Reading is a great escape, but some novels provide cautionary tales or satirical perspectives of complex issues. The books in this list address a range of issues that we as a world are facing at this time. They include:
* the threat of autocracy and dictatorship (thus the importance of democracy)
* the growing social and political divide in nations such as the US and the UK
* continuing racism, sexism and homophobia and the resurgence of antisemitism
* over-correcting the above and 'woke' policies
* military conflicts and the threat posed by anti-democratic nations
* the role of social media in destroying the social fabric
* mental health issues stemming from this fast-paced world and technology
* the rapid developments in technology, including AI
* climate change and environmental crises
* the trauma of and ongoing threat of pandemics
The list, unfortunately, could go on. Let's hope that more people read these books to inform us of how to handle these troubled times.
