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Unwind

(2007, Fiction - Science Fiction, Written by Neal Shusterman)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Disturbing sci-fi story describes gory teen death.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Parents condemn their child to death. An intended rape is foiled. A disturbing, though not graphic, scene of dismemberment while the victim is conscious but unable to feel or see what's happening. Some fights; a man is beaten to death. Deaths due to highway accident, suffocation, and terrorism. Spousal abuse mentioned. A man is knocked out with a blunt object; a near strangulation.
  • Sex:

    Several kisses.
  • Language:

    A few "hells" and the like.
  • Consumerism:

    An Old Navy store is blown up. Mention of iPods, Spam (the meat, not the mail).
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking and drunkenness; mention of illegal drugs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Unwind

Parents need to know that this science-fiction tale is set in a society that kills teens to obtain body parts for transplants. Amid other violence, there's a very disturbing (though not graphic) scene of dismemberment that makes this book inappropriate for tweens and younger children. Also, there is a small reference to a homosexual marriage.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the many issues raised in the book. What makes us human? Is a person alive if all of his body parts are alive? Where is the soul?

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Our Members Say

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  •  I think this book is

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See all 29 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    I like this book because it really makes you think about the value of human life.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models

    Awesome book

    My favorite book I've ever read, extremely good read.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models

    Loved It!

    I loved this book and think it's great for starting discussions. Some protective parents might have slight issues with it but believe me the benefits far outweigh the drags.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great lessons, but not for younger children or preteens.

    I enjoyed this book for it teaches us that one should treat their bodies with respect. However, I have some concerns about the amount of violence present in this novel which in my opinion are unsuitable for preteens and children.

  5. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    A Book Written by a Genius, ages 12 up

    Although disturbing, this book is a compelling read. The author never judges or takes sides in this story of a future gone wrong. It forces the reader to think about the value of life.

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