Unwind
2007 • 352 pages

Ratings111

Average rating4

15

Unwind follows runaway teens Connor, Risa, and Lev in a chilling dystopian world where abortion is illegal, but parents can choose instead to retroactively “unwind” their children between the ages of 13-17. Unwound teens are often troubled (Connor), unwanted wards of the state (Risa), or religious tithes (Lev); what they all have in common is that their bodies are systematically dismantled and the various organs purchased by the highest bidder. Rather than considered the end of life, however, unwinding is excused by society as living on in a different form, since 100% of an Unwind's body parts are required by law to be used as organ donations. This society, as you might expect, makes for plenty of teen runaways–and Connor, Risa, and Lev must make it to a place called “the graveyard” if they hope to hide out successfully until they reach the safe age of 18. Unfortunately, the graveyard turns out to be even more dangerous than the streets. A thrilling, heartbreaking book, Unwind will have you at the edge of your seat in a way that is thought-provoking rather than simply entertaining. I would recommend this book for both teens and adults.

March 18, 2012Report this review