 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
(Re)Cycler
- By Lauren McLaughlin
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
So-so sequel mines more sex topics, adds more teen drinking.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that like the first book in this series, Cycler, this novel deals with themes of sexuality, gender, and relationships. There are sexual situations with descriptions (including mentions of teens trading partners and rating them and a girl trying to lose her virginity), lots of teen drinking, some swearing ("s--t" and "damn"), and very mild violence by way of a fist fight.
What's the story?
Jack and Jill inhabit the same body, well Jill gets it for most of the month and for four days a month Jack has a turn. This can make for some pretty sticky situations as most people aren't willing to accept a girl that turns into a guy when most girls just get their period. Jill had a "Jack episode" at prom and decided it was best to leave her small town for the Big Apple with her best friend Ramie, who happens to be Jack's girlfriend. Trying to find her way in a big city, coping with Jack's needs, and missing Tommy, her bisexual boyfriend, Jill has a lot on her plate. Will she ever find a way to be true to both sides of herself, her friendship, and her relationship with Tommy?
Is it any good?
After the action-packed, brain-twisting first novel, Cycler fans may be disappointed in (RE)CYCLER. Author Lauren McLaughlin still incorporates a wicked, witty voice to the piece as seen through the eyes of both Jack and Jill, but some of the sheen has rubbed off of this one. The book mainly centers around Jill's dating issues and mundane existence. Jack is struggling to find a place in a world he only exists for four days a month, while trying to maintain his relationship with Ramie. There are some intriguing characters and events that do perk the novel up in places, but the majority of this book feels like it's just a segue to the next one in the series.
The ending is open with plenty of possibilities of the next book, however, many readers will likely wish McLaughlin had finished this one first. True fans will hang on in hopes of a third book while those new to the series might want to start with the first one -- or they'll be as gender-confused as Jack and Jill.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about gender. What traits are attributed to each gender? Are these absolutes? Which ones are stereotypes?
How do you feel about Jill's journey to losing her virginity? How do feel about the advice her friends have given her? What advice would you give?
Jane and Ramie's friendship changes throughout the novel. How do you deal with changes in your friendships? What mistakes have you made? How have you learned from them?
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AGE
Idk.
Honestly i hate books that have anything to do with Bisexuality and Homosexuality. When they right these things in books, younger kids can read them and be a little curious. I mean thats a good thing but you will no if your attracted to the same sex. You wont need an influence. Like i know im straight. If you feel attracted to someone of the same sex, then go 4 it. But dont read a book that has to do with the subject and be like "Hmmm mabye i should try dating a girl/boy."
I hate that it could influence kids like that
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AGE
So many questions!
This is an interesting book that will definitely create questions about gender and sexuality in readers, regardless of their age. Younger teens (and probably a number of parents, too!) will need some help and discussion to understand exactly what is going on. I liked that Jack and Jill had allies who understood and supported them in a mostly realistic way, and that the complicated relationship between Jack and Jill and his/her parents rang very true. This book is an excellent platform for starting a dialogue about transgender and transsexual issues.
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| Author: | Lauren McLaughlin |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Random House Books for Young Readers |
| Publication date: | August 25, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 288 |
| Paperback price: | $8.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 17 |
| Read aloud: | 15 |
| Read alone: | 15 |
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