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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An engaging blend of fast-paced action and low-lift philosophical questions, this was the read to get me out of a slump! I'm looking forward to reading the second book.
Ok, let me clarify that I feel terrible for not rating this a solid 5 stars. I kept really, really wanting to and just couldn't. I can't even say what would have given it that little push for me. I mean, I loved the concept. I loved the pace of the story. I read the whole thing in one day in three sittings. I liked the characters.
Oops. There it is. I liked the characters. I feel I still didn't really know - or really care about - them by the end. But the story. Let's talk about the story.
To sum it up: We are living in the not so distant future where parents can choose to "unwind" their children if they are a bit unruly. That is, they are sending them away to have all their parts separated to be used on other people. Think of donating a kidney on a much, much larger (not to mention involuntary) scale.
"Peter, no, no, no. We aren't killing you. We're letting you live but just in bits and pieces on dozens of other people. Think of how useful you'll be."
"Oh. WHEW! I thought you were going to literally kill me for breaking curfew."
There are other tough to swallow rules like...Oh, hey. You can leave a baby on a doorstep, and as long as they don't catch you doing it, the homeowner is legally responsible to raise that baby. This is the solution to abortion? I'd like to see Plan B, please. Uh. Not that Plan B per say. You know what I mean.
Seriously, there were so many things to think about.
While I only liked the characters and just couldn't grow attached enough to them, I did like the way the "chapters" were broken down to be the point of the view of various characters. And not just the main ones - we would also get a random one like "Mob" or "Camp." Very cool.
So that part that everyone keeps referring to. Yeah, you know the one. Or as soon as you read this book, you will know the one.
All I can say is:
Oh. And this (because I just can't help it).
Now, back to the vague things that I can actually write in a review that are ok for those who have not read the book yet.
I don't think it needs a sequel. I am the same as most people and love trilogies and series because it gives me more of what I love. With this one, though, I thought the ending could have just been the ending. Don't get me wrong - I'll still read the others because Mr. Shusterman can write his ass off and keep me interested. I just think it would have been great all alone, too.
Oops. There it is. I liked the characters. I feel I still didn't really know - or really care about - them by the end. But the story. Let's talk about the story.
To sum it up: We are living in the not so distant future where parents can choose to "unwind" their children if they are a bit unruly. That is, they are sending them away to have all their parts separated to be used on other people. Think of donating a kidney on a much, much larger (not to mention involuntary) scale.
"Peter, no, no, no. We aren't killing you. We're letting you live but just in bits and pieces on dozens of other people. Think of how useful you'll be."
"Oh. WHEW! I thought you were going to literally kill me for breaking curfew."
There are other tough to swallow rules like...Oh, hey. You can leave a baby on a doorstep, and as long as they don't catch you doing it, the homeowner is legally responsible to raise that baby. This is the solution to abortion? I'd like to see Plan B, please. Uh. Not that Plan B per say. You know what I mean.
Seriously, there were so many things to think about.
While I only liked the characters and just couldn't grow attached enough to them, I did like the way the "chapters" were broken down to be the point of the view of various characters. And not just the main ones - we would also get a random one like "Mob" or "Camp." Very cool.
So that part that everyone keeps referring to. Yeah, you know the one. Or as soon as you read this book, you will know the one.
All I can say is:
Oh. And this (because I just can't help it).
Spoiler
Ok, so when they are hacking away at Roland, I was just pissed. I don't know if I was supposed to be semi-pleased that he was the one it was happening to. I don't know if I was supposed to feel a "well, that's karma" sense when Connor ended up with his hand. Because I didn't. There was nothing in the book that was really making me hate Roland enough, which may just be another thing where I didn't feel like character development (or lack there of) really did it for me. But then I get all weird and think that maybe the author is manipulating me, and this is exactly how I should feel. And that scene. Jesus. That probably gave the book a full star for me because it was so disturbing and the one thing I just couldn't stop thinking or talking about.Now, back to the vague things that I can actually write in a review that are ok for those who have not read the book yet.
I don't think it needs a sequel. I am the same as most people and love trilogies and series because it gives me more of what I love. With this one, though, I thought the ending could have just been the ending. Don't get me wrong - I'll still read the others because Mr. Shusterman can write his ass off and keep me interested. I just think it would have been great all alone, too.
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was amazing. I had bought it because I have a friend who always recommends it. She wasn’t wrong. This book is such an interesting read and although currently impossible to achieve, the way children get “unwound” is truly terrifying to think about. I am unsure whether I will continue with the series or not (I do hope so). I would definitely recommend this to others.
I don’t really write reviews ever...so I’ll keep it short.
I read this book about 5 years ago and it still comes to mind as one of my 3 favorite books of all time. Perfect for any readers interested in young adult books, ethics, suspense and a race of emotions. This book is a real page turner, I’m surprised it hasn’t been made into a movie yet. Do yourself a favour and just read this book. If you’re looking for a sign or nudge THIS IS IT
Ngl I’m feeling a bit too old for this book now but it says a lot that I was still able to really enjoy it
I read this book about 5 years ago and it still comes to mind as one of my 3 favorite books of all time. Perfect for any readers interested in young adult books, ethics, suspense and a race of emotions. This book is a real page turner, I’m surprised it hasn’t been made into a movie yet. Do yourself a favour and just read this book. If you’re looking for a sign or nudge THIS IS IT
Ngl I’m feeling a bit too old for this book now but it says a lot that I was still able to really enjoy it
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No