Unwind by Neal Shusterman

The Scoop - Conner, Risa, and Lev come from very different backgrounds, but one thing brings them together in a fight for their lives - they are each classified as "Unwinds."  In this futuristic thriller, parents can have their teenage children "unwound" and harvested as parts for transplants.  Only surviving to age eighteen will ensure their escape from unwinding. 

The Story - Told from each main character's perspective, Shusterman crafts a thorough and compelling narrative. Each character presents his and her own side of the story. This approach by Shusterman fully draws the reader into each character's story.

Without delving too far into stances on divisive issues (like abortion), Shusterman spins a thought-provoking story that is sure to encourage discussion. 

I listened to the audio version of this book.  The voice actor, Luke Daniels, did an excellent job in capturing the varying teenage voices of the characters. 

Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Grand Haven, MI : Brilliance Audio, 2009

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Seventeen year-old Lucy has her whole life ahead of her until prom night changes everything.  The events of that night lead Lucy on a journey to discover her complicated family history, how to outsmart a vindictive fairy, and how to depend on the people she cares about to help her.

Impossible is a teen fantasy romance I would happily recommend to readers.  Werlin crafts an engrossing story with fantastical elements that are paranormal but not over the top.  Lucy comes from a long line of women who have been cursed with teenage pregnancy followed by madness.  After she is raped on prom night, Lucy discovers that she is pregnant and has only nine months to break the ancient curse. While the novel deals with some very scary issues like rape, Werlin handles these things without graphic content but with plenty of emotional punch.  The story is fast paced and the characters are artful constructed.  Lucy is a regular teenager who grows up quickly and must make many difficult choices.  Readers will easily identify with many of the "regular" teenage issues Lucy deals with and get food for thought on the larger issues.  The relationship between Lucy and Zach is a refreshing change from the "irresistible bad boy" that is so popular in teen romances.  Werlin shows what a relationship built on friendship can be like.

Impossible by Nancy Werlin
New York : Speak, 2009
Copy from Atlanta Fulton County Library