Review: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Publisher:Simon and Schuster
Date Published: 2007
Genre: Young Adult
Main Themes: Runaways, Suvival, Abortion(Pro-Life/Pro-Choice), Religion, Love,Family
Pages: 335
Plot:
From inside cover: "In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would "unwind" them...

Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family's strict religion. Brought together by chance, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can't be harmed - but when every piece of hem, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away."

WOW! This book was simply amazing! When I decided to read it, I never expected to find such depth and intensity.

Connor, Risa, and Lev are unbelievable characters - I found myself drawn to their stories right from the first pages of the book. Actually, I was hooked as soon as I read the "Bill of Life" before the story even began and I realized what the story was going to be about.

The story begins years after the "Second Civil War", which pitted Pro-Life supporters against Pro-Choice supporters. There is one passage in the book where Connor and Risa are in an antiques shop with items from Connor's grandfather's time, like iPods and flat-screen televisions. Connor, Risa, and Lev's world is much more advanced, and much darker, than the world the reader knows.

Unwind forces the reader to consider when life begins and what it really means to live... In the story, storking, unwinding, and tithing are all common, accepted occurances - and leave the reader questioning the sanity of this future society.

Unwind is narrated by each of the three main characters, and, when appropriate, by other characters. Shusterman's writing style made it easier for the reader to comprehend this foreign society and for the reader to better understand the actions of various characters. I especially liked parts where Connor or Risa narrated...

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality/Memorable: 10
Total: 50/50 (A)

It is hard for me to properly describe what goes on in the book or find the words to convey how amazing it is. I'm definitely recommending it to everyone...! It is just such an intense book and it really made me think about a lot of controversial issues, like abortion, adoption, religion, family, stem-cell research... so many different big issues all at the same time!

Neal Shusterman is the author of many books, but one that I have heard talk of most often is Everlost, which is soon to be adapted as a movie... I plan on reading that book as well, but in the meantime, I'll rave about Unwind!