlled as they frequently are in books.

E wrote: "I'm finally reading Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Might as well go with the basics that my high school skipped.

Certainly various forms of oppression are real and currently happeni..."

I read that last year as part of my PopSugar challenge, and I thought there were quite a few parallels to how things are now. It's not exactly the way it is in the book, but there are definitely some commonalities.

I had to give up at 27%. It was very silly and didn't interest me at all.

So now I'm trying The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee. Hopefully this one will stick.

Really looking forward to this one.

I read Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

I'm reading The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick, for this week. Its premise is 'what would have happened if the Allies had lost WW2. A dystopian vision, indeed.

- What are you reading this week? The One
- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not? I think I would. Life in dystopian world is usually unfair, people are unsatisfied, but most of them try to live normally, just a few start some kind of revolution for better life.
- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not? Yes, similar things could happen in the future.

- What are you reading this week?
The Handmaid's Tale

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
It would depend on what kind of dystopian world, but I'm the kind of person who likes to go about their day without bringing attention to themselves, so I might be ok if I would just follow the rules.

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
The one in the book could sadly happen, I think. Maybe not overnight, but little by little.

- What are you reading this week? The Scorch Trials
- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not? For me, it would depend on what kind of dystopian world. This particular one probably not. As soon as they put me in a dark tunnel that would have been the end. I am totally not a fan of dark places.
- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not? I have read quite a few dystopian books and some of them I could see happening in the future. Probably not this one but books like The Handmaid's Tale yes.

- What are you reading this week? Paper and Fire

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not? I'd like to say that I could. I mean, you really wouldn't have a choice would you? No matter what situation you are thrown into, you'll have to find a way to adapt and survive.

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not? Yes. Part of me feels that this fascination with dystopian cultures are more of a forewarning. There are a lot of countries out there now that have a dystopia-like setting. People are living this reality.

I am reading Divergent. Not a book I would normally read, but I am really into the story. Thanks for the challenge, I never would have read it otherwise.

- What are you reading this week?
The Heart Goes Last - Margaret Atwood

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Depends on the kind of world. I think probably not though, I'm not good in bad situations. I'm the kind of person who tends to either completely freeze or completely freak out. Not good survival skills
- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
No, I enjoy science fiction books but I don't believe in post-apocalyptic worlds.

E wrote: "I'm finally reading Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Might as well go with the basics that my high school skipped.

Certainly various forms of oppression are real and currently happeni..."

Same here, I had this book in my bookshelf for so long.
Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not? Depends on the universe. Brave new world is dystopian in an unknown for the people living in it way. Only an outsider was possible to understand where the dystopic elements lies. In general if it is a world in which you were raised according to its rules then I believe I would survive. Trying to change these rules is what gets you in trouble.

Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not? Many (definitely not all) of the elements in Brave new world can be found in modern society. Other in a more obvious way, other more subtle. Nobody would expect the dystopia called 'Auschwitz concentration camp' yet it is part of our human history. And sometimes looking at our happiness-seeking, money-centered way of living it feels like we are not that far from a dystopia.

What are you reading this week?
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Nope. I'm really unhealthy. Either I'll die on my own or I'll get discarded from the society.

Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Well, it's possible, but I don't think it's probable. This world has been experiencing progress, and it'll be hard to go backwards. I have faith in humanity.

I'll read the third book in the Red Riding trilogy Morning Star in week 10. My library just got a copy and I'm the first to read it!
I would probably survive this dystopia because I know I'd be a red and I'm a rule follower, not a revolutionary.
Although life on other planets may be possible very far into the future, it probably wouldn't happen in quite this way.

What are you reading this week? When I want to read a dystopian novel, I can always count on Margaret Atwood so for this challenge I'll be reading The Heart Goes Last
Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not? I think I would rebel for sure. Whether I would survive is questionable. I'd go down fighting I know that much.
Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not? Sadly, I think Atwood's visions are all too likely. Unless we wake up of course. There's always hope.

Progress Post:

What are you reading this week? I am almost through reading Gold Fame Citrus by Claire Vaye Watkins.

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not? At the beginning of the catastrophe, I think I would try to fight, as I consider myself somewhat of a survivor. Then I'd hit a wall and continue on (or maybe not) in dispair. Um, I'm not the best person to land on my feet in the face of disaster.

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not? This novel is all too real, about a drought followed by a sandstorm rendering parts of the US uninhabitable in and around California and the Mojave Desert.

Yes, I think it could happen and that we or our next closest generations to follow us are destined to meet with some kind of doom. And, whether it's due to our wreaking havoc on the environment, global warming or simply because the time is right for the earth to change itself yet again (as it's done from time-to-time over the last billion years or so), I do believe that a dystopian world seems, unfortunately, like a realistic possibility for the future.

Jean wrote: "What are you reading this week? When I want to read a dystopian novel, I can always count on Margaret Atwood so for this challenge I'll be reading The Heart Goes Last
..."

Is this really good, Jean? I'm thinking of picking it up soon :)

- What are you reading this week?
A Disastrous History Of The World
This really isn't a category that I like so I have taken artistic licence and am reading a non-fiction book about the worlds worst natural disasters, diseases, wars, regimes and accidents.

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Well it would depend on what in particular was happening, I live in an isolated area and can be pretty self sufficient.

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Absolutely I do. Some people, including those in charge, really do live in their own little world and don't care about the consequences for anybody else.

- What are you reading this week? Unwind

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not? It would depend on the type of dystopian world. I would like to say sure I can, but the one in Unwind- I would never agree with the Bill of Life. It makes me sick just thinking about kids being unwound.

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not? Yes I can see it being a possibility, especially with nuclear weapons, advances in technology, etc. Only time will tell.

What are you reading this week?

Anthem
Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
I think it depends what sort of dystopian world. If it's one where you would have to fight to live, absolutely not.
Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Potentially, but I'd like to think there's enough smart people in the world for it not to happen.

I'm reading my second dystopia book: The Man in the High Castle. I love alternate histories, but I surprisingly haven't read much of them. Any recommendation is welcome!

What are you reading this week?
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Not really. I'm not sure I would have the stamina or the savvy.
Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
I would like to think that it does not, but yes, I believe there will be, unless the weaponry has become so sophisticated that the world truly does end. Morbid I know.

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I am reading The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey.

If I was with some survivalist types, then I would do ok in a dystopian world. On my own, I wouldn't last long!

Sure, I think a dystopian world is a realistic possibility. I hope it's not.

- What are you reading this week?
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
I guess it really depends what the dystopian world is like. I think I'd have as good of a chance as the next person.

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
I do, though I'm hoping it doesn't happen in my lifetime.

Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?
Robinson Crusoe 2244

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Probably not. I am a wimp and would probably die of an infection the first time I got a papercut. :-/

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?

Absolutely. With nuclear missiles a reality, and terrorist attacks on technology threatening our power grid and our communication systems, I think it's just a matter of time.

- What are you reading this week?
The Ask and the Answer - Patrick Ness
- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Probably not this one in particular at least... not many people seem to be able to survive in this one. And it appears perhaps especially not females.
- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
I'd hope not? But who knows, humans can be terrible creatures. It's certainly possible.

What are you reading this week?
I'm reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I started it for BOTM and then remembered I had it down for this week.
Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
I'd like to think so. I think I'm quite resourceful and adaptable. I loved the Tomorrow, When the War Began series as a teenager, and always used to plan how I would "go bush" if Australia got invaded. I also love The Walking Dead tv series, and have had daydreams about what I would do in a zombie apocalypse :)
Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Hopefully not zombies! But yes, I think it's inevitable, but I doubt it will happen in my lifetime.

- What are you reading this week?

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

- Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?

Depends on the world:

1984 - Yes: I'd be a prole and nobody messed with the proles.
Handmaid's Tale - No chance, I'd be up on the wall within a fortnight.
The Stand - Probably, I don't get sick much. I know the odds wouldn't be in my favor.
Mad Max - Yes, I'm pretty good on a motorcycle.
Any Zombie Apocalypse Tough one. I'm not in the best shape, but I don't mess around when things look bad I just start running.

- Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?

Yes. I would hope not but human history has certainly had its ups and downs and there are certainly places on Earth right now that are living in a dystopia.

What are you reading this week?
The Children of Men

Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
The dystopian world in this book is very similar to our own. Humans have stopped having children, otherwise it is exactly like our own world.

Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Some people wish to limit the amount of children that are born into our world. Others do not wish to have children. Some of those who do not wish to have children express anger about "privileges" that others get who have children.
It is interesting to see explore the "what if" scenario of a lack of children or ability to procreate. It could happen for various reasons. Animals are going extinct everyday, why not humans.

What are you reading this week?
Battle Royale

Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
I'd like to think so. I'm pretty resourceful and independent, but who knows.

Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Without a doubt! Is it weird that I'm kind of rooting for it?

I read Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

It would depend on the dystopian world. I hope I would.

Yes it is, now we just wait to see how it will be

What are you reading this week?
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman

Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Probably not (depending on the dystopia). The Delirium world sounds like it would be fairly easy to survive. I would also have to learn to reign in my opinions.

Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Are you kidding? Trump may become President. The party that doesn't believe in science, thinks their personal religious beliefs come before all (especially women & non-whites), and worship at the almighty dollar might come into power. We are getting closer and closer to the world of The Handmaid's Tale and Oryx and Crake

-What are you reading this week?
I'm reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.

-Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
I'd survive, I'm good at adapting-but I wouldn't like it!

-Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
I don't think it's a realistic possibility.

What are you reading this week?
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
Survive maybe, but not thrive!

Do you think a dystopian world seems like a realistic possibility for the future or not?
Yes, I think the best dystopian novels are very much routed in current social realities. And this was a great novel

Anna wrote: "-What are you reading this week?
I'm reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.

-Do you think you'd survive in a dystopian world? Why or why not?
I'd survive, I'm good at adaptin..."

You're reading A Handmaid's Tale and don't think it's realistic? Pay attention to some of the politicians these days.

Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "You're reading A Handmaid's Tale and don't think it's realistic? Pay attention to some of the politicians these days. "

I hesitated to say exactly the same thing ;)

Maybe a small reminder that not everyone here lives in the US or cares about politics in other countries than their own (or care about politics in fact, as politics don't care about people, maybe both sides should ignore each other?). Anyway, don't jump on people, the questions are for fun ;)

At the moment, I don't think that a dystopia of this sort is a realistic possibility in the western world. At the same time I am aware that in other parts of the world it is not only a possibility, it is a fact.

Thank you Zaz for saying what I was going to say to Kirsten: don't jump on people! And thanks Sophie for hesitating... If you want to know the reasons behind someone's opinion, you can always ask. Otherwise the way you comment reflects back on you.

Kirsten, maybe you should think a little before you attack people. As Zaz says, we are from all over the globe. I come from Hungary, where there was a totalitarian rule until 1990, although it was quite "soft" at the end. But for instance we had "Eyes" in every workplace, ready to report on us.
So, I probably know more about dystopias than you ever will - I lived in one.

Anna, I visited Budapest for my birthday this year, and although it was a quick visit (just a fun girls trip), I loved it and can't wait to go back. The people there were the most wonderful that I've encountered so far in Europe.

Anna wrote: "At the moment, I don't think that a dystopia of this sort is a realistic possibility in the western world. At the same time I am aware that in other parts of the world it is not only a possibility,..."

I didn't think that I attacked anyone. I agree that you know more about dystopias. But that doesn't mean that I take back what I said. The question was about whether or not a dystopia was possible.

Judging by some of the people in politics in the US, I find it not only possible, but probable. Especially in consideration of A Handmaid's Tale.

Once again, I didn't mean to attack. I am sorry if you felt it was such.

Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "Anna wrote: "At the moment, I don't think that a dystopia of this sort is a realistic possibility in the western world. At the same time I am aware that in other parts of the world it is not only a..."

No offence intended, none taken.

Jody wrote: "Anna, I visited Budapest for my birthday this year, and although it was a quick visit (just a fun girls trip), I loved it and can't wait to go back. The people there were the most wonderful that I'..."

Jody, Budapest is beautiful, and if you come again, let me know!

I wasn't sure what the author feels about the social roles of women in the time before. I sensed some nostalgia, or sentimentality, for the old times, and yet those times were not ideal either. I'd like to see Atwood write a Utopian novel showing how things should be between men and women.