UnDivided by Neal Shusterman

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Imagine a world where the United States has been devastated by a second civil war known as the Heartland Wars–fought over abortion. To end the war, a compromise is reached that has far reaching consequences no one quite understands. Abortion of a fetus is illegal. Unwanted babies may be storked–left on any doorstep where the finder must take in the baby. Imagine a world where medical technolog has increased to the point where any body part can be transplanted into a human. Even though abortion is no more, teenagers (between the ages of 13 and 17) can be harvested for their body parts through a process known as unwinding. They are not killed, just divided.

This is the world that Neal Shusterman has created from our worst nightmares as a society in the Unwind Dystology. UnDivided (Simon and Schuster 2014) is the fourth and final book in the series. As the story twists through the darkest shadows within the human heart, it surprises as much as it satisfies.

Connor and Risa are still on the run from the Juvenlie Authority (and every other branch of law enforcement and parts pirates), but they are together again. They may even hold the secret that has a chance to bring an end to unwinding–if all the pieces come together at just the right time in just the right way. Lev, the tithe turned clapper, is still searching for his place in the world. Starkey and his storks let loose a reign of terror on harvest camps, but Starkey is not as in control as he thinks. Nelson and Argent are out for revenge against the AWOLs. Hayden once again broadcasts his call for rebellion whereever he can steal a few airwaves. Even Camux Comprix is determined to bring down the company that created him before they can fulfill a plan that takes the evil of unwinding to another level.

I find this series a difficult one to read–The issues of life it raises are ones that probe deep into thought and emotion—but I find it impossible to put down. The alternating points of view allow the reader to piece together the story along with the characters. None of them have the whole picture. Even though there are definite good guys and bad guys, their motivations are mixed–even the parts pirates have standards of a sort. Okay, maybe Proactive Citizenry is entirely evil. Some of the most frightening aspects of the books are the political advertisements and news articles interspersed throughout the story. Even though their contents is completely made up, the tone and rhetoric are all-too-familiar.

It’s hard to read this book and be content to just let things happen. If we don’t speak out while we have the chance, there are powers that would be all too willing to take our voices from us.

What are you willing to speak up for? What are you willing to risk?

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