What is it about girls and cyborgery? I've picked up several of these books recently, the latest being "Girl Parts" by John M. Cusick, but I've also read the "Specials" by Scott Westerfeld, "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary Pearson and "Skinned" by Robin Wasserman. Apparently in this age of texting and Facebook and smart phones, there're a lot of questions about how this affects us as human beings. In typical science fiction watchtower syndrome, there are warnings about the dangers of the ultra-linked world that has already arrived in some ways. Lots of folks have reviewed the latter three, so here's my review of "Girl Parts."
Gorgeous cover, right?
"Girl Parts" is about a Companion bot named Rose, who is designed to help David Sun overcome dissociative disorder, kind of like how teens have might to carry around a fake baby for health class. But Rose is an AI girlfriend, programmed to require certain kinds of interactions before she'll allow physical contact. And it seems to be working. David spends less time with his video games, and is eager to meet Rose's requirements so that things can progress to sex. Unfortunately...well, it is a YA book. When Rose's program to please David can't be completed, she has to find her own reason for existing.
The most interesting thing about this book was what it says about real relationships, and how sometimes people can get into patterns of thinking that are very robotic. Boy spends time with girl, thus girl is obligated to do XYZ. Rose's thoughts in some places were very poignant to me, but I don't want to spoil it for you. So, I'll just say that this book was worth reading, especially if you enjoyed any of the other books above.
If you're looking for a book for your teenager, I would highly recommend you preview it first. David is very concerned with losing his virginity, and while I imagine that his motivations are fairly realistic, it's a bit detailed for my taste in some places. But, I think the consequences of his actions are worthy of a good discussion. His choices are not glamorized, and the overall message is a good one.
Girl Parts came out in Aug. of this year, and I received this ARC (better late than never!) on loan from Around The World Blogs, which you can find in my side bar. Thanks!
Okay, so is the book written from both POVs? I loved The Adoration of Jenna Fox, but this one doesn't sound anything like that one. And yes, the cover is gorgeous, but the hook … it doesn't hook me. It sounds like a romance masquerading as sci-fi. Am I wrong?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Hey Myrna- It's written from David's, Rose's and Charlie's POVs (I didn't get into Charlie's character above, but he's basically a loner who eschews technology for the woods and who befriends Rose.)
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't romance. It was more social commentary about the way people can become more selfish as they become more "connected" through technology. Girl Parts was a more compelling story than Jenna Fox, imo. They had similar levels of science "stuff." I hope that helps. Thanks for the comment, Myrna. Let me know what you think if you read it.
Hey Kelly- Three POVs sound interesting. Did that make it confusing to read?
ReplyDeleteI agree, the cover is gorgeous.
Thanks for the review!
The story was told from third person, so it wasn't confusing at all. Nice to see you Jen!
ReplyDeleteWow - that is very young adult, but sounds realistic in terms of boys today who are addicted to video games but constantly think about sex and don't know the first thing about girls. Great premise and I agree with you about the cover.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one, but I've read most of the others you listed. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHi Steph and Elana- thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering my question. I might pick it up after all now.
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