Firstly, I believe Pearson's concept in the book is very well thought out and intriguing. I have never read a book with a concept concerning "BioGel" and the illegality and ethics of "bringing one back". It was very well played. All the other books I have read were about concepts currently present in society whereas the BioGel and neurochips factor was very new and cool. I would give her idea in the book a 5 out of 5.
The story was also a very good story. It included lots of things that could spark interest in any reader including ethics, law, and biology.
Ongoing MysteryI also appreciated her focus on getting all the readers to want to read the book. There are many many times where she mentions "the accident" when she never tells us what it is until about the last pages. It keeps the reader's interest and make the reader want to find out fast.
Critique
If there was something I would change about this book is the beginning to beginning-middle section. The first 130 pages or so were not so hooking. In fact, they seemed a little boring since Jenna's period of not knowing and not interacting was over 100 pages. Only after that, the reader is able to really get into the book and learn more about Jenna.
Influence on Society
I think the main influence Pearson is reflecting on society is ethical obligations to people. The reason to strive for another to live is very complex and can vary. The thoughts of Jenna displayed in the book influence the reader to think for themselves: what would you do/feel if you were in Jenna's situation; being illegal, not supposed to be living, not human?
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OTHER SOURCE REVIEWS
“…what will hold readers most are the moral issues of betrayal, loyalty, sacrifice, and survival.” —Booklist
^ I agree with this. The book certainly DOES hold readers to find out/test their morals.
“This novel is truly unlike any other I have ever read and is a breath of fresh air in the often predictable world of teen literature.” —ELLEgirl
^ I agree, the book is definitely a new and refreshing. I actually did not expect a story like Jenna's. It was quite surprising and well written.
“This is an amazingly powerful, thought-provoking, just brilliant novel.” —Teen Book Review
^ This book does send a surge through the reader about the brilliance of technology... but also it's morality effects and issues.
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So, overall, I would rate the book a 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. The novel itself is extraordinary, it's just a little hard to get into for the first 100 pages. Other than that, it's brilliant.
~ Amber
Sources used:
- http://www.whoisjennafox.com/reviews.html (this is the best source because the site and reviews were all compiled and collected by the author herself, Mary E. Pearson (see my 2nd blog post about her too!)
Very well written blog! I agree the first 100 pages of the book dragged on for a long time, I was actually beginning to lose interest in it but then it got really exciting. I feel like the climax came too fast compared to the slow approach in the beginning.
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