The best dystopian books and how they help us better understand our own nature

I remember hearing everyone go on and on about how great the book was. I was skeptical. My wife and I were driving home after visiting family for the holidays and we had the audiobook. We listened to it all the way home, then went inside, laid in bed, and finished it. The next day I ordered books 2 and 3 and finished them both in less than a week. 

Hunger Games was such a unique idea and so skillfully done that it created this tension that hung over me the whole time I read it. I couldn’t put it down. One of the things that is just so great for me is the world-building. Hunger Games does it masterfully.

One of the things I love about dystopian stories is that they allow us to consider the human condition and our own nature without feeling attacked in the process. The concept of a society divided into five factions was intriguing. I am a non-conformist, which my wife calls my excuse to be obnoxious, which is completely fair. So having a character who was basically an unlikely hero because they didn’t fit into the factional boxes of a society was like the anthem of my heart. I think the world needs fewer boxes and more of an understanding that we are all wonderfully unique. Conforming into groups tends to corrupt the very nature of what makes us so special. 

Harry Dresden is one of my favorite literary characters. He’s a modern-day wizard living in Chicago helping the police solve paranormal cases. He has principles that often get him into trouble and is a bit old fashion in some regards. What makes these books great, is that they are not just well-written, but they have fun little details, like magic messing with technology. What really makes me love his character is the sassy playfulness he has. He can’t stop himself from making playful remarks to people who are threatening to harm him. I just relate to that. The more intense the situation the more my brain turns into a stand-up comedian. Also, a serious plus for this book is that the vampires don’t sparkle in sunlight. 

Red Rising hits some notes that I just love in stories. You have what seems like a typical dystopia but with a twist; this one is on Mars. The hero is a relatable, low-born guy in a caste society who believes he’s making a difference. When he discovers that he and people like him have been lied to by those born into wealth and power he sets out on a personal quest to bring them down. The themes here really spoke to me as they remind me that, while we want to believe everybody has the same opportunities in life, the truth is where we are born, our family, and so many other factors play a role in how our lives shape out. Despite all of that, there is this incredible power we have when we start believing in a cause that is greater than ourselves. 

In the future, this Republic rises to power. One main character is trained in the Republic’s military, excels, and is a believer in the Republic. Another, a rebel who is accused of killing her brother. You start with two characters who aren’t just oil and water, they are in opposition to each other. There’s deception, lies, and conflict that stems from it, all of which are overcome by virtue of communication. What I appreciated about this book is that it shows how meaningful it can be to spend time with and talk to people who don’t share your point of view. Sometimes, your point of view is wrong. You’d never know it unless you took the time to see the world from someone else’s. It’s a great story with some really great points and things to say.