TL;DR
Unwind by Neal Shusterman follows three teens in a dystopian society where unwanted children are harvested for body parts. They escape this fate and go on the run, fighting to survive until their eighteenth birthdays.
What is Unwind about
Unwind, written by Neal Shusterman, delves into a dystopian world where society has sanctioned the 'unwinding' of unwanted teenagers for their body parts. The novel centers around three protagonists: Connor, a troublemaker whose parents decide to unwind him; Risa, an orphan being unwound to reduce orphanage costs; and Lev, whose unwinding has been planned since birth due to his family's religious beliefs. These three characters, brought together by chance and bound by desperation, embark on a perilous cross-country journey. They must evade those who seek to harvest their body parts and survive until they turn eighteen, after which they can no longer be unwound. Through this gripping narrative, Shusterman challenges readers to ponder profound questions about life, survival, and what it truly means to be alive.
Unwind 6 Key Takeaways
Connor's Unwinding
Connor discovers that his parents have signed the order to unwind him. In a desperate bid for survival, he runs away, marking the beginning of his journey.
Risa's Situation
Risa, a ward of the state, is scheduled to be unwound due to budget cuts in the orphanage. She escapes during a bus accident, joining Connor in his flight.
Lev's Destiny
Lev, raised in a strict religious family, was always aware of his fate as a 'tithe' and is prepared to be unwound as an act of religious sacrifice. His path crosses with Connor and Risa, altering his beliefs.
The Trio's Journey
Connor, Risa, and Lev navigate through a series of harrowing experiences, including hiding in the homes of sympathetic adults and surviving in a 'graveyard' for unwinds, all while evading capture.
Climactic Confrontation
The narrative reaches its climax when the trio is captured and sent to a harvesting camp. Here, they must confront their worst fears and make life-altering decisions to escape their fates.
Resolution and Transformation
By the end of the novel, each character undergoes significant personal transformation. Connor assumes a leadership role, Risa finds a new sense of purpose, and Lev redefines his beliefs. Their combined efforts lead to a rebellion against the unwinding system.
Top Unwind Quotes
- 'In a perfect world everything would be either black or white, right or wrong, and everyone would know the difference. But this isn't a perfect world.'
- 'The Bill of Life came to be because humanity was on the brink of extinction. It was a desperation move. It's like the survival instinct that kicks in when you're doing everything you can to stay alive.'
Who should read Unwind?
Unwind is ideal for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy dystopian fiction filled with suspense, ethical dilemmas, and complex characters. It's especially engaging for those interested in exploring the moral questions surrounding life and bodily autonomy.
Unwind Best Reviews
- Kirkus Reviews: 'A thought-provoking, well-paced read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats while pondering the moral and ethical dilemmas presented.'
- School Library Journal: 'Shusterman's world-building is intelligent and terrifying, and his characters are compelling and relatable, making Unwind a standout in the dystopian genre.'
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Unwind FAQs
What is the book Unwind about?
Unwind by Neal Shusterman is a gripping dystopian novel that explores a world where unwanted teenagers are harvested for their body parts. It follows three teens who escape this fate and go on the run.
What age is Unwind appropriate for?
Unwind is written for readers aged 12 and up. It is the first book in the 'Unwind Dystology' series published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Is Unwind a horror book?
Unwind is not strictly a horror book, but it combines elements of horror, survival, and rebellion within a dystopian framework. It has been compared to The Hunger Games and Divergent for its intense and thought-provoking narrative.