Unwind (Unwind Trilogy #1)
User reviews
23 reviews
Overall rating
4.5
Plot
4.5(23)
Characters
4.7(6)
Writing Style
4.3(6)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A(0)
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Scary and gripping
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by mlecompt
After the war between the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life factions a compromise was made: it was decided that life begins at conception, but when a child is between the ages of 13 and 18 a parent or guardian can have him or her unwound. This means that almost all of the unwind's body parts will be used to replace other peoples' parts and the unwind will live on in essence.
Connor has always had a temper and causes a lot of trouble for his parents. They decide it would be easier to have him unwound. Risa lives in a state home, but she doesn't display enough talent in any area to allow her to survive budgets cuts, so she is slated to be unwound. Levi is from a very religious family that tithes ten percent of everything, including their children. He is going to unwound as a tithe. This book follows each of them as they try to escape their fates.
This book was very good, but very hard to read. It's difficult to imagine a world in which parents can send their troublesome teens away to be harvested for body parts, but Shusterman makes it real. The three main characters are compelling and they all grow a through the book. For me, the most interesting character was Levi. He is brought up believing that being tithed is a wonderful thing and he is doing it in the service of God, but when he doesn't end up at the harvest center as planned his entire world-view is thrown into question and he invents a whole new persona to cope with this loss. I highly recommend this book.
After the war between the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life factions a compromise was made: it was decided that life begins at conception, but when a child is between the ages of 13 and 18 a parent or guardian can have him or her unwound. This means that almost all of the unwind's body parts will be used to replace other peoples' parts and the unwind will live on in essence.
Connor has always had a temper and causes a lot of trouble for his parents. They decide it would be easier to have him unwound. Risa lives in a state home, but she doesn't display enough talent in any area to allow her to survive budgets cuts, so she is slated to be unwound. Levi is from a very religious family that tithes ten percent of everything, including their children. He is going to unwound as a tithe. This book follows each of them as they try to escape their fates.
This book was very good, but very hard to read. It's difficult to imagine a world in which parents can send their troublesome teens away to be harvested for body parts, but Shusterman makes it real. The three main characters are compelling and they all grow a through the book. For me, the most interesting character was Levi. He is brought up believing that being tithed is a wonderful thing and he is doing it in the service of God, but when he doesn't end up at the harvest center as planned his entire world-view is thrown into question and he invents a whole new persona to cope with this loss. I highly recommend this book.
Shockingly Good
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by the book muncher
Imagine life in the future. The Second Civil War, also known as The Heartland War has been fought and eventually resolved by certain constitutional amendments known as The Bill of Life. So while human life may not be touched from conception until the age of thirteen, a child may be retroactively aborted between the ages of thirteen and eighteen. This process, known as unwinding doesnt technically end life, but separates all the body parts to be used for medical transplants. In this futuristic society, unwinding alters the meaning of life.
Unwinding is the fate set for three teens that meet by chance. Connor has always been a troublemaker, and his parents have finally had enough. Risa is a ward of the state, and budget cuts have forced Risa into this situation. Lev is the only one of the three who doesnt see unwinding as a terrible thing; rather, as a tithe, he accepts that being unwound is his purpose in life. In a deadly car crash, these teens escape the fate that awaits them at harvest camps and flee for their lives (although Lev is more of a kidnappee). In this incredible and thought-provoking novel, Neal Shusterman questions what it means to be human and the value of life.
Unwind may see like just a unique action novel, but it is so much more. The desperation, danger, and running-for-your-life sequences may thrill the action lover, but the story is more profound than that. It was actually quite difficult for me to read this novel because of the horrible atrocity called unwinding. Half the time, I couldnt even believe how inhuman some of the characters were to commit these morally wrong acts. What relieved me, though, was that for every bad thing, there was something good; the random acts of kindness strangers performed for the fugitives sometimes brought tears to my eyes. This novel revolves around the controversial topic of the pro-life/pro-choice debate, because it focuses on the sacredness of life. However, Shusterman does not take the topic from a religious or scientific perspective, but bases this book around moral everyone should have: everyone deserves the right to live and not just in the scientific sense that all your body parts are functioning, but living as a whole. All this was channeled into the lives of runaways who were slated to be unwound in this unforgettable story.
I cant really explain how amazing this novel was; youll just have to read it for yourself to understand. Just know that although most of the novel was pretty depressing, the story ends on a hopeful note. Fans of The Host by Stephenie Meyer, the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld, and Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer will also enjoy this novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Imagine life in the future. The Second Civil War, also known as The Heartland War has been fought and eventually resolved by certain constitutional amendments known as The Bill of Life. So while human life may not be touched from conception until the age of thirteen, a child may be retroactively aborted between the ages of thirteen and eighteen. This process, known as unwinding doesnt technically end life, but separates all the body parts to be used for medical transplants. In this futuristic society, unwinding alters the meaning of life.
Unwinding is the fate set for three teens that meet by chance. Connor has always been a troublemaker, and his parents have finally had enough. Risa is a ward of the state, and budget cuts have forced Risa into this situation. Lev is the only one of the three who doesnt see unwinding as a terrible thing; rather, as a tithe, he accepts that being unwound is his purpose in life. In a deadly car crash, these teens escape the fate that awaits them at harvest camps and flee for their lives (although Lev is more of a kidnappee). In this incredible and thought-provoking novel, Neal Shusterman questions what it means to be human and the value of life.
Unwind may see like just a unique action novel, but it is so much more. The desperation, danger, and running-for-your-life sequences may thrill the action lover, but the story is more profound than that. It was actually quite difficult for me to read this novel because of the horrible atrocity called unwinding. Half the time, I couldnt even believe how inhuman some of the characters were to commit these morally wrong acts. What relieved me, though, was that for every bad thing, there was something good; the random acts of kindness strangers performed for the fugitives sometimes brought tears to my eyes. This novel revolves around the controversial topic of the pro-life/pro-choice debate, because it focuses on the sacredness of life. However, Shusterman does not take the topic from a religious or scientific perspective, but bases this book around moral everyone should have: everyone deserves the right to live and not just in the scientific sense that all your body parts are functioning, but living as a whole. All this was channeled into the lives of runaways who were slated to be unwound in this unforgettable story.
I cant really explain how amazing this novel was; youll just have to read it for yourself to understand. Just know that although most of the novel was pretty depressing, the story ends on a hopeful note. Fans of The Host by Stephenie Meyer, the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld, and Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer will also enjoy this novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Amazing
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Hedgi
While a bit creepy, Unwind is a wonderful book. Its charatars are crafted with detail, the Plot is thrilling, and the very way it is written is stunningly beautiful and captivating. I truly felt the pain, joy, fear, sorrow and hope of Lev, Connor and Risa. This is a book that belongs on all shelves.
While a bit creepy, Unwind is a wonderful book. Its charatars are crafted with detail, the Plot is thrilling, and the very way it is written is stunningly beautiful and captivating. I truly felt the pain, joy, fear, sorrow and hope of Lev, Connor and Risa. This is a book that belongs on all shelves.
Intensely Thought-Provoking
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by mearley
One of the best YA books I've read this year!
In a future society, following a war between the pro-life and pro-choice factions, a compromise is reached: Life is sacred from the moment of conception to age 13; between age 13 and 18, parents may choose to "unwind" the child. "Unwinding" means that every part of the teenager will be reused in another human's body; theoretically, the child does not die since every part is still alive in another body. The scariest aspect of this book is that nothing is really that implausible.
Unwind focuses on three runaway teens marked to be unwound. If they can stay alive and hidden until their 18th birthdays, they will not be unwound. As they hide from authorities, sometimes alone, sometimes with the help of an underground network of helpers, they grapple with questions like "Is being unwound the same as dying?" and "What happens to your soul if you are unwound?"
This book was very similar in theme to The Adoration of Jenna Fox, although quite different in style. Both books will appeal to students and adults who don't mind being faced with tough moral questions.
One of the best YA books I've read this year!
In a future society, following a war between the pro-life and pro-choice factions, a compromise is reached: Life is sacred from the moment of conception to age 13; between age 13 and 18, parents may choose to "unwind" the child. "Unwinding" means that every part of the teenager will be reused in another human's body; theoretically, the child does not die since every part is still alive in another body. The scariest aspect of this book is that nothing is really that implausible.
Unwind focuses on three runaway teens marked to be unwound. If they can stay alive and hidden until their 18th birthdays, they will not be unwound. As they hide from authorities, sometimes alone, sometimes with the help of an underground network of helpers, they grapple with questions like "Is being unwound the same as dying?" and "What happens to your soul if you are unwound?"
This book was very similar in theme to The Adoration of Jenna Fox, although quite different in style. Both books will appeal to students and adults who don't mind being faced with tough moral questions.
One of my favorite books!
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Banana Split
"Neal Shusterman's harrowing new novel, UNWIND, is set in the years following the Second Civil War in the United States, also known as the "Heartland War." Shusterman imagines a world in which today's debates over abortion ultimately lead to armed conflict, in which pro-choice and pro-life armies clash.
Just like today's wars of words over the abortion issue, however, there can be no clear winners or losers in such a conflict. Instead, at the close of the war, the two sides come to a compromise that fails to adequately address the situation. As a result of the agreement, abortion is outlawed, and there is a place for every baby, wanted or not --- either at one of the State Homes or on the doorstep of other families, who are legally obligated to take care of each of these "storked" babies.
That is, until they are 13. At this point, any children who are unwanted can be, effectively, retroactively aborted. They're not exactly killed. Instead, their body parts live on, thanks to recent medical advances that enable every single body part --- from hair to feet to internal organs --- to be donated to others who need (or at least can afford) them. From the age of 13 until 18, millions of kids are at risk of undergoing this procedure, of becoming "unwound."
No one knows the dread of this situation or the contradictions inherent in the new social order better than the three teens at the heart of Shusterman's thought-provoking novel. There's Connor, a troublemaker whose parents find it easier to sign an unwind order than to deal with his disruptive tendencies. There's Risa, a ward of the state whose excellent piano playing abilities are not quite enough to save her from unwinding in the face of budget cutbacks. And there's Lev, whose parents are unwinding their tenth child as part of the church's mandate to tithe, or to give one-tenth of their earnings back to the community.
Even Lev, who might agree with unwinding on a philosophical level, finds it hard to accept the reality of being unwound. And when he, Connor and Risa learn the stories of countless others who face the same terrifying outcome, the three teens become desperate enough to seek any alternative to what appears a certain, horrifying fate.
Shusterman's extrapolation of current political tensions into a horrific dystopian vision results in a riveting portrayal of a future that could, however terrifying, still seem a real possibility. His comprehensive examination of a world in which a single moral issue results in countless questionable moral actions gains a human face in the person of these three young people, whose compelling personal stories will draw readers in. In fact, this human dimension is one of the reasons UNWIND is simultaneously enthralling and repelling, as harrowing descriptions of capture and unwinding procedures result in a narrative that will engage readers with every fiber of their bodies --- shocking their hearts and emotions even as it engages their minds."
--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl
"Neal Shusterman's harrowing new novel, UNWIND, is set in the years following the Second Civil War in the United States, also known as the "Heartland War." Shusterman imagines a world in which today's debates over abortion ultimately lead to armed conflict, in which pro-choice and pro-life armies clash.
Just like today's wars of words over the abortion issue, however, there can be no clear winners or losers in such a conflict. Instead, at the close of the war, the two sides come to a compromise that fails to adequately address the situation. As a result of the agreement, abortion is outlawed, and there is a place for every baby, wanted or not --- either at one of the State Homes or on the doorstep of other families, who are legally obligated to take care of each of these "storked" babies.
That is, until they are 13. At this point, any children who are unwanted can be, effectively, retroactively aborted. They're not exactly killed. Instead, their body parts live on, thanks to recent medical advances that enable every single body part --- from hair to feet to internal organs --- to be donated to others who need (or at least can afford) them. From the age of 13 until 18, millions of kids are at risk of undergoing this procedure, of becoming "unwound."
No one knows the dread of this situation or the contradictions inherent in the new social order better than the three teens at the heart of Shusterman's thought-provoking novel. There's Connor, a troublemaker whose parents find it easier to sign an unwind order than to deal with his disruptive tendencies. There's Risa, a ward of the state whose excellent piano playing abilities are not quite enough to save her from unwinding in the face of budget cutbacks. And there's Lev, whose parents are unwinding their tenth child as part of the church's mandate to tithe, or to give one-tenth of their earnings back to the community.
Even Lev, who might agree with unwinding on a philosophical level, finds it hard to accept the reality of being unwound. And when he, Connor and Risa learn the stories of countless others who face the same terrifying outcome, the three teens become desperate enough to seek any alternative to what appears a certain, horrifying fate.
Shusterman's extrapolation of current political tensions into a horrific dystopian vision results in a riveting portrayal of a future that could, however terrifying, still seem a real possibility. His comprehensive examination of a world in which a single moral issue results in countless questionable moral actions gains a human face in the person of these three young people, whose compelling personal stories will draw readers in. In fact, this human dimension is one of the reasons UNWIND is simultaneously enthralling and repelling, as harrowing descriptions of capture and unwinding procedures result in a narrative that will engage readers with every fiber of their bodies --- shocking their hearts and emotions even as it engages their minds."
--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl
Crazy plot... wow!
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Sara
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!
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!
unwind unwound
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by unknown
if i didnt know this was fiction id think it was real. it was extremeley uncomfortable finding all the connections between the book and real life situations. i think that the part of this book was realizing how strong your will to survive, and seeing to full extent how far people are willing to go to survive. seeing the story from many diffrent pionts of view kept you changing your mind throuhout the intire book. i have read many neal shusterman books, but this by far has to be my favorite.
if i didnt know this was fiction id think it was real. it was extremeley uncomfortable finding all the connections between the book and real life situations. i think that the part of this book was realizing how strong your will to survive, and seeing to full extent how far people are willing to go to survive. seeing the story from many diffrent pionts of view kept you changing your mind throuhout the intire book. i have read many neal shusterman books, but this by far has to be my favorite.
Unwind Closer to Reality
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by K. Moreau
A supposed time that is closer that one thinks where a war lead by abortion leads to a new law. This law says that no child can be killed under the age of 12. However, from the ages of 13 to 18 one can be "unwound", having their bodies being donated to other poeple. to the governemnet they are not dieing becacuse 99.4% of their bodies are still laive. This story however disproves this theory. This plot like the Downsiders is so close to reality that it might actually exist, the author even comes to show a real article from 2003 about it. There are so many debates about abortion these days it's really not that close to being impossible. There are no boring parts to this novel and it's extremely thought provoking. I would recommend this book to anyone but espcieally those who enjoy the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson.
A supposed time that is closer that one thinks where a war lead by abortion leads to a new law. This law says that no child can be killed under the age of 12. However, from the ages of 13 to 18 one can be "unwound", having their bodies being donated to other poeple. to the governemnet they are not dieing becacuse 99.4% of their bodies are still laive. This story however disproves this theory. This plot like the Downsiders is so close to reality that it might actually exist, the author even comes to show a real article from 2003 about it. There are so many debates about abortion these days it's really not that close to being impossible. There are no boring parts to this novel and it's extremely thought provoking. I would recommend this book to anyone but espcieally those who enjoy the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson.
The Line of Life - No Longer Debatable
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Katie Davidson
This is one of the most thought-provoking books I
have read in a long time. The issues presented are apparent in todays society
- except on a much, much smaller scale. Pro-life, or pro-choice. Now, I don't
know about anyone else who has read the book, but I find it difficult to
morally choose a "side" in these awful events.
The aftermath of the Second Civil war was
devastating, yet concise. It was fought over whether a woman should have the
right to abort a child or not. The armies agreed that there shall be no
termination of a fetus - but "Unwinding" is permitted. Unwinding is
the process of harvesting organs from children between the ages 13 and 18. The
condition was that all organs must be harvest - therefore the child is still "alive".
In my opinion, this is a very loose translation of the definition of living.
Unwind tells the story of three
children - all destined to be unwound. Connor is too difficult for his parents
to control. Risa is a ward of the state, and not talented enough to be of use
in this future society. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised,
predestined to be unwound for religious reasons.
Now, as I was first reading the book, I found these
scenarios completely outrageous and impossible. But as the story goes on,
I realized that scarily, this could occur - even if not in America. I warring
nation - desperate for compromise - will go to great lengths to preserve the
country and resources. While after this civil war, the country may have thought
it would be temporary solution to a ongoing problem. But my guess is
generations went on, not really caring about the Unwinds. It had become a
normal and accepted part of society - something that just happened. I believe
it was less of a matter of humanity and more of convenience - which is just as heart
wrenching as the difficult decisions made throughout the novel.
To this day, the line where life may begin is debatable from both sides.
But hopefully the horrible acts committed in this book will never be tolerated
in any sophisticated society.
~Katie, KY (14)
One Of The Greatest!!
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by bilquinc3
I thought this was one of the best books I have ever read. I read lots and lots of books but still only very few books I would consider to read over again. And this book was one of them. I thought it was sad and exciting all at the same time!
I thought this was one of the best books I have ever read. I read lots and lots of books but still only very few books I would consider to read over again. And this book was one of them. I thought it was sad and exciting all at the same time!
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