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3.28 AVERAGE
3.28 AVERAGE
After watching the movie, I wanted to read the book to fill in some of the gaps. Unfortunately, the book has just as many gaps. Dangerous situations end suddenly, crisis is averted without satisfactory explanation, and deadly threats are easily avoided time after time. The plot of the book is almost entirely different from the movie (I have the movie version and the stills from the movie have next to no relation to the book!) and does have some interesting imagery. However, the varied lifestyles and societies that seem to populate the earth just don't make much sense. I don't regret reading it, but it didn't offer any clarity with the movie plot and wouldn't be worth rereading in my opinion.
I really enjoyed this book! :) I had a little bit of a hard time understanding some of the futuristic items in the book, but overall it was great. I love the idea of the life crystals and the reason the population had to "sleep" when they hit 21.
This was a 3.5 star book of classic SF.
I round up because of the Hell Yeah factor... it's Logan's Run!
I round up because of the Hell Yeah factor... it's Logan's Run!
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. It was such an interesting concept, and there were parts that got me engaged. But the whole middle section was really confusing and hard to follow. I think it was the lack of worldbuilding? I had no idea where I was until they finally explained the Little War at the end, and even then the concepts of the maze and the dead zones didn't really make sense to me. I would have loved to know more about the background stuff. I feel like that would have made Logan's plight that much more poignant.
Also, I know this is an old book, but I hated how the women were written. One who gets off on watching people get some crazy surgery, a group of conveniently horny girls who give Logan Viagra and have their way with him, and Jess, who falls in love with Logan for seemingly no real reason and also has to pose naked with him for some maniac. I'm willing to look past some things, but this was a lot.
Also, I know this is an old book, but I hated how the women were written. One who gets off on watching people get some crazy surgery, a group of conveniently horny girls who give Logan Viagra and have their way with him, and Jess, who falls in love with Logan for seemingly no real reason and also has to pose naked with him for some maniac. I'm willing to look past some things, but this was a lot.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Fascinating concept, I can't help but be disappointed by the execution.
I recently read that they might be remaking this movie. As a fan of the movie I thought this was a bad idea. But now, having read the book, a remake totally makes sense. Today's movie technology would really do the story more justice.
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Logan's Run by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson (1967)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
Introduction
In a world obsessed with youth and longevity, "Logan's Run" remains a haunting reflection of society's fears about aging and control. This 1967 science fiction novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson presents a dystopian future that feels eerily prescient even today.
Brief Summary
The story takes place in a seemingly perfect society where everyone lives a life of pleasure and abundance – with one cruel catch. At the age of 21 (later changed to 30 in the film adaptation), citizens must participate in a ritual called "Sleep," a euphemism for mandatory euthanasia. The protagonist, Logan 3, is a "Sandman" tasked with hunting down those who try to escape their fate. However, as his own time approaches, Logan faces a crisis that challenges everything he believes.
Analysis
Introduction
In a world obsessed with youth and longevity, "Logan's Run" remains a haunting reflection of society's fears about aging and control. This 1967 science fiction novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson presents a dystopian future that feels eerily prescient even today.
Brief Summary
The story takes place in a seemingly perfect society where everyone lives a life of pleasure and abundance – with one cruel catch. At the age of 21 (later changed to 30 in the film adaptation), citizens must participate in a ritual called "Sleep," a euphemism for mandatory euthanasia. The protagonist, Logan 3, is a "Sandman" tasked with hunting down those who try to escape their fate. However, as his own time approaches, Logan faces a crisis that challenges everything he believes.
Analysis
Strengths
- Fast-paced, gripping narrative
- Innovative world-building
- Sharp social commentary
- Tight, economical prose
- Strong central premise
Weaknesses
- Some underdeveloped secondary characters
- Occasionally dated technological concepts
- Limited character introspection
The writing style is lean and efficient, perfectly matching the urgency of the story. The authors craft a world that's both alluring and terrifying, making the reader question the price of eternal youth and societal control.
Cultural Impact & Relevance
The novel spawned a successful 1976 film adaptation, a television series, and numerous comic adaptations. Its themes of ageism, social control, and the cult of youth remain startlingly relevant in our modern era of social media and anti-aging obsession.
Comparison
"Logan's Run" sits comfortably alongside other dystopian classics like "Brave New World" and "1984," though it's more action-oriented. Its influence can be seen in later works like "The Hunger Games" and "Equilibrium."
Modern Relevance
The book's exploration of ageism, social control, and the price of utopia resonates strongly with contemporary discussions about social media, cancel culture, and generational divides. While some technological aspects feel dated, the core themes are perhaps more relevant now than ever.
Recommendation
This book is perfect for:
- Dystopian fiction enthusiasts
- Science fiction fans
- Readers interested in social commentary
- Those who enjoy fast-paced action narratives
Final Thoughts
"Logan's Run" earns its four stars through its compelling premise, tight plotting, and enduring relevance. While some elements show their age, the core story and themes remain powerful and thought-provoking. It's a testament to good science fiction's ability to address contemporary issues through the lens of imagination.
Supporting Quote: "The seeds of the Little War were planted in a restless summer during the mid-1960s, with sit-ins and student demonstrations as youth tested its strength. By the early 1970s over 75 percent of the people living on Earth were under 21 years of age."
This quote perfectly encapsulates the novel's prescient understanding of generational conflict and social upheaval, themes that continue to resonate today.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Racism
interesting
The ending was different from the movie, but still quite acceptable as a choice. I find it interesting the utopian societies are transitional ones. Never expected that…
The ending was different from the movie, but still quite acceptable as a choice. I find it interesting the utopian societies are transitional ones. Never expected that…
What can I say? This book is terribly dated. Hard to even read it as futuristic with how the women characters are treated. If I read again “she had dead eyes”. Whatever. I’m giving it 3 stars because the movie was a classic of my youths. But life is too short to finish this book.