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A review by readingwithhippos
The Body Electric by Beth Revis
2.0
I was immediately drawn in by the premise of this book: teenager Ella Shepherd works as an intern at her mother's Mental Spa, where she assists with “reveries” in which people can relive their happiest memories in a lucid dream state. But a series of strange occurrences leads her to believe that her own memory has been altered, certain parts plucked out and deleted. Ella doesn't know why anyone would want to do this to her, but after her father is mysteriously killed in his lab, she suspects it has something to do with a conflict between a rebel group and the new worldwide government.
I find the question of identity and self fascinating—who can we trust, after all, when we can't even trust our own minds?—and Ella's efforts to discover who tampered with her and why are engaging reading. The sci-fi/technology angle also raises some interesting questions: what separates humans from machines, and what constitutes a soul? The book is most successful when it is focused on these sophisticated philosophical issues.
One caution, though, for serious sci-fi readers: if you go in expecting a hard science fiction approach to androids, clones, and cyborgs, you'll be disappointed. The book is very light on explanations for how the (admittedly really cool) biotechnology actually works. In fact, I probably wouldn't classify The Body Electric as science fiction at all; in execution, it's more dystopian fantasy thanks to its focus on government control and individual freedom.
Casual sci-fi readers will likely find the book technical enough for their taste. The story manages to be unique even among the countless other YA dystopian novels in existence, which is no small accomplishment. However, those who prefer a little more emphasis on science in their science fiction may want to give this one a pass.
With regards to NetGalley and Scripturient Books for the review copy.
Find more of my book recommendations for grades 6-12 at www.read-or-die.com.
I find the question of identity and self fascinating—who can we trust, after all, when we can't even trust our own minds?—and Ella's efforts to discover who tampered with her and why are engaging reading. The sci-fi/technology angle also raises some interesting questions: what separates humans from machines, and what constitutes a soul? The book is most successful when it is focused on these sophisticated philosophical issues.
One caution, though, for serious sci-fi readers: if you go in expecting a hard science fiction approach to androids, clones, and cyborgs, you'll be disappointed. The book is very light on explanations for how the (admittedly really cool) biotechnology actually works. In fact, I probably wouldn't classify The Body Electric as science fiction at all; in execution, it's more dystopian fantasy thanks to its focus on government control and individual freedom.
Casual sci-fi readers will likely find the book technical enough for their taste. The story manages to be unique even among the countless other YA dystopian novels in existence, which is no small accomplishment. However, those who prefer a little more emphasis on science in their science fiction may want to give this one a pass.
With regards to NetGalley and Scripturient Books for the review copy.
Find more of my book recommendations for grades 6-12 at www.read-or-die.com.