So, yes, it may have elements of horror and sci-fi and would of course be included under speculative fiction, but deserves its own folder. I've been reading a lot of books that fall into this subgenre lately, THE ROAD, THE STAND, GOOD OMENS...I even have a book called 2012 on my shelf...hope that's not a sign! Haha

Question - I see Apocalyptic & Dystopian lumped together quite often. What's the difference between them?

I think of apocalyptic fiction as dealing with the end of society/the world as we know it and dystopian fiction dealing with people in a society or world that is full of struggle and often horrific situations. I think books with an apocalypse, a post-apocalyptic time, and then people dealing with a new dystopia all together are extremely interesting. The Road to me is a combination of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction, as the actual apocalypse is barely mentioned.

I look at Dystopian fiction as dealing with social structures and societies that cause, through some type of apocalyptic event or radical change, the world to function completely differently. Like moral tales of what can happen when people choose to live one way or another...like BRAVE NEW WORLD. But I'm no expert and I don't know if there always has to be a relationship present between the dystopic society and a cataclysmic event, like THE HANDMAID'S TALE or CHILDREN OF MEN. I read those and don't remember there being a specific end-of-the-world type event happening, more like a general downhill slide, or loss of normal functionings. I guess I'd say dystopian fiction can use apocalyptic events to explain how it came to be but they can be separate. I agree with Kat that THE ROAD was post, but there wasn't too much of a "society" to describe anymore. As for apocalyptic stuff, I want to read CLOUD ATLAS and THE BOOK OF DAVE...

Dystopian fiction involves people wanting to escape their current conditions, so even though The Road did not have a societal structure, there was definitely an escape and wish for something better and safer.

And I agree Michelle, dystopias can be created from any number of events, either slow changes in societal laws or sudden disasters. I think apocalypse refers more to sudden changes. Dystopia's can be created when an attempt to create a utopian society fails.

my favorite apocalyptic novel is the slynxx, by tatiana tolstaya.

it's sort of like dostoevsky meets mad max....i love her work, and this novel is my favorite of her books (she has a few collections of stories in print). it has a real folksy element to it, and doesn't have the disarmingly bleak feeling that comes with so much of this kind of novel. there is real terror and bleakness, but somehow that russian exhuberance keeps things afloat and the narrative doesn't get mired down as a result.

Phillip wrote: "it's sort of like dostoevsky meets mad max...."

Now that sounds like a great recommendation!

MAD MAX is one of my favorite movies...I'll be checking that book out. Thanks!

Anyone read Swan Song? Just finished, sleeping on it before I write a review which is probably good because I think I could write a very long review about this book and even though I rated it 4 stars, most of what I would say right now is not very positive. :)

wow, i'm intrigued....looking forward to that review.

Me too, as I'm planning on reading it soon. Maybe not???

I read Swan Song years ago, when it first came out. I remember it being a enjoyable rip off of The Stand but nothing outstanding. Early McCammon often reads like re-makes of King novels. Fortunately he is a good enough wordsmith to get away with it. If you want really good McCammon, I recommend The Wolf's Hour. I'm going to read Stinger soon which has come to me with good recs. Am certainly looking forward to your critique of Swan Song

Ha, sorry, I removed the other McCammon books from my to-read shelf. I have enough books to read for years and I think I would only pick up another of his if I had nothing else on hand to read.

I've been trying to track down an ebook version of The Year of the Flood A Novel but it's not happening. Since the book is currently only available in hardback, the ebook is nearly as expensive. I was hoping for some type of discount. Anyway, the book was only released today but if anyone reads it, I would love to hear an opinion. :)

Of course, our library doesn't have it on their new book order list. BOO to them!!! I am hoping Smiley will get it...I made a vow to myself not to buy anymore books until I finish some of what I already have!!!

Try Waterstones or Play.com

I'm going to get it from my library as an ebook actually. I'm 7th on the waiting list. I didn't even realize my library offered ebook & audiobook downloads until today. You might want to check and see if your library offeres the same sort of thing.

Em wrote: "Try Waterstones or Play.com
"

Thanks Em. I particularly like play.com and their audiobook for The Year of the Flood is not a bad deal (if I did the conversion correctly!) so I'll keep it in mind. :)

Shanon wrote: "I'm going to get it from my library as an ebook actually. I'm 7th on the waiting list. I didn't even realize my library offered ebook & audiobook downloads until today. You might want to check a..."

I've never heard of that Shanon, that's awesome! I'll have to ask but I doubt my library has downloads. I'm currently very peeved at my library. They keep ordering me incorrect books and act like it's my fault.

Yeah, our library doesn't have downloads. I'm lucky they have books on CD! :) Life in a small town...

Remember that Blythe is where I was able to check out Oryx and Crake? And it was new at the time so your library could be worse. It could be mine. :)

Hahaha...at least now I have Smiley AND Palo Verde and I get things from the college library too. They have lots of classics and a decent reference section.

That's awesome. I'm just grateful that there is such a thing as public domain.

Kathryn wrote: "I think of apocalyptic fiction as dealing with the end of society/the world as we know it and dystopian fiction dealing with people in a society or world that is full of struggle and often horrific..." I'm reading The Road at the moment & theres plenty of hinters at what happened.

I have The Year of the Flood in my TBR pile--can't wait! Oryx and Crake(same author) is one of my favorite apocalyptic/ dystopian novels. I also love The Stand, of course.

Generally I am not drawn to this particular theme, but if a review sounds interesting enough, or I am already familiar with the author's previous works, I'll give it a go. So keep the recommendations coming!

I need a good comedy, but I've also been on a post-apoc kick recently. Any ideas of a good book that combines the two?

Aaron wrote: "I need a good comedy, but I've also been on a post-apoc kick recently. Any ideas of a good book that combines the two?" Sounds great- I've not come across any books like that- I'll keep my eye out!

Well Aaron, I can't believe it but I have the perfect book for you, if you haven't already read it. Try Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. It's apocalyptic and hilarious and one of my favorite books ever.

cat's cradle is a treat! that's an essential classic that is beyond genre.

I keep saying I'm going to read some Vonnegut for you, Kathryn. I really want to, because I know how much you love him. And there's a special tie with him and my father-in-law, so his name always reminds me of him and I miss him. I am a stubborn jerk who is putting off reading some things that won't fit into the challenge this go-around, because I want my reading to count! Hehehe.