You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Brilliant. Not at all what I was expecting, but in the best way. First-person narrative from a teenaged girl with amnesia -- that description applies to probably a couple of dozen new books a year.
For those who haven't read it yet:
What really sets this one apart from every other YA tale is that it's much more focused on the ethics of the parents' decisions than on the interests of its young girl. She has a thoughtful, yet realistic, point of view. The story is set just enough in the future to be slightly sci-fi, but only just. But the author never leans on the tech, or gets heavy-handed with the ethical issues (though there were moments when I thought she might be headed that way).
For those who have read it, spoilers ahead!!
So early on, I thought she was a robot. Or a clone. But I was impressed that Pearson never let the revelation of what she was overtake the weight of Jenna's gradual understanding of who she is and what her future is. I was less invested in the change of heart of her friend parents at the end, but it didn't disturb my enjoyment of the book at all.
For those who haven't read it yet:
What really sets this one apart from every other YA tale is that it's much more focused on the ethics of the parents' decisions than on the interests of its young girl. She has a thoughtful, yet realistic, point of view. The story is set just enough in the future to be slightly sci-fi, but only just. But the author never leans on the tech, or gets heavy-handed with the ethical issues (though there were moments when I thought she might be headed that way).
For those who have read it, spoilers ahead!!
Spoiler
So early on, I thought she was a robot. Or a clone. But I was impressed that Pearson never let the revelation of what she was overtake the weight of Jenna's gradual understanding of who she is and what her future is. I was less invested in the change of heart of her friend parents at the end, but it didn't disturb my enjoyment of the book at all.
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
It was okay. Nothing to phenomenal, but not bad. I feel like it had a lot more potential, but I just wasn’t captivated through. Kinda had to push myself to finish it. I enjoyed the ending though.
This was kind of a long read for me. It took me a while to finish. I marked this book at 3 stars because, although it was long read, and seemed to drag on (even though it was less than 200 pages) I liked how Jenna slowly figured out who and what she was and in the end, it was I guess for the better.
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The first half of the book I really enjoyed, but after the climax it felt drawn out. Everything afterwards felt pointless and boring. I had to push myself to finish the ending. It was an interesting idea and the futuristic vibe was cool though.
What an interesting concept! The Adoration of Jenna Fox takes place in the undisclosed future, where biochemical/genetic engineering is rampant, and medical advances have progressed to the point of being harmful. Jenna Fox awakens after being in a coma for over a year, with no recollection of who she is or what happened. Initially secluded from the rest of the world, she struggles to find out the truth as she deals with overprotective and secretive parents and a grandma who wants nothing to do with her.
Although it becomes clear early on what happened (being inside of Jenna's head, we decipher the unknown with her), The Adoration of Jenna Fox is an enticing read which causes you to question how far we should go medically to save one's life. It also shows how much a parent is willing to do in the name of love; but, at the same time, it causes one to ponder whether or not that love is selfless, or if it is contingent on what their child can do for them.
While I questioned some of the characters introduced (I have no idea why Dane is present), I like the development of others: Lily (her Nana) and Mr. Bender particularly. Jenna herself, I loved. She raises so many of the same questions I would have, if I were in her place. And she doesn't sit back and accept all that her parents tell her. She seeks out answers on her own and is conflicted with much of what she finds. I think, what she struggles with the most and what is the heart of the novel, is the question of what makes us human. It is her search for this answer that really drives her search for the truth.
Although it becomes clear early on what happened (being inside of Jenna's head, we decipher the unknown with her), The Adoration of Jenna Fox is an enticing read which causes you to question how far we should go medically to save one's life. It also shows how much a parent is willing to do in the name of love; but, at the same time, it causes one to ponder whether or not that love is selfless, or if it is contingent on what their child can do for them.
Spoiler
They "save" Jenna only to seem to want her to be the perfect "puppet" she was before, performing all the tricks and completing all the tasks they set out, regardless if it makes her happy.While I questioned some of the characters introduced (I have no idea why Dane is present), I like the development of others: Lily (her Nana) and Mr. Bender particularly. Jenna herself, I loved. She raises so many of the same questions I would have, if I were in her place. And she doesn't sit back and accept all that her parents tell her. She seeks out answers on her own and is conflicted with much of what she finds. I think, what she struggles with the most and what is the heart of the novel, is the question of what makes us human. It is her search for this answer that really drives her search for the truth.
Thanks Stacey for the title and Reese for encouraging me to read this book. Crazy timing bc AP Lit just finished bio research for the future after reading Frankenstein. This book, along with Stephanie Meyer's The Host and Never Let Me Go, make you re-think Frankenstein's creature and Shelley's thoughts about "human.". Great book!