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20 best books on society falling apart – 2023 reading list & recommendations

November 16, 2023 by Joahn

Are you ready to explore the dark and captivating realm of society falling apart? From dystopian nightmares to post-apocalyptic adventures, these 20 books will take you on a thrilling journey through crumbling civilizations, societal breakdowns, and the struggle for survival. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, horror, or thought-provoking literary fiction, these books on society falling apart will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you question the fragility of our own world. Get ready to dive into these compelling narratives that explore the depths of human nature and the consequences of societal collapse.


Contents

  • 1 The Road
  • 2 Station Eleven
  • 3 The Handmaid’s Tale
  • 4 World War Z
  • 5 The Stand
  • 6 Parable of the Sower
  • 7 The Hunger Games
  • 8 The Maze Runner
  • 9 The Giver
  • 10 The Fifth Sacred Thing
  • 11 The Power
  • 12 The Children of Men
  • 13 The Girl with All the Gifts
  • 14 The Age of Miracles
  • 15 The Dog Stars
  • 16 The Water Knife
  • 17 The City of Ember
  • 18 The Passage
  • 19 The Drowned World
  • 20 The Postman
  • 21 Conclusion

best books about society falling apart The Road

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The Road

by Cormac McCarthy

The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a riveting and harrowing masterpiece that delves into the depths of a dystopian world where civilization has crumbled and society is on the brink of collapse. Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, this hauntingly beautiful novel takes readers on a journey of survival, love, and the strength of the human spirit.

best books about society falling apart Station Eleven

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Station Eleven

by Emily St. John Mandel

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world where society has crumbled and fallen into chaos. This mesmerizing book explores the aftermath of a devastating pandemic, diving deep into the lives of a group of interconnected characters as they navigate a world stripped of its former glory.

best books about society falling apart The Handmaid's Tale

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The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a gripping and thought-provoking book on society unraveling. Set in the dystopian Republic of Gilead, this masterpiece of speculative fiction explores a future where women’s rights and freedoms have been stripped away.

best books about society falling apart World War Z

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World War Z

by Max Brooks

World War Z by Max Brooks is an enthralling book that delves into the cataclysmic collapse of civilization. This gripping tale transports readers into a world where society crumbles, and chaos reigns supreme. Through a series of interviews and personal accounts, Brooks paints a vivid picture of a world torn apart by a global zombie pandemic.

best books about society falling apart The Stand

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The Stand

by Stephen King

The Stand by Stephen King is an epic tale of a world plunged into chaos and disarray, a gripping masterpiece depicting the downfall of civilization. In this enthralling novel of societal collapse, King delivers a chilling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the darkest corners of humanity.

best books about society falling apart Parable of the Sower

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Parable of the Sower

by Octavia E. Butler

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores a dystopian future where society is crumbling and on the brink of collapse.

This riveting book delves into a world where chaos and disorder reign, presenting a striking portrayal of a society in disarray. As you delve into its pages, you will witness a world torn apart by violence, inequality, and environmental devastation, making it a profound reflection on the fragility of civilization.

Butler’s masterful storytelling transports readers into an eerie and unsettling landscape, where survival becomes the ultimate goal for the protagonist and those around her. Through her vivid descriptions and powerful prose, she skillfully captures the desperation and resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Parable of the Sower is not merely a society falling apart book, but a profound exploration of human nature, faith, and the search for meaning in a world on the brink of collapse. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to confront the consequences of our actions and the importance of empathy and unity in the face of adversity.

Prepare to be captivated by Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, a book that will leave you pondering the fragile nature of society and the power of hope even in the darkest of times.

best books about society falling apart The Hunger Games

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The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games, a gripping dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins, takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Set in a society where chaos and disintegration reign, this book unveils a future where civilization has crumbled, leaving only a fragmented shell of what once was. Dive into this enthralling tale and witness the unraveling of a world on the edge of oblivion.

best books about society falling apart The Maze Runner

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The Maze Runner

by James Dashner

Are you ready to embark on a heart-pounding journey into a world where society crumbles and chaos reigns? Look no further than The Maze Runner by James Dashner, a riveting book that takes you on a rollercoaster ride through a dystopian universe.

This captivating tale revolves around a group of young individuals who wake up with no memory of their past, trapped in the middle of a colossal maze. As they struggle to survive, they discover that this maze is not just a physical challenge but a metaphorical representation of a society falling apart.

With their lives hanging in the balance, these brave souls must navigate the treacherous paths of the maze, facing deadly creatures and puzzling obstacles along the way. As they unravel the secrets of their predicament, they realize that they are not alone in this crumbling society.

The Maze Runner is a thought-provoking book about a world on the brink of collapse, where the concept of order and civilization has been shattered. Dashner’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions plunge you into a world where every turn could be your last.

If you’re craving a thrilling adventure that explores the depths of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit, then The Maze Runner is the book for you. Get ready to be captivated by this society falling apart book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

best books about society falling apart The Giver

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The Giver

by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry is an enthralling book on society unraveling. Set in a seemingly idyllic community, where everything seems perfect on the surface, the story gradually uncovers the dark secrets that lie beneath. Jonas, our young protagonist, is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories, a position that grants him access to the hidden truths of his imploding society. As he delves deeper into his role, he unravels the true cost of conformity and realizes that in order to save his crumbling world, he must make a life-altering decision. Packed with suspense and thought-provoking themes, The Giver is an unforgettable journey through a world coming undone.

best books about society falling apart The Fifth Sacred Thing

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The Fifth Sacred Thing

by Starhawk

The Fifth Sacred Thing is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the depths of a world on the brink of collapse. Set in a future where society is crumbling, this mesmerizing book explores the repercussions of a society falling apart.

best books about society falling apart The Power

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The Power

by Naomi Alderman

The Power by Naomi Alderman is a captivating and thought-provoking book that explores what happens when the balance of power in society begins to crumble. Set in a world where women suddenly develop a supernatural ability to emit electric shocks, this electrifying novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through a society on the brink of chaos. As the previously oppressed gender becomes the dominant force, the once-established norms and power dynamics are turned upside down. With its gripping narrative and unflinching exploration of gender, power, and the consequences of societal upheaval, The Power is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the intricate complexities of a world in flux.

best books about society falling apart The Children of Men

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The Children of Men

by P.D. James

The Children of Men: A Gripping Tale of a Dystopian World

Step into a world where hope is a distant memory and society is on the brink of collapse. P.D. James’ The Children of Men takes readers on a riveting journey through a dystopian future, where the human race faces its darkest hour.

In this captivating novel, society is falling apart, crumbling under the weight of a devastating phenomenon. Human beings have become infertile, leaving the world without the possibility of new life. As the youngest generation grows older, despair and desperation seep into every corner of existence.

Amidst this bleak backdrop, we follow the story of Theo Faron, an unlikely hero who finds himself caught in a web of intrigue and danger. As a former historian, Theo possesses a unique perspective on the decay of society. When he becomes entangled in a plot to protect the only pregnant woman in the world, he embarks on a perilous journey to ensure the survival of humanity.

With her masterful storytelling, P.D. James paints a vivid picture of a world on the edge of extinction. As we delve into the intricacies of this dystopian society, we witness the harrowing consequences of a world devoid of hope and the lengths to which individuals will go to find redemption.

Through her exploration of themes such as power, morality, and the value of life, James forces readers to question their own beliefs and confront the fragility of our existence. The Children of Men serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of societal collapse and the importance of hope in the face of adversity.

Prepare to be captivated by this thought-provoking and haunting tale that will leave you pondering the fate of humanity long after you turn the final page.

best books about society falling apart The Girl with All the Gifts

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The Girl with All the Gifts

by M.R. Carey

The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey is an utterly gripping and thought-provoking book about a crumbling world. Set in a society on the brink of collapse, this thrilling novel explores the consequences of a world falling into disarray.

best books about society falling apart The Age of Miracles

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The Age of Miracles

by Karen Thompson Walker

The Age of Miracles is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the realm of a world in chaos, where everything we know is slowly unraveling. This mesmerizing book offers a unique perspective on the disintegration of civilization, presenting a society on the brink of collapse.

best books about society falling apart The Dog Stars

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The Dog Stars

by Peter Heller

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller is a gripping and thought-provoking book that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world on the brink of collapse. Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape where society is crumbling, this novel explores the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that hold us together in the face of adversity.

best books about society falling apart The Water Knife

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The Water Knife

by Paolo Bacigalupi

The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi is a riveting tale of a world on the brink of collapse, a stark reminder of the fragile nature of society when faced with the scarcity of water. Set in a future where the Southwestern United States has become a parched wasteland, the book paints a vivid and unsettling picture of a society falling into chaos.

best books about society falling apart The City of Ember

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The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember Overview

The City of Ember

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey into a world on the brink of collapse? Look no further than The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau!

This captivating book on society falling apart will transport you to a dystopian city where darkness is closing in, hope is fading away, and time is running out.

Set in a future world, The City of Ember tells the story of Lina and Doon, two young friends who discover a hidden message that holds the key to the city’s survival. As Ember’s resources dwindle and its infrastructure crumbles, Lina and Doon must unravel the mystery behind their dying society.

This book about society falling apart delves into themes of corruption, desperation, and the power of human resilience. It shines a light on the consequences of neglecting the environment, highlighting the importance of sustainability and responsible stewardship.

With its fast-paced plot and relatable characters, The City of Ember is a society falling apart book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. As Lina and Doon navigate through a maze of secrets and obstacles, you’ll find yourself rooting for their success and fearing the consequences of failure.

So, if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure that explores the fragility of society, grab a copy of The City of Ember and prepare to be captivated!

best books about society falling apart The Passage

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The Passage

by Justin Cronin

Discover a world on the brink of collapse in “The Passage” by Justin Cronin.

Prepare to delve into a captivating tale that immerses you in a reality where society is teetering on the edge of destruction, a world where chaos reigns and darkness looms. This mesmerizing novel is not just any ordinary book about society falling apart; it is a gripping masterpiece that will leave you breathless.

As you turn the pages, you will be transported to a future where a government experiment gone awry has unleashed a deadly virus upon humanity, creating a wasteland haunted by nightmarish creatures. These monstrous beings, known as virals, possess superhuman strength and an insatiable thirst for blood.

Amidst this desolate landscape, a small group of survivors fights for their very existence, struggling to maintain their humanity in the face of unimaginable horrors. Their journey is fraught with danger and despair, pushing them to the very limits of their physical and emotional endurance.

Cronin weaves a tapestry of richly drawn characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations. From a young girl with a mysterious past to a hardened FBI agent haunted by regret, these individuals come together in a desperate bid for survival, forging unlikely alliances and discovering the strength within themselves that they never knew existed.

With seamless prose and a masterful blend of suspense, horror, and heartfelt emotion, “The Passage” is not just a society falling apart book; it is an exploration of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul. It will challenge your beliefs, ignite your imagination, and leave an indelible mark upon your heart.

So, if you have an appetite for riveting storytelling and a desire to be transported to a world where society is on the brink, then “The Passage” is the book you’ve been waiting for. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into darkness and redemption.

best books about society falling apart The Drowned World

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The Drowned World

by J.G. Ballard

The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard:

Welcome to a world where society crumbles and humanity faces its darkest days. The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard is a mesmerizing book on the collapse of civilization, a tale that plunges readers into a post-apocalyptic realm where everything we once knew is immersed in chaos and decay.

In this masterful work of speculative fiction, Ballard paints a haunting picture of a future Earth where rising sea levels have transformed major cities into eerie, waterlogged wastelands. As the world’s climate continues to deteriorate, nature fights back with a vengeance, reclaiming its dominion over the remnants of civilization.

Amidst this disintegrating society, Ballard introduces us to Dr. Robert Kerans, a biologist who finds himself caught in the midst of a surreal and disorienting landscape. As he navigates the decaying metropolis of London, Kerans becomes entangled in a web of psychological and physical challenges, battling not only the external threats of the natural world but also the disintegration of his own mind.

What makes The Drowned World truly remarkable is Ballard’s ability to immerse readers in the visceral experience of a world falling apart. His vivid descriptions evoke a sense of desolation and impending doom, where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur. Through his prose, Ballard explores the depths of human resilience and the fragile nature of our social constructs, leaving readers questioning the very essence of what it means to be human.

So, if you are ready to embark on a journey into a world where society unravels and humanity faces its ultimate test, The Drowned World is the perfect choice. Brace yourself for a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of a society on the brink of extinction, where the forces of nature and the human psyche collide in a battle for survival.

best books about society falling apart The Postman

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The Postman

by David Brin

The Postman by David Brin is a riveting tale that plunges readers into a world where civilization has crumbled, leaving behind a society teetering on the brink of collapse. Set in a post-apocalyptic America, this gripping novel takes us on a journey through a dystopian landscape where hope is scarce and desperation runs rampant.

In this society falling apart book, we meet Gordon Krantz, a drifter seeking refuge in the remains of a once-thriving town. As he stumbles upon a long-lost bag of mail, an idea takes hold of him. Inspired by the power of communication and the memory of a forgotten era, Krantz takes on the role of the postman, bringing hope to the scattered survivors by delivering letters of love, longing, and loss.

As he travels from settlement to settlement, Krantz becomes a symbol of a better world, a beacon of hope in a world overrun by chaos. But his actions also catch the attention of a tyrannical warlord, threatening to extinguish the fragile hope he has ignited.

Brin’s book on society falling apart is a profound exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the power of connection. Through the eyes of Gordon Krantz, we witness the transformative effect of simple acts of kindness and the significance of preserving the remnants of a forgotten society.

The Postman is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, reminding us of the importance of hope and the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about society falling apart provide a thought-provoking and captivating exploration of the crumbling foundations of our social fabric. Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the various factors that can lead to societal collapse, whether it be political unrest, environmental disasters, or the erosion of moral values. From dystopian classics like George Orwell’s “1984” and Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” to contemporary works like Emily St. John Mandel’s “Station Eleven” and Colson Whitehead’s “Zone One,” these books offer a chilling glimpse into a world on the brink of chaos. So, pick up one of these novels and immerse yourself in a world where society teeters on the edge – you won’t be able to put them down.

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