Unwind by Neal Shusterman

I won this book from Charmaine Clancy (ages ago) at Waggin' Tales.  Thanks to her and I wish I would have gotten to this book sooner.  Here's a bit about it from Mr. Shusterman's site: 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, and kept together by desperation, 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 them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.

My Take

Wow, this book made me think a LOT!  The thought of unwinding a child and parsing their organs out to all sorts of people was thought provoking to say the least.  I would never do anything like that and don't think it's right, but the whole scenario really gave you pause to consider.  It was easy to get drawn into the world of Unwind and pulled along with the story.

Connor is a bit of a trouble-maker but he's also a teenage boy.  I really felt for him.  Risa is a very accomplished pianist who has the misfortune of living in a StaHo (State Home).  She in no way should be unwound.  None of them should actually.  Certainly not the answer.  And Lev.  To tithe a child and just give him up as a sacrificial person without even thinking twice is horrible.

This story was a terrific suspenseful read.  I enjoyed it and would recommend it.  I'm giving it 4 tightly wound kisses! : )