A review by applesodaperson
Unwind by Neal Shusterman

adventurous tense medium-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? No

3.75

This book was a very fun read and undeniably proves that Shusterman is a really good author. He is so good at taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster and constantly upping the stakes for the characters. Although having read the entire Scythe series, it becomes kind of clear that Shusterman only has like 3 character archetypes in his repertoire. Pretty much all the characters in this book felt reminiscent of Scythe characters. It was still entertaining though. And the ending was really cool. But overall, I had a hard time with this book because of just how unbelievable the premise is. I just don't think enough justification or explanation was provided to make me as the reader believe that society could ever get to the point where 99% of people are willing to kill their own children, or pawn off babies to neighbors. This premise could have worked better if more justification was given, but I found myself doubting it the whole time. 
I also hated that the fact that unwinding was started as a replacement for abortion, because that just screams of a complete lack of understanding of the various reasons why people get abortions. Like I would never want to be pregnant and give birth, even if I knew I could give the baby away easily. And this really took away from the rest of the book. 
Listened to on Libby. 
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