The Shuteyes

by Mary James

A boy is carried off by a giant one-eyed parrot to the planet Alert, where sleeping is a crime and those caught in this activity are contemptuously called "shuteyes."

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens

167 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

A master of fiction for young adult, middle-grade, and even adult readers, the authors known as Mary James, M.E. Kerr, Ann Aldrich, M.J. Meaker, and Vin Packer were all born Marijane Meaker in 1927. “The idea of a pen name always fascinated me,” she explains, “because it is your only chance to name yourself. Sometimes when I am giving writing workshops for kids, I get them to name themselves. I think everybody likes disguises.”

James continues to write for all age groups, on all subjects, in a signature style that combines realism and topicality with humor and sensitivity.

Reviews

[Joe Santoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books as a kid. I still like the themes and the characters. Short read, as it is a kid's chapter book, but still deals with some dark issues.

[Brencis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this book is so weird and I loved every single second of it.

[Rachel Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bizarre read that instilled in me a desire for a pet parrot and caused me to savor every moment of sleep. But I loved it.

[Bethany Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been searching for this book for almost 20 years. It's a read that stuck with me and really encouraged my love for sci-fi. I'm so glad to have found it.

[Captnamerca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird like Modelland but not as revolting.

[Jessica]

I read this once years ago as a kid. As far as I remember, it's about a planet where sleeping is against the law, and everyone frowns on it. But some people find they get sleepy and can't help it, so they sleep in secret. Some of the secret sleepers are the most vehemently against the idea of sleeping. I think there was also in underground pro-sleep movement.

The only reason this book has stuck in mind as an adult is I can't help wondering - is sleep supposed to be a metaphor for being gay? I want to reread it from that point of view. Maybe if i reread it it would be obvious, but I was a young kid when I read it and now I don't have a copy handy.