Top 10 Dystopian Reading List to prep you for the Trumpocalypse
If you’re bracing for the Trumpocalypse (where democracy gets dunked in gold leaf and yells “You’re fired!” at the Constitution), here’s your Top 10 Dystopian Reading List we recommend before the world turns into a reality show rerun with nukes.
- 1. 1984 by George Orwell:
- So when the Ministry of Truth says 2+2=5, you’ll already be dead inside enough to nod along while the truth is being replaced by “alternative facts,” shouted louder.
- Take Away: Prepares you for when history is rewritten via ALL CAPS tweets.
- 2. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
- Because women’s rights may soon come with a punch card and expiry date. Suddenly, robes and forced birth legislation don’t seem so “fictional” anymore.
- Take Away: Great for planning future wardrobes: all red, all repressed.
- 3. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- So you’re not shocked when the Library of Congress is replaced with a casino and every book is a coloring book. Plus you’ll know what to do when books are banned and libraries are turned into golf resorts.
- Take Away: Get used to yelling, “I’ve read it—HONEST!” while being chased with a flamethrower.
- 4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Because televised death matches for the poor are just one tax cut away. Soon you’re just one viral TikTok away from state-run death Olympics with themed outfits.
- Take Away: Teaches you to survive on squirrel meat and PR spin.
- 5. It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
- Spoiler: it can happen here, and it’ll come wrapped in a flag and a bad toupee.
- Take Away: Prepares you for smiling politely while authoritarianism gets a standing ovation.
- 6. American War by Omar El Akkad
- For when climate change, civil war, and secession are trending harder than cat videos. The next civil war will be livestreamed—and you’ll want to understand the plot.
- Take Away: Helps you pick a side based on vibes and survival skills so you have a chance in a country where the government only exists on cable news.
- 7. Animal Farm by George Orwell
- Because once pigs wear suits and have Twitter accounts, it’s not even a metaphor anymore. “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” sounds like a Mar-a-Lago policy.
- Take Away: Once pigs walk on two legs, the party’s officially over. Squeal with glee as the revolution eats itself—again.
- 8. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- Be ready when Congress devolves into shirtless tribal warfare and smashes the conch; and prepare for when adult politics devolve into feral shrieking and stick-based leadership.
- Take Away: Learn how to spot the moment democracy goes full “savage with a stick.” and understand why Congress should never be left unsupervised.
- 9. The Running Man by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)
- Because once reality TV merges with the justice system, you’ll want tips on dodging drones. Also future elections may be decided by blood sport and game shows—and somehow that’s still less stressful.
- Take Away: Your cardio routine might actually save your life. Warning: actual hunger games may include product placement.
- 10. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
- Because when the government crumbles, the cops quit, and corporations own cities, you’ll want to be ahead of the curve. Climate disaster, gated communities, and gun cults make this book read like next Tuesday.
- Take Away: Learn how to start your own religion. You might need it. Plus it will teach you how to form a religion when things go full Mad Max.
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