Brave New World

Many of you have read this (hopefully), but I will still review it. Aldous Huxley has masterfully crafted a world where efficiency and pleasure are of the utmost importance. This books ironic tone is difficult to catch, but its clear this is no utopia he describes. Between the comical obsession with flight time arrivals, orgy porgy, and the ridiculousness of his characters, i found myself trying not to laugh in silent reading. The word "mother" is considered pornographic, as test tube babies are much more efficient and a mother has not been seen in quiet some time. The people worship Henry Ford, the creator of the factory line. The game of obstacle golf is insanely complicated so corporations can make more money off the various parts required. Society follows a caste system, where people are artificially made dumber to enjoy their jobs more and ensure social stability. This is no brave new world, but it is a plausible one.
Huxley means this book as a warning. As far fetched as this book sounds, we are not far off. The most chilling part of the novel is it feels only a decade or two away. His vision shows what can happen when people become obsessed with pleasure and profit. Why should we feel anger or sorrow when we can take a soma holiday or go to an orgy and enjoy life? This is very reminiscent of people getting drunk on weekends or smoking marijuana. Why shouldn't corporations produce games that would yield more profit to them? All of his chilling tale is very logical, and very possible.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who does not mind the drug use or sexual themes. In my opinion, this book should be mandatory reading for anyone in high school. It is a rude awakening of what happens when we let happiness overcome us. Though Huxley himself calls his book flawed, I feel it is a masterpiece. Though it may be no horror novel, it is just as terrifying. Read this book, awaken your mind, and realize how similar our lives are to it. 10/10

-Kory Khojasteh Per. 5