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Unwind is a dystopian thriller by Neal Shusterman that follows three teens on the run from a government that believes “unwinding,” or body harvesting, is an alternate solution to abortions and unwanted teens. Unwinding is also a choice for extremely religious families who want to tithe one of their teens. Although controversial in topic, this disturbing novel inspires deep thought about organ donation, abortion, and one’s personal right to make decisions regarding his or her body. This book is recommended for mature teens.
Story Overview
After America’s Second Civil War between the pro-life and pro-choice factions, a compromise was reached and called The Bill of Life. In this bill, any teens between the ages of 13-18 who are troublemakers, a ward of the state, or a tithe could be “unwound”. In other words, their bodies could be harvested for organ donation in order to give others the opportunity for a better quality of life. To be unwound was to continue “living” through another human being.
Connor, Risa, and Lev are three teens who are scheduled to be “unwound”. Connor is seventeen and according to his parents a troublemaker. Risa is sixteen, a talented pianist and a ward of the state, but she isn't talented enough for them to keep her alive. Lev is thirteen and the tenth child of a religious family. He is proud to be a Tithe until an opportunity to run away is presented and his church pastor tells him to run.
Through unusual circumstances, the three teens find one another, but Connor and Risa are separated from Lev and are taken to the Graveyard, a hiding place for teens on the run. Eventually, all three are captured by the police and are escorted to the Happy Jack Harvest Camp. Now their goal is to find a way to escape and survive until they turn eighteen. Eighteen is the magic number, and if a teen on the run can survive until that golden age, he or she will no longer be a target for unwinding.
Author Neal Shusterman
Neal Shusterman is an award-winning author who has been writing books and screenplays for more than twenty-five years. When asked about his purpose in writing Unwind Shusterman responded, “ Unwind intentionally does not take a side on any issue. My point was to point out the fact that there are two sides on all of these gray-area issues, and that’s part of the problem. You have to look at it from a different perspective.”
For more information about the author and his writing career, read Spotlight on Neal Shusterman.
The Unwind Dystology
Unwind is Book One in the Unwind Dystology. The complete Unwind Dystology includes the books Unwind , UnWholly , UnSouled and UnDivided . All the books are available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audio editions.
Review and Recommendation
Unwind is a classic study on the value of human life and personal choice. Who owns our bodies? Does the government have the right to determine whose life is more valuable over another? Although the storyline seems extreme, it is not unlike other classic novels such as 1984 and A Brave New World where the individual, in this case, teens, become subordinate to the state. However, in this story, the three teens are determined to fight back.
Without a doubt, Unwind is a disturbing read, but it is a thinking read. Questions about personal rights, especially teen rights, government power , and the sanctity of life flow through your mind as you read. Reading this book puts a new spin on organ donation and gives readers the opportunity to wrestle with difficult topics and think about their personal convictions on emotionally charged subjects. The publisher recommends this book for ages 13 and up. (Simon and Schuster, 2009. ISBN: 9781416912057)
“Interview with Author Neal Shusterman.” YA Highway .
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Book Review: Unwind by Neal Shusterman
22 comments:
Wow, this sounds like an intense book. It has a very similar theme to an adult book that I read earlier in the year, The Unit. I definitely want to give this book a try. Thanks for the review!
That sure is a unique cover!
This doesn't seem like my type of book but I love how thorough your review is! CEP
I've got this one on my TBR. I need to read it already.
Ohhh! Thanks for the heads up on this one! Sounds like a wicked cool concept.
I've been very curious about this one...and you've sold me. I'll pick it up next time I come across it. Fantastic review :)
Sounds awesome! Fantastic review :) You've left me quite curious about this one.
Ooh, I love the creepy cover. And I am a huge sucker for anything that can make me cry! I will be putting this on the TBR list. Thanks for the review!
Wow! I've never heard of this one! It sounds fascinating. I love reading about crazy societies like this. Great review. I'm honestly adding this to my Goodreads TBR list.
I'm a bit surprised there is a sequel coming out to this title. I thought it was fine as a standalone. I agree, really good, however un-nerving some parts are!
Nice! I won this book and haven't had a chance to get to it yet. My son saw it sitting there and may be reading it soon. Now, I can't wait to delve into it myself. Thanks! :) Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover
This sounds AWESOME! I added it to my TBR list, thanks for posting and great review!
Absolutely FANTASTIC review. I have never heard of this one and I don't generally read YA but this book is being added to my TBR list pronto. Thanks for the review and heads up. Happy Monday!
I have only heard *AMAZING* things about this book!! SOOOOOOO GONNA READ IT SOON!! =D =D
This story gripped me immediately, and it had been a while since I had reacted so strongly to a book as I did to that one. Parts of it make me feel physically sick they were so ... unimaginable. I think it raises a lot of interesting questions about the value of life and decisions that we make. I agree - I am a little worried about sequels sometimes.
Holy crud, that sounds super intense. I'm surprised that you find it appropriate for children (I believe you; you have no reason to lie about it- it's just surprising given the description).
I absolutely loved this book and I'm so glad that you did too. I had no clue about a sequel in works. SO looking forward to that! Thanks for the info!
This book sounds like one that I'd love. I love reading a good dystopia--And this one seems to fit that category. Thanks for your recommendation. I might have skipped it otherwise! Here from the CEP.
Kelli, I loved and appreciated your review so much, I have highlighted it on my blog here: http://psychoticstate.blogspot.com/2010/09/must-read-review-id-so-rather-be.html Thanks again for the fantastic review!!
Wow, you have me sold, it sounds great and frightening!
I've had this book one my 2 read list 4 ever! i guess i should bump it up on my list :D
I am so getting this book next!
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