I have a list of YA dystopias broken down chronologically over the last fifty years here, FYI. I only put books that were marketed specifically as YA, so works such as The Time Machine (a favorite of mine!) aren’t on it, but it does include some not listed here.

I agree with the I Am Legend, Life As We Knew It, Forrest, Hunger Games, all so incredible. Love the genre! Does that make us nerds?

BTW-in case anyone likes old movies (1957), On The Beach was made into a movie and has some pretty big stars in it (Gregory Peck & Ava Gardner). It is an excellent take on the book.

Hmm, I think a Guest Dare might be in order – you should give apocalypse fiction another try. Whaddya say?

Me?? What a big mouth I have!

It’s an intriguing idea. I’ve written exactly one book review in my life, though, not counting book reports in school way back when.

I have been eyeing Obernewtyn and even the dead and the gone. And how bad can the Andre Norton be?

Dan – Aww, I’m blushing! Thanks! I’ve got a thing for dystopian and (post)apocalyptic fiction. Speaking of college, I actually got to take a class on utopias/dystopias in history and literature. It was pretty cool, except that my professor and I had some disagreements about what constituted a utopia and a dystopia. Heh.

Christine – Oh, do give Genesis a read. It’s really eerie and thought provoking. I hope you and Maria get a chance to read (and possibly review?) some of these!!

Debbie – You’re gonna love Life As We Knew It. I know I gush about this book all the time, but it is FANTASTIC. Can’t wait to see your thoughts on it when you get a chance!

Karen – D’oh! Atwood! How could I forget?? I guess technically her work falls under “adult” but it should be all ages, really. Hmm, I think I’ll have to make an adult fiction counterpart to this list soon!!

Rob – My pleasure, I’m always happy to spread the love for dreary apocalypse and dystopian books! I hope you enjoy some of these titles!

Sean – I can totally relate. I think I read it first in…seventh grade? It was after On the Beach and I wanted more nuclear apocalypse fodder…yeah, creepy. But in a good way. It’s definitely darker and heavy, and stuck with me for all these years.

Claire – Look at it sparkle, all shiny-like

Amy W – Oh wow, thank you for the rec!! I haven’t even heard of these books before! Awesome. Into the amazon cart they go!!! (And sorry Z for Zachariah didn’t work for you!)

MaryK – Yup, Ann has the family dog, Faro. And then John comes to the valley and…well…yeah, everything goes to hell.

Hmm, I think a Guest Dare might be in order – you should give apocalypse fiction another try. Whaddya say?