Apocalypsies are fun. Apocalypses are not. Post-apocalypses make for really good science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, urban fantasy - whatever you call your favorite flavor. It truly makes for some delicious reading in the safe environment of our own home. It is also very good research material. How else would we ever survive the apocalypse? Or a major plague? Or prepare to experience life with no tomatoes*? The thought of all of those scenarios makes me shudder.
In all seriousness, I think the post-apocalyptic subgenre of whatever you decide to put it under is making a comeback - or reemergence in popular fiction, whatever - is partially because of the economy right now. Things are sucky in a lot of the world, and people like to visit a world that is a lot worse in literature. I think the finest, by far, example of a post-apocalypse that I have read would have to be The Stand by Stephen King. It is such a long, long book, but it is absolutely brilliant. It has a lot of characters, a lot of story, and will blow your mind. It chronicles the "event" from the outbreak of the supervirus, through the struggle through the power vacuum, and to the rebuilding of their lives. If you haven't read it, I suggest you do it. Now, if you can.
I know that Stephen King is not for everyone, so here are a few more of my favorite post-apocalyptic reads:
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Ariel by Steven Boyett
The Hollows series by Kim Harrison
Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
Starters by Lissa Price
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Pure by Julianna Baggott
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
*Sorry paranormal folk, I'd have to move in with you guys.
I haven't read all of these you listed, but I LOVE The Stand. It's amazing. And The Hunger Games. Post-apocalyptic novels are some of the best.
ReplyDeleteI just finished The Hunger Games not to long ago..;) I still cannot believe that I have not read The Stand, yest. I hoping that time will come.
ReplyDeleteI like your book list, most of them are on my TBR pile. I do agree I think this genre is making a come back with the state the economy is currently in.
I love Post-Apocalyptic fiction. I know some people think it's a downer to read but I find it interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent post-apocalyptic fiction list. Some I've read, other I haven't. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteChica, we both have Post-Apocalyptic as our topics today! How awesome is that?!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to re-read The Stand one day. And Swan Song - you should try that one if you've haven't already!
Yes, I agree; there are so many post-apocalyptic books out these days. I would even say that the premise is on the edge of being overused.
ReplyDeleteI'm stopping by today for the A to Z Challenge. I really like your blog. :)