From the Bookshelf of YA and Beyond…

Unwind (Unwind, #1)

Neal Shusterman

Start date: May 1, 2010

Finish date: May 31, 2010

Discussion: MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSIONS

Why we're reading this: Won for May book read
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What Members Thought

Jul 04, 2011 Bridget rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars...It’s the future; the controversy between Pro-Life and Pro-Choice supporters has climaxed with the “Second Civil War”. After many deaths on both sides, the government offers up a solution and a compromise is reached, it’s called The Bill of Life. Now this is a horrifying compromise but as everything in life it becomes accepted by the masses, even an honor to some. Technology has come so far that doctors can now use 99.4% of a body, as in re-use on/in another person’s body. It’s humane 4.5 stars...It’s the future; the controversy between Pro-Life and Pro-Choice supporters has climaxed with the “Second Civil War”. After many deaths on both sides, the government offers up a solution and a compromise is reached, it’s called The Bill of Life. Now this is a horrifying compromise but as everything in life it becomes accepted by the masses, even an honor to some. Technology has come so far that doctors can now use 99.4% of a body, as in re-use on/in another person’s body. It’s humane, called a “divided state” and boasting that if your child is less than great then they could live to be great in other bodies. They feel they have solved many issues with this Bill Of Life, including a lack of organ donors and unruly disobedient, violent and even unintelligent teens.
It is told from many POV but there are three POVs that get the most page time. First would be Connor, the short tempered but good at heart kid. It’s easy to like Connor. He pretty much doesn’t put up with other people’s crap, but he also has a soft heart and a bit of a hero complex. I came to appreciate him as he grew and learned from his experiences and the people around him. Second is Risa, she is the level headed, strong female character that helps to balance Connor. She has had it rough and had to consistently outshine her peers in order to escape being unwound as she is a ward of the state and the state prefers to save money. Lastly there is Lev. From a large family and brought up to believe that Unwinding can also be an honor. He is proudly his families Tithe. At first he is difficult to like and connect with but as time goes on it looks like Lev will learn the biggest lesson of the three and in the meantime become a respectable individual. I really felt for these characters and the tension surrounding them was at times agonizing.
The ending was a bit tidy though. I went into this book knowing it will at the least have a sequel, however on the last page I wondered where is the cliff hanger; you know there is always a cliff hanger. No matter, I am looking forward to reading more, seeing what this little rebellion will face next. How will these kids change the future for the next generation and how will the powers that be in charge deal with the monster they have created.
Unwind is another book for my “best books I ever read” category. It was heart-pounding, fascinating, sad and appalling. Masterfully written, Shusterman has pulled out the stops and given us an extremely fast paced, gripping and suspenseful story of a dystopian future, where the government controls life so completely that the consequences are beginning to rear their ugly transplanted heads. This is a must read!
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