Materials for ages 15 and up*
Futureland by Walter Mosley
This book takes the shape of several intertwined stories about the human race in the not-too-distant future. It examines possible directions that our technology and society could take. Each story offers another piece of the puzzle, giving readers a glimpse into another aspect of the society– from it’s legal system and prisons to implanted chips found in all working adults.
The Children of Men by P.D. James
It has been 18 years since any children have been born, and there is little hope of change. Theodore Faron, an Oxford historian, watches as society disintegrates before his eyes. He feels unable to stop the prison camps, thugs, and strange religions that have take control of many members of society. Soon, however, Faron is drawn into a group of revolutionaries, and is forced to take action. There is also a movie from 2007 that shares the same title, starring Clive Owen and Julianne Moore.
Pesthouse by Jim Crace
The United States has become barren, scarcely populated, and with little law and order. Franklin and Jackson Lopez are trekking to the ocean when Franklin is forced to stop due to injury. His brother continues into the nearby town in order to gain some assistance, and is made to stay the night due to the timing of his arrival. Meanwhile , Jackson uncovers a sick room on the mountainside with an ill woman, Margaret, inside. During the night, a strange event kills most of the residents of the town, and Margaret and Jackson are forced to continue their journey together. Many trials await them on their trek, and the outcome is unexpected.
I am Legend by Richard Matheson
Robert Neville is the only human last alive after vampires have either killed or changed the population of the world. Cooped up in his house every night, which he has changed into a fortress against the vampires, Robert’s only solace comes from books and music. During the day, Robert works to kill the vampires and secure his house even more. That is, until he encounters Ruth, who aids him in rekindling the purpose in his life. There are several film versions of this book; the early well-known version from 1964 is called The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price. A more recent version (2008) starring Will Smith shares the title of the book.
The Second Angel by Philip Kerr
One hundred years after man first walked on the moon, the Earth has been destroyed. Climate change, plagues, food shortages, and a new virus have nearly destroyed Earth’s population. The new virus has an antidote- a transfusion of clean blood. As a result of the virus’s far-reaching effects, blood becomes a currency of sorts. On the Moon, the ‘federal reserve’ of blood banks exists, with high-security systems in place. These systems are the result of one man’s efforts. It will be his efforts that also lead to their undoing.
The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist
Dorrit Weger has become a resident in the Second Reserve Bank Unit for biological material, a place for women 50+ and men 60+ to live out their years. In the Unit, Dorrit enjoys a posh lifestyle, with plenty of food, a furnished apartment, and plenty of social activities. In exchange, she is expected to submit to drug testing, and organ donation until she is unable to donate anymore. An unexpected event, however, makes Dorrit feel that there may be something more to life- something worth fighting and escaping for.
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
In the future, the world is a very different place. Genetic engineering has been taken to ridiculous and often frightening extremes. The environment has become toxic, and the Corporation is firmly in control of the government. Told in flashback episodes from the perspective of Jimmy, aka Snowman, the story unfolds of how germ warfare, genetic engineering, and global warming contributed to the destruction of the human race as it was known. This book is the prequel to Atwood’s newest novel, The Year of the Flood.
Anthem by Ayn Rand
In this world, the individual has lost all sense of self, and people have become faceless masses. One man, however, dares to be different- to stand alone when he is expected to be part of the larger group- to seek the knowledge that has been lost to the Dark Ages of the future, and to love the woman he desires. For these ‘crimes’ , Equality 7-2521 (as he is known) is sought out for punishment. What will become of him is uncertain.
V for Vendetta
This item exists as both a graphic novel and a movie from 2006, starring Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving. In the England of the future, governmental control is total. The Supreme High Chancellor is able to order the killings of countless people in order to remain in power. That is, until the appearance of the mysterious ‘V’. ‘V’ awakens the population of England into action against the dictatorial government through a series of carefully planned events, which culminate in an extraordinary reminder of Guy Fawkes’ Day.
*These recommendations are given based on themes, vocabulary, and overall tone of the materials presented. However, these ages are simply recommendations, and users must use their discretion in deciding whether materials are age-appropriate or not.