Unwind by Neil Shusterman

Unwind by Neil Shusterman; November 2007.

Unwind is a unique story about a future in which teenagers can be retroactively "aborted" (although that word is seldom mentioned in the story) by parents when the parents sign an "unwind" order. In the world of the novel, society has convinced itself that as long as ALL parts of a teenager are used as we currently use donated organs like hearts and lungs, then technically the teen isn't dead. He or she is just alive.... in pieces. This gruesome and almost psychotic view of life could be twisted into a rather grotesque novel, but Shusterman manages to pull beauty and true depth out of the concept.

This novel has a interesting premise that is sure to immediately hook teen and adult fans of science fiction. This is a true scifi novel as it takes a current scientific idea (organ donation) and adds to it with a "What if we could also..." scenario. (I call metaphorically this "extrapolating" with my students, but I have to admit I'm not sure that is a technically correct term!) Shusterman doesn't spend too much time explaining the science behind the story, but he does explain the history of unwinding as a practice and demonstrates the process is a truly gripping scene near the end of the novel. In fact, the unwinding scene was one of the most well-written in the novel-- it was truly disturbing, but not graphic or gratutitous. Shusterman seems to really want readers to consider the truth behind rhetoric and "doublespeak", not just shock them into buying his novel. He has a real grasp on the concept of "show, don't tell", which aludes many writers.

The premise and backstory act as the skeleton of the story, and the excellently rendered plot acts as the muscles- The story is continuously moving, never slow or boring. The plot is complex, but not vague or over-done. The novel is a true page-turner, as I wanted to discover what would happen next at every stage of the story.

Shusterman doesn't neglect character development, which is often a pitfall for novels with a potentially overpowering premise like this one. He concentrates on three characters rather than trying to focus on every character he presents, but manages to use those three characters as vehicles for characterization of many minor characters. For example, through Connor we learn about Roland, a bully, and the Admiral, a guilt-driven savior. Through Risa, we learn more about Connor. Through Lev, we are given a fascinating potrait of a recipient of "unwound" parts, Cyrus.

What I liked most about this novel was the fact that Shusterman based it on a very controversial and polarizing topic, but did not take a "side" in the debate. He does not seem to have an "agenda" as if often the case with scifi books that are based on contemporary political debates. He presents what he feels are the potential consequences of extreme thinking and behavior, and leaves it up to the reader to decide. He presents life as valuable and worth protecting, but also shows the danger of thousands of unwanted children.

This is sure to be a favorite of mine for years to come. In fact, I just finished it last week and already have a small group of students reading it-- I'll be re-reading it myself during the coming weeks as my students read it.

Classroom Applications

This novel is listed for ages 13 and up; I would recommend it for grades 7-10. The reading level may be too easy for classrooms of 11th and 12th graders, although I definitely think the content of the novel would be interesting to all ages (young and "old" adults alike).

Concepts/Topics: what does it mean to live, the danger of extremes, self-deception, maturity, social manipulation, choices

Literary devices/terms to teach: point of view, parallel plots, characterization (direct/indirect)

Potential Companion Works: The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer; The Giver by Lois Lowry; Anthem by Ayn Rand (frequently taught in 9th grade in NC).

Extension Questions:

1. How does Connor change during the course of the story? Explain, and give examples.
2. Describe Lev's spiritual journey throughout the novel. Do you think he will be a religious person in the years after the novel's events? Why or why not?
3. In what ways is the story of "CyFi" or "CyTy" significant, specifically to Lev but also to the overall story? Explain.
4. Unwinding has many consequences: for the unwinds and tithes, for the parents, for the people who receive the unwind's parts, for society, etc. Explain these consequences, then compare them. Who do you think has it "the worst"?
5. Do you agree with the Admiral's wife's decision to take him back? Why do you think she decided to accept his return?
6. Support both of these statements with evidence from the book:
The laws allowing unwinding will change soon.
The laws allowing unwinding will not change anytime soon.
7. Support both of these statements with RESEARCH (use the web for starters):
The events in this story could really happen.
The events in this story could not (or would not) really happen.