Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Age range: YA / Teenage. Would not suggest it to younger teens. It's also a book many adults would also enjoy.
Set in America; the second Civil war was fought over the right to reproduce. The Pro-Choice and Pro-Life armies came to an agreement: between the ages of thirteen and eighteen parents can choose to have their children unwound; a process that means all of one's organs are put to good use. Saving lives and meaning life does not technically end. Although some abuse the system and use it to better themselves. When I say all it is more like 99.8% some parts are just useless (although... I'd quite like my tonsils back thinking about it....). Now that it is accepted all over the country, parents use it as an excuse to 'rid' themselves of their troublesome teenagers.
"Harvest" camps have cropped up over the country; with lovely names like "Happy Jacks"! Where those who are to be unwound are sent.... it really is a fate worse than death.
The really scary part? The law states you must be awake for the procedure.
So! We meet a wonderful array of characters.
Risa - A ward of the state whose amazing skills as a pianist are not enough to keep her alive.
Lev - A tithe. Someone who was conceived and raised to be unwound.
And Connor - too difficult for his parents to control.
They meet and together they have the chance to survive; but loosing a few friends along the way.
Rating: 5 out of 5
A book that has made me regret buying it as a ebook. I want everyone to read it! But alas, I can't lend it out! It is also a book that made me feel physically sick. No book has done that to me before (perhaps I just avoid them). Nonetheless; it was a gripping read that left me wanting more. It chilled me right to the bone.
Words can not express how amazing this book is. I devoured it quickly; only putting it down when I thought I was going be sick...the detailed imagery of the Unwinding process was so realistic. However, something made me go back to it. Something made me finish and I'm very glad I did.
It does everything a good book is supposed to. It makes you think and assess your own life. Makes you wonder if your parents had the choice... would they unwind you. How did we, as a civilization think it was even ok to start doing this?
I did have a few nightmares after reading it. So if you are prone to having nightmares... read it with the light on!
Stay tuned for my review on book 2...
Price: £3.49
Value for money: Really worth it.
Buy it: Amazon
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