A review by heyshay07
XVI by Julia Karr

4.0

I can see the criticism some of the reviewers have voiced about the book emphasizing sex as a bad thing and "slut-shaming." I didn't really see it that way until I read some of the views. I thought the XVI was more about how society and culture really pushes sexuality and to this society its to the point its where a women's only value is in her sexuality. The idea that men are essentially given free reign to essentially rape women as long as they are of a low socioeconomic status and over 16 is a little far fetched, but the premises I think still says a lot about our cultures society. Karr does overdo it quiet a bit making Nina the naive, virgin who has little to no interest in sex and freaks out about making out with a guy. As she is supposed to be the ideal heroine in the book, that persona really supports the mixed message society is always encouraging sex, yet women are supposed to be virginal. Hopefully Karr finds a better balance in her next book. There is definitely a sequel because NOTHING was really resolved by the end which drives me crazy. At least give us a little closure.

Spoiler

The ending with Ed was rushed and not overly satisfying even if it did get rid of a major obstacle.

Overall, I respect what the book is trying to do; I'll probably read the sequel; BUT a better written dystopian novel with a message would probably be Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series. Also, the whole book is DARK and GRAPHIC and not suitable for any school library even high school. I'm going to donate my copy to the public library.