Life on the streets of Lima is already difficult for Julio, but now that digital money has replaced hard currency, survival is virtually impossible. Isak comes to his rescue and offers him a chance at a better life through a hi-tech humanitarian program. The only catch is a microchip implanted between the thumb and forefinger of the hand. At first life improves dramatically, but when another participant dies mysteriously, Julio suspects that the chip does more than just dispense charity. Now he must uncover the truth behind the charity chip before someone else suffers the same fate.
Brock Booher grew up on a farm in Kentucky, the fourth of ten children. One day while he was out working the fields in the hot summer sun, a low-flying military jet came screaming overhead, barely missing the trees and disappearing like a shooting star. Right then he decided that flying looked like more fun than farming. He left the farm in pursuit of his dream, graduated from Brigham Young University, and headed off to pilot training as a new 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. When he was selected to fly the A-10, he became the low-flying pilot buzzing young farm boys in the fields of Europe and Northern Iraq. He went on to serve as an Instructor Pilot and Section Chief of Academics in the T-37. Fluent in Spanish, he also served in the US Embassy in Lima, Peru, helping with counternarcotic operations. He transitioned to commercial airline flying in the Boeing 737 and has over fifteen thousand hours of flying time. As a Certified Ground Instructor, Check Airman, and Standards Check Airman, he has instructed and evaluated hundreds of pilots in the classroom, the simulator, and the aircraft.
In addition to his pursuits as a pilot, he has taught courses on time management, risk management, leadership, and goal setting. He has volunteered in the classroom as an Adopt-A-Pilot for over ten years teaching fifth graders about science, math, and careers. He enjoys stretching his creativity through writing, and his works have been published in magazines, nonfiction books, short stories, and novels.
He has been married to his wife Britt for over twenty-nine years, and she has molded him into a better man. They have six wonderfully independent children and one adorable grandson. In spite of all the time he spends in airplanes, he still loves to travel, especially when it involves a bit of adventure, or service.
You can follow him at www.brockbooher.com, on Facebook (AuthorBrockBooher) and on Twitter (@BrockBooher).
4 out of 5 stars. I’m pretty stingy with my star giving. The majority of books I read garner 3-stars. 4 means it was exceptional. 5 means I know I’ll read it again – which I seldom do for there are too many new books to read.
Charity Chip, just like Booher’s first book Healing Stone, grabbed my attention immediately. There was no easing into the story – I was promptly hooked. It’s been my experience that when an author jumps quickly for the reader’s attention, my attachment to the main character often lags due to the lack of character development. This wasn’t my experience with Charity Chip. My affinity for Julio wasn’t delayed. The story was compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
One poignant piece of the story was after Julio received his chip and enjoyed going to the store to purchase food – not steal it – for the first time. He pulled out his unlit batons and began to juggle, loving the feeling that he was doing this for his enjoyment without the burden of doing it for survival (street performing). His joy was feeling satisfied – not only freed from persistent hunger but with the hope that he could live now, not merely survive. Beautiful imagery.
I did wish at times that Booher slowed down the fast pace of the story and delved into more detail or description. One such time was after Julio first received the chip and began his new life. I would have enjoyed more detail of Julio’s discovery and progress as he shed the shackles of his extreme poverty. I think developing that more would have made his reluctance to question the program more emotionally intriguing.
The twists were good – I didn’t anticipate them which is always entertaining. The story was solid. I was left with the empty feeling that comes when I finish a really good book. Now what will I read? I look forward to the other stories Mr. Booher has in his trunk. You have more, right?
Julio is an orphan with a twin brother and a will to survive. Society doesn't use money anymore, but uses microchips to pay for things. As a street performer, that makes it tough to get enough food to eat. When he gets a chance to be a part of a program that will give him a chance in life, he goes for it, and the story really takes off from here.
This story is very intense with a dash of romance. I thought it was interesting to see how the society functioned (and didn't function) with these chips. In one scene, a store allowed for people to go through a security point and any and all goods would automatically be scanned and deducted from your chip and I thought that was a good way to eliminate shoplifting.
Julio is on a mission to find out the true meaning of the chip and is in a race against time to do so. I really enjoyed getting to know his character and to see how he would act in different situations. He was quick on his feet, as well as brave and resourceful. I also enjoyed the other side characters and their connections to the mystery.
There were times when I wished for a slightly slower pace so that I could process what was going on better. The story definitely clips along.
Content: very mild romance; no language or religious elements; some violence. Clean.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Julio's mother's dying wish was for him to take care of his twin brother, Raul. Raul, however, got involved with a gang and wasn't interested in helping Julio keep that promise. When Julio was caught stealing food, a man named Isak came to his rescue and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. All he needed to do was pass a physical and allow a chip to be implanted in his hand. Julio would keep food in his belly and be able to purchase other items he needed. He also had the freedom to live where he wanted so he was able to return to Raul each night and feed him, too, even though Isak didn't know he had a twin brother.
Things went well for a while and it was interesting to read how different life was for Julio between when he was going hungry and scrounging around for food and clothes and how he felt when he had food in his belly and the means to purchase whatever he needed. It didn't take long, though, for him to suspect that something else was going on and he quickly needed to figure out the truth behind the chip before it was too late.
Julio was easy to cheer for since he was likable and did the right thing no matter what it cost him personally. He was loyal to his brother, even when his brother made some not so great choices. This book is full of action and suspense and was hard to put down. It was also thought-provoking and pointed out the issues that arise when money is thrown at a problem but the people who need it aren't the ones that benefit from it. There were some twists and turns so it didn't turn out exactly like I thought it would, but I did enjoy the ending.
I loved this author's debut novel, Healing Stone, so I was excited to learn he had published another book. This book did not disappoint so he is officially on my list of favorite authors and I'm looking forward to reading what he comes up with next!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Life isn't easy living on the streets of Lima, Peru. Julio promised his mother before she died that he would take care of his identical twin brother, Raul.
Julio is a street performer, it has become harder to live because people no longer use money. The citizens of Peru have become chipped. They use an electronic device in their hand to pay for goods and services. Unless you have a chip, it is nearly impossible to get food, clothes, etc.
Julio becomes part of a program that gives street kids a chance at education and food. He can't pass up the opportunity, in part to take care of his bother and also to put food in his belly.
This book is very interesting. It really makes you think about ineffective government programs and the extreme measures people will take to have the basic necessities to live. I would say more about the program in this book, but I don't want to give away any part of the plot.
This book has a little bit of romance and a lot of suspense. Julio is on a short time line to make a difference. The things he learns in this book will help others and bring an end to some of the corruption.
This was a great read! The Charity Chip has an intriguing story, relatable characters, a unique setting and twists I didn't see coming. Recommended for teens and adults alike.
The book felt real to me. While the setting has a bit of technology that isn't widely used yet, it feels like the not-too-distant future. Everything from the characters to setting and even the plot/conspiracy felt real.
I received this book for free from a goodreads giveaway.
This book was great! It had a lot of suspense filled moments and the story line was not completely predictable (which I really liked). Like I was genuinely surprised. There was not a moment during the book that I was bored or felt like glossing over it. Also, I really liked where this story was set (which was Peru if I remember correctly).
I like the way the chapters were set up with the text messages at the top. That little extra detail is one of the reasons it was hard to put the book down. It's like you get to the end of a chapter, and then you see that on the next page. They've proven to be really telling in previous chapters, so you read it. Then you have to read that chapter after reading the texts just to see what they were talking about and what was going to happen now that you have this extra sometimes actually huge deal detail.
I feel like there was a tiny bit of insta-love between Angelica and Julio. It's like they glanced at each other a few times for a couple weeks and made small talk at lunch. Then one day he kissed her (because that's what his father would do to his mother when she was stressing out over something) and then she just was like "What was that for?" (not a direct quote) and kissed him back. After that they were pretty much in an unlabeled relationship. That same day that he kissed her, she invited him for dinner and she said she'd cook for him. That's all fine and dandy but in the middle of their meal as he's sharing a few of his mother's sayings with her, he chooses to share one about love. I was like..... oooooo...kay. After that it was super awkward and they didn't speak again until they finished eating and he complimented her cooking.
Although there was insta-love, I'm glad the story did not focus on their relationship. It was definitely more about Caritas, the center that provides the charity chip to poor street kids.
Additionally, I liked that Julio performed fire baton juggling as a way to earn money on the streets. He wasn't a drug pusher or a criminal (except for that one time he was desperate and tried to steal food from an old lady to feed him and his brother). When some people write books about slums or otherwise less fortunate populations, they tend to stereotype the characters. There wasn't much of that in this book. So that was appreciated.
One of the few negative remarks I have is that there were too many quotes from Julio and Raul's mother. I understand that she was their only parent for a few years after their father was killed and they remember a lot of the things she used to tell them, but this story was PACKED with her sayings. At some points it was kind of annoying. I was also annoyed at the description of Carmen and the constant pointing out of her gap in her teeth. And the desk girl at Caritas and the constant pointing out of her clothing. Whenever they were mentioned, those things were usually mentioned as well.
Was Dr. Kozyar Russian? I feel like she was; I don't think they ever specified the nationalities of the foreigners.
I liked that all of the characters mentioned had an important role. Even the cop that picked up Julio in the beginning and the soccer fanatic criminal gang that Julio's brother Raul was associated with were significant. There was no fluff, everything had a purpose.
Also, just as a side comment, I must say that I feel like Julio was more than gracious and protective of Raul. I don't understand where his intense guilt comes from. I don't know that I would have tried as hard to save my twin sister (which, coincidentally, I do have one) if in those same situations. Like when Raul set him up... that would have been the end of my trust. I'd have been like "Nope... I tried, but you have gone to the dark side." Some people you have to love from a distance. Who chooses their friends over their brother? It's not like Julio was a horrible person and the gang was more family to Raul than Julio. *Shrugs* He was a frustrating character and regardless of his self sacrifice I still didn't care much for him in the end. That's just my little rant on Raul.
I am satisfied with the way the book ended.
I could see this book being turned into a movie. I would definitely go see it.
This story grabs you right from the start. It is full of drama, makes you want to give your kids a hug,. What would you be willing to do if your starving. Also wants me to keep cash on hand and if see kids begging to help some. It opened my eyes. I did guess pretty early about what they were doing really. Did not stop till I had read the story.
I liked Julio. He is a strong character that was trying to survive and take care of his twin brother. Julio is a orphan. He wants to be a doctor some day. He remembers what his mother had taught him and tried to balance what he was taught with his promise to take care of his brother.
Julio juggled with fire batons trying to earn money. Most everyone was chipped and did not carry money any more. It was harder for orphans to survive.
Raul was Julio's twin brother but he turned to a gang for survival and wanted Julio to join too.
Caritas was a charity that helped some children. They had a lot of rules. They made the kids get a medical exam before they could join. They made the kids get chipped. They fed them, were educating them and controlled what they could eat and drink.
Caritas hoped to expand in other countries and more kids. They worked with the UN.
The book was entertaining but it sure made me think about so many different issues and made me want to help more.
I was given this ebook to read by Cedar Fort Publishing. In return I agreed to give a honest review and be part of The Charity Chip blog tour.
I think I am the only person that did not love this book!
The plot is good; the story idea and foundation solid. But the editing is awful (at least 8 or 9 times I noticed missing words in sentences) - I thought maybe it was an ARC, but it is a circulating finished edition. So many things don't make sense (I will list below in a spoiler section) that the holes in the story seem laughable.
I also did not like when Julio asked Angelica why she let the cop grope her, and she said she had no choice. His response was that she always has a choice, and she said only if you are a guy. Something about the conversation rubbed me the wrong way.
Also, just reading the summary of the book tells you something is bad about Caritas ... But it takes forever to figure out what that is and for Julio to doubt the organization. I read this for a committee I am on - I don't think it meets the caliber for the list, but in general it was fun and an easy read.
Spoiler space ...
1. Isak never finds out about Raul while Julio is trying to hide the fact he has a twin. Not only do other people know that are related Caritas, but Isak did a super fast search on Dr. B and found out everything about him. He never did background on the people he had join Caritas?
2. Dr. B would never have given Graciela's medical folder to the kids, ESPECIALLY knowing they were going to police, then say he didn't want to jeopardize his job.
3. Why wouldn't Commander U rat the kids out? He was a jerk till the end.
The plot is good; the story idea and foundation solid. But the editing is awful (at least 8 or 9 times I noticed missing words in sentences) - I thought maybe it was an ARC, but it is a circulating finished edition. So many things don't make sense (I will list below in a spoiler section) that the holes in the story seem insurmountable.
I also did not like when Julio asked Angelica why she let the cop grope her, and she said she had no choice. His response was that she always has a choice, and she said only if you are a guy. Something about the conversation rubbed me the wrong way.
I read this for an award committee, and I while I think it was fun and quick and adventurous, it just didn't seem to make par. It's appropriate for most teens, and is pretty clean.
Spoiler space ...
1. Isak never finds out about Raul while Julio is trying to hide the fact he has a twin. Not only do other people know that are related Caritas, but Isak did a super fast search on Dr. B and found out everything about him. He never did background on the people he had join Caritas?
2. Dr. B would never have given Graciela's medical folder to the kids, ESPECIALLY knowing they were going to police, then say he didn't want to jeopardize his job.
3. Why wouldn't Commander U rat the kids out? He was a jerk till the end.
If readers are weary of dystopia, this slightly futuristic book might bring them back into the genre. I found the premise to be 100% believable: in a cashless society people have chips . The chips link to bank accounts and are used to pay for everything. Sounds great, unless you are a street kid juggling flaming batons for tips. Caritas, a charitable organization, offers a solution: chips implanted into the bodies of orphaned street kids. The kid are provided with all of their basic needs as well as an education. The chip allows the kids some autonomy and gets the money right to those who need it most. The catch, and there is always a catch to these things, is much trickier than I originally thought. The plot is well constructed, solid characters and a great sense of place
If readers are weary of dystopia, this slightly futuristic book might bring them back into the genre. I found the premise to be 100% believable: in a cashless society people have chips . The chips link to bank accounts and are used to pay for everything. Sounds great, unless you are a street kid juggling flaming batons for tips. Caritas, a charitable organization, offers a solution: chips implanted into the bodies of orphaned street kids. The kid are provided with all of their basic needs as well as an education. The chip allows the kids some autonomy and gets the money right to those who need it most. The catch, and there is always a catch to these things, is much trickier than I originally thought. The plot is well constructed, solid characters and a great sense of place
Julio is an orphan. He is trying to provide for himself and his brother but its getting harder because of the implantation of money chips. People do not have change to give to an orphan because its all on a chip. Julio has the opportunity to be implanted with a chip for Free. Free food and free showers. It seems like a dream come true. However, he find out a big secret for the chip and now has to find a way to uncover the truth of the chip before anyone else get hurt. This book grabs you from the start and keeps you hooked till the end. I can see this book being turned into a movie. I would command this book for anyone.
I enjoyed this book. It had a unique setting and storyline that was well told and kept me interested throughout. There was one point well into the story where it was suggested that one of the main antagonists wasn't fully aware of what he was involved with or it's real purposes. That surprised me and didn't quite make sense since it seemed to me his actions previous to that point and after proved his shady character. Overall I enjoyed the perspective and thought the book was thought provoking. It has lots of topics for discussion...would be a great book club read.
Filled with beautifully written descriptive details you will feel the emotions of each character...especially Julio-
Life can be hard and sometimes it looks like you have found a way to make it better...But is it truly the better way?
Once you start this book don't plan on doing anything else for it will capture you and hold your attention and you will not be able to put it down until you reach the very end :)
The Charity Chip is both suspenseful and captivating. Julio is an orphan youth trying to survive the streets of Lima. While struggling to stay alive and keep a promise to his mother before she died, Julio finds himself in trouble with the law. A foreigner steps in to help but, is it too good to be true? Brock Booher creates a relevant story with twists and social commentary that really makes you think. I highly recommend this book and look forward to a sequel.
Experience the journey of an orphan boy who is trying to survive and rise above all of life's obstacles and come out ahead. I was both fascinated and scared with how corrupt any social system can be when it comes to people who will not allow anyone to come before their own agenda, regardless of the cost.
Booher’s strong narrative style allows the reader to glide through The Charity Chip at an easy, enjoyable pace. He throws the reader into the gritty slums of Peru and asks how much of our inherent rights and freedoms are we willing to give up in exchange for assurances of comfort and security?
I really enjoyed this book. I was intrigued to the very end. And reading about the children in third-world countries going hungry made me more grateful for each meal I have! A great read.