I'm going to suggest something completely different here: State of the world 2008 by the Worldwatch -institute.

I am going to suggest reading The Road. The descriptive style is very simplistic, but is great at painting the picture. It has this dry tone, which not only works but makes sense for the story, which takes place post-apocalypse. Dialogue is done in a way that it just seems part of the description, not actual dialogue, but that's what makes it great. I haven't finished it yet, myself, but I'm loving it so far. Besides, how much more dystopian can you get than post-apocalypse?

Hmm. I've heard of the Road before. Okay.

How about mystery/detective/suspense/thriller genres?

The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul, by Douglas Adams. Ending feels a bit rushed, but it's funny and a good ride. About a detective doing detective stuff, but there are also Norse gods.