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Unwind by Neal Shusterman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Set in a future after a war between the pro-life and pro-choice factions. Parents can choose to "unwind" their disobedient children--in other words donate their live children as organ donors. This is the story of children who refuse to be unwound and try to escape a society that teaches unwinding is simply another plane of existence.

I found it to be a unique story and well written. I thought it would be predictable and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. As far as YA books go, it wasn't dripping with curse words, which I found a refreshing change. It's a controversial topic (abortion) that is handled well and provides fodder for thought-provoking discussions.

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The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Zombies! I picked up this book because it was on a list of dystopian YA lit that I've been working through. I did not expect zombies, fanatical religious orders and secluded villages. It is a somewhat unique story, but it feels a bit like Twilight in the prolonged internal dialogue with the female protagonist, constantly exploring her emotional turmoil. Let me read about some zombie slashing, not constant yearning for her bff's betrothed.

Also, I didn't like that she left so many loose ends unresolved. Where's my catharsis when I need it?

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