Classic Crave: House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Gripping. Easy to read and fun to read. Loved it. A definite recommend.

This is the empire of Matteo Alacran, a feudal drug lord in the country of Opium, which lies between the United States and Aztlan, formerly Mexico. Field work, or any menial tasks, are done by “eejits,” humans in whose brains computer chips have been installed to insure docility. Alacran, or El Patron, has lived 140 years with the help of transplants from a series of clones, a common practice among rich men in this world. The intelligence of clones is usually destroyed at birth, but Matt, the latest of Alacran’s doubles, has been spared because he belongs to El Patron. He grows up in the family’s mansion, alternately caged and despised as an animal and pampered and educated as El Patron’s favorite. Gradually he realizes the fate that is in store for him, and with the help of Tam Lin, his bluff and kind Scottish bodyguard, he escapes to Aztlan. There he and other “lost children” are trapped in a more subtle kind of slavery before Matt can return to Opium to take his rightful place and transform his country.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

I enjoy science fiction and this quick little classic was read for book group. Some interesting observations about human life. And I had a total flashback moment when it came to the short story “There Comes Soft Rains” as I vividly remember reading it in an English class. Good stuff.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

I really enjoyed this ya science fiction novel.

It’s well-written and an interesting premise. Four high school students are taken in to custody by the Department of Homeland Security after terrorist attacks in San Francisco. Marcus is interrogated and then returned home after four days, determined to get revenge upon the DHS. Since all communication is being monitored (via the Internet, cameras on the street, people’s Fast Track passes) he creates Xnet using an Xbox.

The author did a great job of creating/updating really a 1984-esqe drama that readers will relate with. Also, I really appreciated the way he gave back story about a particular piece of technology (such as cryptology or the DNS). The book ends with two afterwards – one from a security network and the other from the guy who hacked Xbox. Finally the author lists resources for more information. Very cool stuff.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

After taking a young adult literature class I realized I like science fiction books! So now that I’m in charge of selecting young adult books at my library, I’m trying to read at least one YA book a week. So this week’s pick is Unwind which appealed as both a YA novel and a science fiction novel.

In the not too distant future, parents can decide to have their kids “unwound” and their body parts are given to those who need them. Three different kids, each an Unwind for a different reason are brought together when they go AWOL. This intense novel explores deep issues – including where life begins, where life ends, trust, suicide bombers, and love (it is a YA novel after all).

I was pulled in from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down. Just when I thought it was getting predictable the author served up another plot twist which kept me wondering (and reading) what would happen next. Also, I was pleased the novel didn’t have a dramatic, happy ending. The ending was satisfying, and fit with the story that was being told.

A great read. Very thought provoking. Would be good for discussion.