Imagine, if you can, a world where to visit the ocean you have to wear a space suit to protect you from the poisoned air and water, and where steaks are grown in sheets of filet mignon, because DNA research has allowed farmers to bypass that whole cow business. A world where there is no more “outside” and suburbs are stacked on top of each other, each with their own “sun” that they can turn on and off. In this world, Titus and his friends all have a “feed” or mini-computer in their heads that allows them to chat, watch television, and buy the latest jeans–constantly and simultaneously. In fact, they are so over stimulated that they don’t care that there are no more trees or grass or ozone layer. And why should they care about something they’ve never seen? Then Titus meets Violet, who sees things for how they really are–and they’re not pretty. Once Titus sees his world through Violet’s eyes, he can never go back to his carefree, careless existence. But is it possible to break free of the feed? And what kind of life awaits you if you do? If you read one book this semester, this summer, this year–READ THIS ONE. You will either, a) become deeply suspicious of advertising, b) turn off MTV–possibly for good. or c) buy a copy for all your friends because it is both the best, and most disturbing book you’ve ever read.
I LOVED this book. The end nearly moved me to tears. After reading this, I am now deathly afraid for humanity. If you like this type of thing, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is also a good choice.