Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

This is the book that really launched me on the journey to discover dystopian fiction. I am currently reading "Fahrenheit 451" and "Brave New World" and will post reviews of those after they are completed.
As for Oryx and Crake (the title refers to two characters in the book), it was one of the most engaging books I have read in a long time. Told from the perspective of a survivor - Snowman - who has lived through a period of great change. It seems he is alone except for wild (and genetically altered) animals and a new breed of human. Perfect humans. We are then transported back in time to see how this new world was created.
The characters are richly described and emotionally engaging. The storyline runs like a great thriller - urging you to continue the story. Hints and clues are given throughout, teasing the reader with intelligence.
The themes concern genetic engineering and it's consquences, class structure and the lasting implications of equality and questions of social morality.
Recommended.

Inspiration...

I wanted to begin this blog to share my interest in dystopian fiction, both in novel form and film. To anyone who doesn't know what it means, here is a good definition:

"A dystopia (alternatively, cacotopia, kakotopia or anti-utopia) is the antithesis of a utopian society. Dystopian societies are usually characterized by extreme governmental tyranny and an exploitation of the people." (Wikipedia.org)

Some examples of dystopian fiction include:

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami