Unwind by Neal Shusterman

In the book flap:

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.

Thoughts:

The book is very provocative in a sense that it plays with the issue of abortion, without really talking about it.

The story is set in a future after the Heartland War, a battle between pro life and pro choice groups. The war escalated to a point where "unwinding" was the only solution both groups would accept. Abortion being outlawed allowed children to live safely until they become teenagers. Before the age of 18, the parent or guardian can decide if their child will be unwound, killed and disassembled with his or her organs going to the sick and injured.

It's a gripping story about life and displays the will to live. With all the dystopian fiction craze going, I think this is one book that shouldn't be missed.

Photo by: Cory Doctorow, (cc) some rights reserved

The book doesn't explicitly take sides, but it drags you to the the issue and the possible underlying issues that could come to exist. We see how actions can lead to consequences and how something absurd could become logical.

Photo by: Chuck Patch, (cc) some rights reserved

To be honest though, I can hardly imagine being pregnant at this stage in my life. Sometimes these things are just difficult experiences and depending on how people look at it, every decision has an effect on people in varying degrees. Maybe options like these became an option because we've evolved to justify our fears.

Photo by: Mahalie Stackpole, (cc) some rights reserved

Photo by: Sarah Deer, (cc) some rights reserved

The book has just so many levels, I could read it again and discover something new. Simply said I loved it and I hear that a movie is in the works. While it's still a bit far off, check out this really cool fan made trailer.