Although at first this book seems like a regular dystopian universe story - you have a controlling government, regulations that break individuals into conformity, but after the first few pages it is apparent this is not the case. Tally, the main character, is the one who breaks out of the society, but it a major part of the story is the analysis of the behavior of her and the people around her. Also, Westerfeld uses proven and existing phenomena like rules of conformity and aesthetics in his book to describe many of Tally's thoughts. The narration style is unique, and the sci fi elements broaden the range of readers who appreciate this book. In Tally's society, you get surgery to be what is classified as "pretty" when you are 16. What they don't know is the surgeons put lesions in your brain that prevent youfrom fighting or arguing. Tally and her friends discover this and many secrets of the government, and along the way she has a complicated relationship with the leader of the rebels while fighting off government agents with technology Westerfeld creates using existing technology. This is a great read for people who love anything from exciting romances to alternate universe stories.
Rachana Balasubramanian, Period 7/8
I've always wanted to read this book and I wanted to take the risk of reading something other than realistic fiction. I love how this seems like a twist on romance and alternate universe stories. I wonder what other secrets these kids discover and how it all ends.
ReplyDelete-Yuliya Hapiak (period 4)