Hunger Games by Mike Mozart used under CC0
The City of Ember by Penguin Random House used under CC0
The Giver by Grace Bassler used under CC0
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The Hunger GamesBy Suzanne CollinsAt the beginning of this novel, Suzanne Collins describes the utopia in which the main characters, Katniss and Peeta, live. However, the reader quickly discovers that nothing about their world is perfect - far from it actually. The residents of the Capitol viewed their society as a perfect utopia; however, the members of the Districts felt much differently. This book demonstrated the difference in perspective as a major detail in forming a truly perfect utopia. This concept is expanded upon further in this article. In addition to becoming a New York Times bestseller, this novel was also adapted to a major motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.
The City of EmberBy Jeanne DuPrauJeanne DuPrau's highly acclaimed novel The City of Ember takes place in an underground shelter that was meant to be a last refuge for the human race. After two centuries of seemingly perfect utopian life, the lights begin to flicker. Main characters Linda and Doon set out to save their underground home when they find fragments of paper that seem to include directions out of the city. Torn between whether to stick with what is familiar or attempt to travel beyond their current "utopia," Linda and Doon are at a crossroads experienced by many while searching for perfection. True utopian life seems unlikely to occur because of human nature's drive to always search for something better. Further explanation as to why utopias have failed both in literature and reality can be found in this article.
The GiverBy Lois LowryThis novel, written by Lois Lowry, is a longtime favorite among young adult readers. At the beginning of the book, the community seems like a perfect place -- everyone has a home, job, and plenty of food. However, as the protagonist, Jonas, begins to learn the secrets of the place he calls home, the reader understands his discontentment with his society. When it comes to many of the controversial topics kept from the citizens, it seems that the well-known saying "ignorance is bliss" turns out to be quite true. This article goes more into depth about why this saying is especially relevant pertaining challenging social issues. This utopian story sparks the interest of young adults and encourages them to think deeper about moral and ethical issues.
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