Review: Unwind

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Published: 2007 by Simon & Schuster
Version: Paperback
Obtained: Bought

The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.

First Sentence:
“'There are places you can go.' Ariana tells him, 'and a guy as smart as you has a decent chance of surviving to eighteen.'”

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OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS.

I’d heard amazing things about this book, but I never knew it would be AMAZING-SPECTACULAR-WONDERFUL-AWESOME!!!

After a second civil war over abortion, a compromise is reached. Parents could not abort their babies, but anytime between thirteen and eighteen, the parents could decide to have their child unwound. The authorities keep pro-lifes under control by saying that “unwinding” doesn’t REALLY kill the child. Instead it’s a complicated organ donation/transplant process, by which every part of the child is used for other people who need the parts. This is a story of Connor, Risa, and Lev. They all have different opinions, feelings, and reasons about/for being unwound. Connor’s parents can’t control him, and so they decide to have him unwound. Risa is an orphan and isn’t talented enough to “waste” resources on. Lev is being unwound as a tithe, someone born TO BE unwound, a sort of religious sacrifice.

I know this sounds completely crazy and horrible and demented and scary.
It is.
That’s what makes it so good. The concepts, the originality, the themes, everything in this book just screams at you to decide how you feel about abortion and death and organ transplants. Just everything is so controversial.

I have never been so engrossed in a book (except maybe Mockingjay). I couldn’t stop reading.

Neal Shusterman is a literary genius. Not only is his concept creative in itself, but he presents it with stark realism and talented writing.

I’m not sure what else to say to make you read this.
For the romantics, know that there is romance, but not too much, so it still appeals to guys.

If you HAVE read this, I would love to know what you think! Comment and tell me what you think about this book! :)
If you HAVE NOT read this book, JUST GO READ IT.

I could not more highly recommend a book.

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Content Warnings: The topic is tough and often discussed blatantly. Kissing, attempted “rape” (not sure if that truly was the intent…but he manhandles her), and violence.

Rating: