The dystopian sci-fi genre is one of the most interesting and diverse literary genres, and there are many many amazing books in it that examine the many ways our society can go off the rails.

And I've read most of them.

But the best dystopian sci-fi novel I've read is The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi.

For a few reasons:

• Like any good dystopian sci-fi novel, it will make you look at the world differently after you read it. You will find yourself remembering the book especially when you go to to the produce section of a supermarket or when you get on a plane

• It combines so many of the story lines that could lead to humanity's demise in a truly original dystopia - genetic engineering, fossil fuel dependency, factory farming and labor exploitation

• It is incredibly, creatively violent. You will not forget some of the scenes he writes in the book, similar to how you never forget violent scenes from Tarantino films

• It has deeply compelling characters with rich backstories that face impossible moral and ethical conundrums

• It's fast paced and well written. You will not be able to put it down.

If you love dystopian sci-fi, I can't recommend this book enough.

(And if you've read it, do you agree? What other book would you recommend in this genre?)