Grim Outlooks Reading List
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Grim Outlooks Reading List

A reading list of post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature.

67
Grim Outlooks Reading List
Personal Photo

This summer, I am taking an intercession over post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature. In this class we will explore themes of the "end-of-times" in literature across mediums and throughout time. In this class we are working from a reading list structured by the professor.

1. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The first book on the reading list is one of critical acclaim. Coming from 1986, this novel is set in a dystopian future in the totalitarian country of Gilead, which formed after the second American Civil War. It follows a woman who is enslaved to produce children for a commander and her fight to survive the oppressive world she lives in.

2. Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel

I am no stranger to this National Book Award Finalist. Coming from 2014, this novel takes place in a post-pandemic America long after the collapse of society as we know it. It follows a travelling performance group trying to preserve pre-pandemic art and their battle against a dangerous prophet from a new religion.

3. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

This novella from 2015 is a slight outlier on this list. It follows Binti, who is the first of her people to attend a prestigious university and tracks her struggles to maintain her traditional culture in a place that doesn't want it. The story is still set in a dystopian society, but also veers into the territory of sci-fi as Binti gets involved in a war against an alien species.

4. Our Lady of the Ruins by Traci Brimhall

I'm no stranger to apocalypse themed poetry, but this book of poetry from 2012 is a very interesting example. This winner of the Barnard Women Poets Prize follows a group of women exploring a mid-apocalyptic world. Written in a mythological style, the poems in this book explore war, plague, famine, and religion.

5. Field Guide to the End of the World by Jeannine Hall Gailey

As the final book of this list, this 2016 book of poetry is an interesting one for sure. This book details various ways of life after the apocalypse. This book is not as connected as the previous book on this list, but maintains a perfect sense of dark comedy in troubling times.

It is interesting to see how our concept of the apocalypse and of a dystopian future have changed over time. This class is not in response to COVID-19, but has put this ever-changing idea of dystopia into a whole new perspective.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70736
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132354
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments