Unwind

Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.

Summary: In Shusterman’s frightening dystopia, a law allows parents to have misbehaving children “unwound” between the ages of 13 and 18. The child is taken to a camp before finally being dismantled and used for donor organs. When Connor finds out his parents have decided to have him unwound, he runs away to try to survive on his own until he turns 18 and is safe from unwinding. Along his journey he meets Risa and Lev, two other unwinds with their own sad pasts. Together, they may be able to survive, and maybe even change the world.

Review: While the basis for this story seems unbelievable (who would agree to creating a law that allows children to be used for donor organs?) it isn’t actually too far away from things that have happened throughout history. If you can suspend your disbelief enough to give this book a chance, you will find that it is well-written, fast-paced, and scary without being graphic. The characters feel real, and the premise of the book is thought-provoking. If you enjoy dystopian fiction, and you’re looking for an exciting read, give this book a shot! I would recommend this book for mature teens and adults. Some content may be disturbing for younger readers.