For the March book club, we met at Houlihan's in Richfield to discuss Unwind- a YA book that deals with reproduction rights in a futuristic, dystopian world. It was a page-turner and thus a quick read. It seemed to remind people of Never Let Me Go from last year or Delirium from this fall.
The adolescent characters in the book face being "unwound" for different reasons. Basically, their parents or the government has decided to harvest their organs to be transplanted to other people once they turn 18 because some of them are disobedient (Conor) or because they are being tithed (Lev) or they have no family (Risa). It's hard to read sometimes because the characters are likeable and we know their fate just as they do. The plot remains unpredictable, and the climax of the story is gripping and fulfilling for readers. We all agreed that the book was good and offers substantial material to be discussed and debated.
Many of us noted the political undertones (though not so "under") of this book. Erin and Amy H. pointed out how you could see the fringe of our society taking small steps and ending up in a place where an abortion alternative like being unwound starts to make sense. Jen Buckley noted that there was a horror aspect to the book that made her wonder if it's appropriate for some more sensitive adolescents and could she teach it to her 7th graders.
So, we leave winter behind and move into spring. Next month's book club is in St. Paul at my house. We will be discussing The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. Hope to see you then!
-amy
p.s. We had to meet at Houlihan's because Andi is homeless, or between homes, rather. Good luck moving, Andi. Happy New House!
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