In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would 'unwind' them. Perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES.
Unwinding: the process by which a child is both terminated and yet kept alive. Unwinding is now a common, and accepted, practice in society.
Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker.
Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs.
Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth as part of his family's strict religion.
Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance.
If they can survive until their 18th birthday, they can't be harmed - but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, is wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away...
"Gripping, brilliantly imagined futuristic thriller… The issues raised could not be more provocative - the sanctity of life, the meaning of being human - while the delivery could hardly be more engrossing or better aimed to teens."Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A thought-provoking, well-paced read that will appeal widely"School Library Journal, starred review
"A breathless tale turning pages for teenage boys, as it challenges not just where life begins and ends, but what it means to be alive." Educ8 magazine
"a powerful, shocking, and intelligent novel... It's wonderful, wonderful stuff." The Bookbag
"This is the kind of rare book that makes the hairs on your neck rise up. It is written with a sense of drama that should get it instantly snapped up for film." The Times
Also by Neal Shusterman:
Everlost
Everwild
Everfound
UnStrung
Unwholly
Unsouled
Undivided
This is one of the most disturbing yet compelling books I've read in a long time. Many others have provided reviews that explain much better than I can why it's so compelling so I won't go into too much detail but here are a couple of my thoughts.
There are a number of issues being explored here.
First and most obviously is the pro-choice/pro-life debate. No matter which side you're on this book provides some food for thought.
Second is the issue of parental involvement with their children. What if parents could sign over their troubled or unwanted teens? What if parents of newborns could leave them on someone else's doorstep making them legally responsible for them?
Third, when does a person become a "person?" When are we given or do we develop a soul?
There are so many other issues explored in this book as well. It does not preach. It is not blatantly religious. It poses the questions for the reader to ponder while also telling the compelling story of three kids scheduled to be "unwound." One scene in particular really affected me - the description of someone being unwound. It is written with tact and is not gory but is heartbreaking and difficult to read.
Highly recommended.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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11 April, 2012:
Finished reading
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11 April, 2012:
Reviewed