Thirty-eight top dystopian novels

At O: The Oprah Magazine, Carolyn Quimby tagged the 38 best dystopian novels everyone should read. One title on the list:

The Giver by Lois Lowry

In a world seemingly devoid of societal ills, twelve-year-old Jonas is chosen to hold his community’s memories. Yet, while learning about their collective past, he realizes their utopia may not be as perfect as it seems. The award-winning, young adult classic is widely taught and banned for similar reasons: introducing younger readers to mature themes like suicide, sexual awakenings, and loss of innocence.

Read about another entry on the list.

The Giver made W.L. Goodwater's top five list of books with manipulated memories, the Tor Teen blog's list of eleven top YA dystopian novels, Jeff Somers's top five list of science fiction novels that really should be considered literary classics, Jen Harper's top ten list of kids' books from the ’90s that have proven to be utterly timeless, John Corey Whaley's top ten list of coming of age books for teens, Shaun Byron Fitzpatrick's list of thirteen top, occasionally-banned YA novels, Guy Lodge's list of ten of the best dystopias in fiction, film, art, and television, Joel Cunningham's list of six great young adult book series for fans of The Hunger Games, and Lauren Davis's top ten list of science fiction’s most depressing futuristic retirement scenarios.

Coffee with a Canine: Lois Lowry & Alfie.

--Marshal Zeringue