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.