by George Orwell

YA Science Fiction, 1945 by Secker and Warburg, 141 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

Heavy handed lessons. On reread as an adult, this one seems almost like it’s trying to hit you over the head with the life lessons so you are sure not to miss them.
You don’t connect with any of the characters. Of course, you’re not supposed to. They’re literary devices for the lesson of the story, but not connecting to characters makes a story feel drying and harder to enjoy.
Depressing and dark. Dystopian stories are naturally like this, but they often involve a character with hope shining a light. This one is the light being snuffed out. It is a dystopian beginning. It is hope lost. You feel that in the mood when you read it.

The length is perfect. Sometimes when you read a short story you leave it wanting more. This is not that kind of story. It ends and you’re left thinking only that the ending was perfect for the lesson it is teaching.
Opens the floor for discussions about leadership, balance, and equality. They’re important conversations and if this book can facilitate those it will remain a classic. Honestly, how is this still relevant to mistakes we’re making?
There are no main characters or shining stars. This can also be a negative, because you don’t connect with any of them. But, as a positive, it makes the lesson the main character. You know exactly what you’re supposed to get from this book.

Look, it’s 100 pages and it’s a classic, you know you’re curious. If you haven’t read it yet, jump in.
Dystopian fans, give this one a go.

It’s quick and depressing but ultimately unforgettable and that counts for something.