Oryx and Crake

It’s rare for an assigned reading to be interesting, let alone a great read. Although Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake” is a depressing novel featuring a dystopian future, it is still one of the best books I have read so far this year.

Oryx and Crake opens with Snowman, who might be the last human on Earth. Throughout the novel Snowman struggles to survive in the post apocalyptic world, and he slowly reveals what his life was like when he was still Jimmy, before he was on his own.

The book is most likely the weirdest book I have ever read. Atwood creates a world full of hybrid animals and examples of humans’ creations. My favorite animal in the book is the rakunk, a mix of a raccoon and a skunk.

Oryx and Crake is an evocative view into a possible version of our future. Although it’s not strictly environmentally focused, it’s an interesting, thought provoking read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian futures, is looking for a new look at our world, or just loves reading.