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This is a page-turner. I was absolutely hooked by the premise, because it could have gone so many different directions from the first chapter. Jenna is 17 and has just woken up from a coma. She doesn't remember anything. You've got an enigmatic character - she doesn't know who she is or who she wants to be. All the supporting characters are acting strangely, in one way or another. There's a mystery to solve, but it's a mystery of the mind - and of who we are and what defines us. Plus a whole slew of ethical dilemmas. I couldn't put it down, even after the first big reveal. Basically, I'm having trouble finding fault with it. It's thoughtful AND gripping all at the same time - what more do you want?
Jenna is 17, but I think it could 'read' much younger, and readers of different ages would take something different away from the story, and the questions it raises.
Jenna is 17, but I think it could 'read' much younger, and readers of different ages would take something different away from the story, and the questions it raises.
the adoration of jenna fox was very interesting to me. I am not a parent so it was fascinating to see exactly how far a parent would go to keep there child alive. In this case, they made their child almost not human.
It was a strange concept but I think this book was very well written. Not sure I would read it again though. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction.
It was a strange concept but I think this book was very well written. Not sure I would read it again though. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox was a novel I ordered online some years ago but only got around to reading in the summer of 2014. I kept putting it off because I had only ever heard that it was an 'okay' kind of book, so I put my mind to reading other things instead. I finally had the time to sit down and read it, and to be honest, I'm glad I did.
So many people have already explained the plot, so I'm not going to. I can say this, though: if you're hesitant, don't be. For me, Jenna Fox was an intriguing character. She knew as little about herself as I did from page one, and I think that's what really pulled me in about this book. The way I got to see Jenna delve into her blurred past while maintaining the present was interesting, and different. Somehow I related to her, in the way she responded to things. Her thought process was stimulating and I found her to be an engaging character.
But maybe that was just because I really took to Pearson's writing style. I'm not sure what it is, but there's something different to her way of writing that really made me want to keep reading. In fact, I finished this book in a weekend: I really wanted to continue and see what would happen after that rather open-ended conclusion.
Well, actually, while it was open-ended, it wasn't the conclusion of the story. I was skimming through GoodReads when I realized that this was actually part of a series. I had no idea that the story continued into another three novels, but I am certainly pleased to discover this. I haven't read the others in the series as of yet, but I can say that you can read this first book and leave it at that - it ends in a way that makes it appear concluded.
In short, this novel is worth a read. If you have a copy but haven't read it yet, get on it: The Adoration of Jenna Fox takes on some interesting themes and builds on one main character, and if you can connect to all of that, then you'll be as drawn in as I was.
So many people have already explained the plot, so I'm not going to. I can say this, though: if you're hesitant, don't be. For me, Jenna Fox was an intriguing character. She knew as little about herself as I did from page one, and I think that's what really pulled me in about this book. The way I got to see Jenna delve into her blurred past while maintaining the present was interesting, and different. Somehow I related to her, in the way she responded to things. Her thought process was stimulating and I found her to be an engaging character.
But maybe that was just because I really took to Pearson's writing style. I'm not sure what it is, but there's something different to her way of writing that really made me want to keep reading. In fact, I finished this book in a weekend: I really wanted to continue and see what would happen after that rather open-ended conclusion.
Well, actually, while it was open-ended, it wasn't the conclusion of the story. I was skimming through GoodReads when I realized that this was actually part of a series. I had no idea that the story continued into another three novels, but I am certainly pleased to discover this. I haven't read the others in the series as of yet, but I can say that you can read this first book and leave it at that - it ends in a way that makes it appear concluded.
In short, this novel is worth a read. If you have a copy but haven't read it yet, get on it: The Adoration of Jenna Fox takes on some interesting themes and builds on one main character, and if you can connect to all of that, then you'll be as drawn in as I was.
I had read good reviews of the book and when I saw it at the bookstore I decided to buy it and read it. As soon as I opened it, it grabbed my attention and I had a hard time putting it down. I finished in a few hours, which I had to squeeze in between work and study, but it was worth it!
Mary tackles two big questions in the book "Who am I?" (and even though that is the question Jenna works on for long, it also makes the readers ask it to themselves) and "How far am I willing to go for someone I love?". Both questions are closely woven together in this book, which makes it double interesting.
Also, the reading is easy and you don't get frustrated because it is either too descriptive or non-descriptive at all! Just the right amount of everything.
SPOILER ALERT:
Only point I have as a "negative" is that she never really explains what was that made the other kid (forgot his name, but he is obnoxious and the name starts with D) go to the school, and what was the cause for the emptiness in him and what Jenna found so unnerving in him. Kind of like a back story (since we get the back story on all other characters, why leave his incomplete?).
All in all, it was quite a good book.
Mary tackles two big questions in the book "Who am I?" (and even though that is the question Jenna works on for long, it also makes the readers ask it to themselves) and "How far am I willing to go for someone I love?". Both questions are closely woven together in this book, which makes it double interesting.
Also, the reading is easy and you don't get frustrated because it is either too descriptive or non-descriptive at all! Just the right amount of everything.
SPOILER ALERT:
Only point I have as a "negative" is that she never really explains what was that made the other kid (forgot his name, but he is obnoxious and the name starts with D) go to the school, and what was the cause for the emptiness in him and what Jenna found so unnerving in him. Kind of like a back story (since we get the back story on all other characters, why leave his incomplete?).
All in all, it was quite a good book.
reflective
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:
Complicated
Minor: Chronic illness, Car accident
This book hooked me in with its mysterious blurb. But was it misleading?
Positives
I liked the whole concept of finding who you are, finding the meaning of being human and all the biz.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox questioned many things in life, and it made me think.
The novel was truly a thought-provoking and deep story.
The not so positives
Chucked full of thoughtful themes, I sometimes found myself confused on the main theme that Pearson was trying to convey...
Along with that, I found that I was skimming across Jenna's thoughts and at the same time, trying to understand what has happening.
And Jenna, well, I found her personality quite boring. But then again, having your mind blank would probably lead to effects like that.
Overall
A very thought-provoking and interesting take on identity of a book, that I liked. But I'm not so sure that the story itself lived up to its blurb, so minus one star.
Positives
I liked the whole concept of finding who you are, finding the meaning of being human and all the biz.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox questioned many things in life, and it made me think.
The novel was truly a thought-provoking and deep story.
The not so positives
Chucked full of thoughtful themes, I sometimes found myself confused on the main theme that Pearson was trying to convey...
Along with that, I found that I was skimming across Jenna's thoughts and at the same time, trying to understand what has happening.
And Jenna, well, I found her personality quite boring. But then again, having your mind blank would probably lead to effects like that.
Overall
A very thought-provoking and interesting take on identity of a book, that I liked. But I'm not so sure that the story itself lived up to its blurb, so minus one star.
So many interesting questions approached in this book! I think it would be really great for a book club.
I wonder how far off we are from a world with GMO babies and bringing people back to life with genetically engineered materials....Not a fan
I guess I have to admit that I added this book to my wish list originally because the name Jenna was in the title. Yep, I'm a dork and I occasionally judge books by their covers and titles. :) Hm, what to say about the book itself? I don't want to be spoilery at all because I think one of the things that makes this book interesting is that you start out as confused as Jenna is as she comes out of her coma. You learn who she is and was as she does. The world she lives in is very interesting and thought provoking. I can't say I loved the book, but it was really interesting and I recommend it.
I'm putting this one in both "realistic" and "science fiction" because it's a realistic sf book, if that makes any sense. Very interesting look at a real possible future. Janna wakes up from a year long coma and she feels the same, but has no memories. Everyone says they'll come back eventually. What she starts to remember, however, are often memories she shouldn't have, of when she was a toddler or even younger. And she has perfect recall of historical or scientific facts, which is odd. Her grandmother doesn't like her anymore, and her mother is oddly protective of her. Jenna starts to snoop around the barely furnished house they live in, and one day she discovers the horrible truth about herself...she's not really the girl she used to be, at all.
I couldn't help comparing this book to Skinned, by Robin Wasserman. I think I liked Skinned better, but only because it was more of a plot-driven sf novel and has two sequels, whereas AJF is more literary, internal, slower to get going. They both have a lot of merit and could engender some interesting discussions about the meaning of life and how far you go to save those you love.
I couldn't help comparing this book to Skinned, by Robin Wasserman. I think I liked Skinned better, but only because it was more of a plot-driven sf novel and has two sequels, whereas AJF is more literary, internal, slower to get going. They both have a lot of merit and could engender some interesting discussions about the meaning of life and how far you go to save those you love.