Unwind ~ Neal Shusterman

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

From Amazon:In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would "unwind" them

4 stars

All I can say is Wow. I received this book as part of a giveaway at The Hunger Games Movie premiere. Just like The Hunger Games after reading the back I had no interest in opening the book. But since I loved The Hunger Games I figured I would give it a try, I'm so glad I didi. Unwind is a highly distirbing book placed in a future where the pro life and pro choice people have agreed to a sick and twisted answer to both of their problems. People as so naive that they think its morally ok to Unwind someone because their parts will live on. Since they probably need you to be of a certain size to make your parts use full, and teenagers are the worst in attitude, the age your parents can Unwind you is from 13-18. One wrong move and off you go. 
Now that their are no abortions, and it sounds like birth control must be out as well, it seems like there are very many unwanted pregnancies. These kids are either "storked" by being dropped off on some ones doorstep or they are dropped off at a state home. 
These state homes are filled with kids who will end up being Unwinds. If you are not exceptional then you will be used for spare parts. Freaky to say the least. I will say I don't find this world as believable as the world of The Hunger Games. I just can't imagine that the overly religious organizations would find it ok to Unwind people. That doesn't take away from the story for me, though. Shusterman has created a fractured reality that follows the lives of three children whose lives are scheduled to be over. His characters have depth and seep of the raw emotion teenagers their age should not have to face. His description of the Unwind process is so real I had to stop a few times so I would not be sick. Having had a C-Section and knowing what its like to have a doctor pulling at you, wondering what was going on, I know what an amazing job Shusterman has done with the explaining the process. 
This is a a book that might make your skin crawl, but its so well done how can you not at least try it? Well here is your chance. I actually got two copies of this book at the premiere so I'm giving one away! Just comment on this review with your name and email. I will choose a winner April 30th!