Unwind

Unwind
by Neal Shutterman

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. -Back 'o the Book

This book was really easy for me to get into. With quick chapters that jumped around from multiple points of view, it was fast and engrossing. There was a whole world created that seems like it could be in the not too distant future. The characters were all real but I wish they had developed them a little more.

Sure it sounds kind of dark and it is a bit angsty, but wouldn't you be if your parents didn't want you anymore? I think a lot of people would love this story. I was particularly fascinated by the concept of unwinding and there is a very powerful scene where is describes the process of unwinding and the thoughts going through the kid's mind. Fantastic read. Can't wait for the next one!

-Recommended 

Warm Bodies

Warm Bodies
by Issac Marion

R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams.

After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world. -Back o' the Book

When I saw what this was about I got it as fast as possible and I loved it! R was lovable  in a dead sort of way. In pop culture there are tons of zombie books/movies/comics etc. that show them as incurable and mindless. This story has a fantastic twist to it while still being a zombie book (which I love). It's not very often that we get to hear the inner thoughts of a zombie.

While this book is more existential inner thought and less mindless killing, there is enough action to keep you satisfied. The book moves very quickly and can easily be read in one day, if you've got the time. There is also a movie coming out fairly soon but we all know the book will be better, so you should read it before it comes out!

*Warning* Lots of language and some sexual content.

-Highly Recommended