Dystopian Novels

Novels that fall into this category seem to be very popular, especially with young people. Why is that? These books have protagonists who are trying to survive in very difficult environments--worlds overtaken by marauding zombies (many books, too numerous to mention) or vampires, worlds nearly destroyed by asteroids, nuclear explosions, or environmental disasters (The Road), or communities of the future with dictatorial governments where small groups decide to fight back or take back the light (City of Embers). So many writers have delved into these waters; so many readers love these kinds of books. And older people--parents especially--worry that their children are teetering at the edge of despair. But I see the explosion of this market as a very positive sign. By reading the great novels in this genre, readers learn about how the main characters strive to stay alive and to solve problems. Main characters usually, and ultimately, make decisions that set them on the better path. And they often learn to lead others in the right direction. Young readers aren't just seeking out negative stories to fuel their despair when they flock to the latest novel about characters caught up in the aftermath of armageddon. They are, I believe, also looking for solutions to problems--although they might not readily admit that. In the best of these novels, there are resolutions that teach lesson, endings that might even contain some glimmers of hope for a better world. As teenagers venture out into a world that they didn't create, but one that presents them with problems that they will be asked to help solve, the books on their reading list will serve as possible resources for how to act.

The Agony and the Continued Agony

In a world of nations and people that seem to make due with little or who rise up to fight against heavily armed governments even when they know that such protests will end badly, it comes off as arrogant and selfish when people like myself complain about the food order at a restaurant or being putting on hold by my cable company. A little perspective is in order. I offer no advice to anyone out there about how to make life more livable because I haven't figured it out. I know a number of people who have great struggles to overcome and yet they have little to complain about. Whether it's the hand of God working in their lives or an innate sense that each moment of their each and every day is precious, they don't complain. They can't complain. Therefore: I sound shrill and small and pointless when I do it.