Unwind (unabr.). 9 CDs. 10:16 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-7308-7. $97.97.
Gr 7 Up—Set in the future, the second civil war is fought over abortion. To end the war, a compromise is reached that ends the practice of abortion but creates an alternative called “unwinding.” Between the ages of 13 and 17, parents or guardians can choose to have their children unwound, which involves having every part of their bodies harvested to be “donated” to another person so, technically, they don’t really die. The complex and compelling plot follows three teens whose stories intertwine when they escape while on their way to the harvest camps. Fifteen-year-old Connor’s parents can no longer control him. Lev, a tithe, was raised by religious parents for the sole purpose of being unwound. Risa, a ward of the state, is a victim of shrinking budgets since she is not a talented enough musician to be kept alive. Neal Shusterman’s engrossing novel (S & S, 2007) is narrated in an even cadence and matter-of-fact tone that suits the author’s straightforward narrative style. His wide array of voices makes the involved story line, which is left wide open for what is sure to be an interesting sequel, easy to follow. This gripping, thought-provoking novel is guaranteed to lead to interesting discussions about abortion, adoption, organ donation, religion, politics, and health care.—Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Rocky Hill, NJ
Neal Shusterman's Blog 
March 30, 2010 at 6:21 am |
Loved this book
I didn’t do the audio book though if you just create their voices in your head they’ll probly sound better and aslo are you really to lazy to just read it yourself?
March 30, 2010 at 6:23 am |
Oh yeah and it’s 13-18 not 13-17
April 7, 2010 at 9:42 pm |
Cannor’s parents wanto to be rid of him because he’s a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanege 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 lives hang in the balance. if they can survive until their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.
April 21, 2010 at 7:43 pm |
Wow, I just finished reading this brilliant book about an hour ago, and it was absolutely amazing. I loved the way the book was written by switching narrators, and the story itself was both thrilling and disturbing (in a good way)
But something I find upsetting is that soon this fabulous book will be turned into a movie. From my point of view, when books are created into films it destroys the original feeling from the book. So far in every book turned into a movie, I have never felt the same connection to the story as i did while reading the book. Some examples are The City of Ember, Twilight, Cirque du Freak, and many othes. It will be sad that readers who have not read Unwind will have some actors face planted to each charactor insted of their imaginations creation.
Then again, perhaps Unwind could be the film that changes my stereotype against books turned into movies
May 3, 2010 at 7:13 pm |
I loved Unwind it was a painfully beautiful book. I felt like I was inside their heads looking through their eyes. Then suddenly I was infront of them it was like watching a movie in your head. When I finished the final chapter I was crying it was so beautiful an ending. It was a moving book. Currently I’m reading Everwild. Keep writing Neal!
October 31, 2010 at 8:34 am |
most of the time i listen to audiobooks while surfing the net, i love to multitask he he ..
October 13, 2011 at 9:28 am |
do u answer any of these there is nothing commented on any of theses
October 18, 2011 at 9:54 am |
Thanks for all of your notes, Heather. Unfortunately I’m too busy writing to be able to help you with your story, but best of luck to you!