Today's book 07/08/2013

• Khoury, Jessica. ORIGIN

  Khoury, Jessica. ORIGIN New York : Razorbill, 2012 IL YA ISBN 1595145958 Deep in the Amazon, in a top-secret compound known as Little Cam, a group of scientists discovered a possible key to immortality. They have labored for years to create an immortal human with the thought of beginning a new human race. Pia, now 16, is the result of their work. She has lightning-fast reflexes, inexhaustible stamina, a quick mind, and a beautiful body impervious to sickness or injury. She is their perfect creation and has been carefully schooled and groomed by the scientists, whom she calls uncles. She is also a kind of lab pawn, and her adolescent still-human soul has started to chafe at and question the restrictions and isolation. When a storm causes a break in the electric fence, Pia ventures into the unknown jungle, where discovers Eio, a boy her age belonging to a nearby tribe. Oddly enough Eio speaks English, and, he knows more about Little Cam and the outside world than Pia. How could this be? Why are her uncles hiding so much from her? About that time a new scientist comes to work at Little Cam. She encourages Pia's curiosity and independence. Pia is going to uncover the secret discoveries and actions that led to her immortality. These will not bring her comfort. (New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Book Award, 2014)

  tags: podcasts blueduke ya isinglass

• Kincaid, S. J. INSIGNIA

  Kincaid, S. J. INSIGNIA New York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0062092995 Tom Raines life is screwed up. Dad is a down-on-his-luck gambler who loses more money than he wins, so often, Tom must win money for food and hotel room thru his prowess betting on the results of Virtual Reality games. His luck finds a turn - whether for better or worse is up to the reader to decide - when the government taps him for special training. His amazing gaming abilities will be used as a force for the Indo-American alliance in World War III. Since having battles on the earth would obliterate all resources, teenagers have been enlisted to fight space battles via VR type consoles. Tom agrees, but initially balks when the concept of an internal (as in brain) neural processor installation is discussed. However, he realizes the safety and protection of the Pentagonal Spire and the importance he will gain as a member of the Intrasolar Forces will finally show the world he has worth. But with all the speed and intelligence he has gained, what will he be asked to give up?Kincaid has given the YA environment a humorous glimpse at dystopia, to the point that at times I actually laughed aloud. As YA books can be way to serious & angst-y, particularly dystopia, humor is MORE than welcome. The books pages seemed to turn themselves as the reader watches Tom evolve from a short, gangly, acne-riddled kid into a tall, muscular, and confident teen. I totally disagreed with the Booklist review that Tom was a “flat character from a story-driven plot”; rather, I see much character growth and a character driven to make the best place for himself in his world. Technology and gaming abound in this book, which will delight the gamers visiting our libraries. (New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Book Award, 2014)

  tags: podcasts blueduke ya isinglass

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