Two Books with Difficult Subject Matter

SINthetic by J.T. Nicholas is a dark story that covers some of the dilemmas that arise with scientific advancements.  

From descriptions: "They look like us. Act like us. But they are not human. Created to perform the menial tasks real humans detest, Synths were designed with only a basic intelligence and minimal emotional response. It stands to reason that they have no rights. Like any technology, they are designed for human convenience. Disposable."

“Darkly engrossing, SINthetic shines a stark light on the age-old question, what does it mean to be human?”
—Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author  

I'll mention again that this one is dark and frightening because of the possibilities of genetic engineering, and unfortunately, man's tendency to abuse scientific advancements.  Of course, there has been plenty in the news lately about the way powerful individuals have oppressed and exploited women to give another take on this story.

Read in November; blog review scheduled for Jan. 5, 2018

NetGalley/Kensington Books

Murder Mystery/Speculative Fiction.  Jan. 23, 2018.  Print length:  178 pages.  

Breaking Point by Allison Brennan tackles a difficult subject--the sex trade, especially involving underage girls.  Brennan manages  to illustrate this despicable practice in a way that clearly illustrates the horrific abuse without making it titillating.

Bella Caruso is undercover with a trafficking ring, trying to locate one particular girl.  During the rescue of two underage girls, a policeman is murdered, and Bella's position becomes even more dangerous.

Bella's brother JT Caruso turns to Special Agent Lucy Kincaid for help, but Lucy is in a difficult situation with her immediate boss.  Nevertheless, Lucy gets involved and gives all her energy to rescuing Bella...and hopefully, the young girl for whom Bella has been searching.

Good characterization of a plenitude of characters gives this suspenseful novel the depth it needs.  Although there is a lot of backstory referring to events in previous books, these are seamlessly worked in and do not feel like information dumps.

I've only read one other novel by Brennan and the same combination of well-developed characters and suspense applied.  This was one of those books that was difficult to put down, the pace is fast, and I couldn't believe how quickly I read through it.  

NetGalley/St. Martin's Press

Suspense.  Jan. 30, 2018.  Print length:  448 pages.

Outshine by Nola Decker

Outshine

Gabe Hearst has an unusual kind of...synesthesia?  Well, actually there is no real case of a synesthete being able to detect lies, but when Gabe hears a lie, he tastes rust.  And gets severe headaches.  Since the common social lies (yeah, your hair looks great--love that outfit--no, your butt doesn't look big) and more serious lies of all kinds abound, Gabe's life is pretty uncomfortable.  High school is a misery for him:  in the halls, the lunch room, and worst of all for Gabe, in his history class.

The result is that Gabe is a loner who doesn't like to communicate with his peers because it becomes painful.  Not only does Gabe recognize lies, but when he is lied to, he becomes aware of further information revealing the liar's thoughts.  He is aware of the lie, and the thoughts behind it. Not a pleasant talent to have.  

Jessa is the Queen Bee of Galton High School.  She has cultivated an image as the princess of fluff and style; she is concerned with her appearance and her status; and currently, she has set her sights on gaining Gabe's brother Watts as a boyfriend.  But Jessa, too, has abilities that she hides.  She is a physical powerhouse hiding behind the image of superficiality.

When Gabe's brother Watts disappears, Gabe is secretly delighted because Watts is petty and mean-spirited, going out of his way to denigrate and humiliate Gabe at every opportunity.  Jessa, on the other hand, wants her prospective boyfriend back, and recruits a reluctant Gabe in the search for Watts.

What the two discover about each other and their abilities and about the source of their abilities puts both of them in danger.  Their search for Watts reveals information that frightens and angers them.  

I enjoyed the fast pace of this book.  Gabe and Jessa each have strengths and flaws, but they form a good team. 

The young protagonists are engaging as they unite their distinctive skills to fight the villain and his dastardly plans.  Deacon, the villain, remains more of a comic book character and his network has a sketchy feel.

Although there is a final wrapping up of the plot, a sequel seems obvious.  A quick, suspenseful read.

NetGalley/7 Sparks Press

Mystery/Speculative Fiction/YA.  2014.  Print length:  243 pages.



   

Two YA Novels

Gated  by Amy Christine Parker is a YA novel.

Book Description: 

     Do the gates keep the unchosen out or the chosen in?

     In Mandrodage Meadows, life seems perfect. The members of this isolated suburban community have thrived under Pioneer, the charismatic leader who saved them from their sad, damaged lives. Lyla Hamilton and her parents are original members of his flock. They moved here following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking to escape the evil in the world. Now seventeen, Lyla knows certain facts are not to be questioned...

I'm not sure exactly where this one fits in a genre, sort of pre-dystopian, perhaps.  Or YA mystery?  Or survivalist/cult community?  

It is an interesting look at the power of a charismatic individual to influence and control people who are intelligent and educated, but willing to surrender themselves and their families to another's authority.  

Lyla, having spent most of her life absorbing the communities values, still has a tendency to question certain strictures.  She loves her friends and her community, but while willing to follow most rules and regulations, she knows that something about her view of life differs from that of her friends.

This novel should appeal to its intended audience and presents a compelling examination of some of the methods/techniques/procedures  involved in the manipulation of others and in cult ideology.

NetGalley/Random House for Young Readers

YA.  Aug. 6, 2013.  Print version:  352 pages

• ASIN: B00BO4GTK6

Ink. When Katie Greene's mother dies, she ends up in Japan living with her aunt.  Talk bout a fish out of water.  The language and culture would be difficult for anyone, but for an adolescent still mourning the loss of a parent, finding herself in a new school and learning how to fit into a world that is foreign in so many aspects...well, difficult is an understatement.

She does find herself with two helpful friends, Yuki and Tamaka, but still struggles with so many of the cultural anomalies.  Then she meets Tomohiro, and initially, has the kind of push/pull emotions that often occur in relationships.  Is Tomo an insensitive jerk, albeit a very attractive one, or is there more to him?

One attribute that both fascinates and frightens Katie, is Tomo's art--his drawings come alive.  As the relationship grows, Katie realizes that Tomo's "living" art has definite malevolent intentions.   Tomo has been wrestling with this aspect of his art for years before meeting Katie, but he begins to realize that Katie has a powerfully vivifying effect on his art, and although he struggles to control his drawings, he is fearful of their growing potency and independence.

An unusual and promising premise, the book also gives insight into the many differences in customs and conventions that Katie faces as she settles into her new life in Japan.  The mythology is also interesting, although adapted to the narrative.

While not flawless, Amanda Sun's debut novel is a fine beginning, and despite a weakness in the conclusion, I look forward to the next installment.

NetGalley/Harlequin Teen.

YA/Fantasy/Myth.  2013.  Print version:  384 pages.
 ISBN-10: 037321071X

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

When She Woke was an ARC from Algonquin Books.

Hannah Payne is a chrome; chroming is the punishment for all sorts of crimes in Hannah's world.  A method has been devised to color the skin of those who have been found guilty of crimes ranging from theft to murder, with different colors assigned to each transgression

Hannah's crime is abortion,  considered murder in this dystopian world, and to make matters worse, Hannah will reveal neither the father of the child nor the doctor who performed the abortion.  Hannah is chromed red and, because of her refusal to reveal the father and the doctor, given a longer sentence. When released back into the world, Hannah (as are all other chromes) is a pariah, easily recognized and vulnerable.

Connections to the Scarlet Letter?  Definitely, down to the initials of the protagonist and of the fundamentalist minister who fathered child.

The premise is fascinating, and the novel has its high points.  Ultimately, however, the novel does not live up to its promise, and the conclusion feels unnatural and incomplete.

I would still recommend the novel because it offers some interesting concepts and raises some questions.  It isn't as if I didn't enjoy it, because I did, but I  feel as if the most interesting portions didn't receive enough time and attention.

I have to agree with Kailana, there are some things that didn't work for me, but still...a worthwhile read.

Other Reviews/ opinions:  Bookfoolery and Babble, Kailana

Fiction.  Dystopian/Speculative Fiction.  2011.  352 pages.

www: wake by Robert J. Sawyer

w w w: wake is an unusual book.  It is the first in a trilogy about...the awakening of the web.

Young Caitlin Decter is young, a math prodigy, web savvy, and blind.  When offered a new and experimental implant that might help her see, she is thrilled and jumps at the chance.  The implant, however, provides a view into the web realm, and she discovers (as it is discovering her) something else, another consciousness.

Many well-known specialists in the fields of neuroscience, linguistics, mathematics, and web science and computer geekdom,  become part of Caitlin's reading and studying:  Steven Pinker, Julian Jaynes, Stephen Jay Gould, Stephen Wolfram, Claude Shannon, and Doug Lenat of Cycorp.  Fascinating stuff and intricately woven into the story.

Or stories, I should say, because there is more than one story going on here, and although they involve different people in different countries and different fields, the relationships become more and more evident.

Robert J. Sawyer has won all three of the world's for science-fiction:  the Hugo, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award -- only one of seven writers ever to do so.  He has, in fact, won forty-one national and international awards for his fiction.

The library is holding the next book in the series for me now.  Yes!

Other reviews/ opinions:  Starmetal Oak Book Blog, Rhapsody in Books, The Great Geek Manual,

Fiction.  Speculative Fiction/ SF.  2009.  354 pages.

A Time to Keep Silence by Patrick Leigh Fermor

A Time to Keep Silence was recommended by Dorothy (Books & Bicycles).  It is a short memoir of sorts about Fermor's attempt to find seclusion for writing by visiting various monasteries.

 Fermor records his thoughts as he makes the transition, first into the Benedictine Abbey of St. Wandrille de Fontanelle in France, later into Solesmes, and finally, into the Trappist monastery of Le Grande Trappe.

He explains the difficulty of leaving the hectic, verbal world and entering into one that maintains silence even during meals.  Initially, he finds the silence sobering and disturbing.  Within a short time, however, he feels more comfortable.  He describes the abbey, the monks, the rituals, and the history of the orders.  At first, in his tiny cell, he experiences insomnia; however, then his sleep habits change, and he describes his sleep as "profound."  He finds himself sleeping much of the day.  Then another change, and he begins to sleep perhaps only five hours a night-- "light, dreamless and perfect sleep, followed by awakenings full of energy and limpid freshness."

His dedication and energy for his work increased.  Having recovered from the restlessness and depression, Fermor is able to appreciate the benefits of silence and solitude.  Time began to pass swiftly, almost without notice.  When it was time to leave, Fermor says that the transition back into the noisy, mundane world was as difficult as adjusting to the abbey in the first place.

I'm not going to mention his other withdrawals, except to say that his feelings for the Benedictine life were much more positive than those he experienced in the Trappist monastery at Le Grande Trappe.  The order was much stricter, and he was more sequestered from the monks.  However, the history of the Trappist order was very interesting, indeed.

Two of my favorite parts were not part of the book itself: the introduction by Karen Armstrong, who spent seven years in a Roman Catholic religious order, and Fermor's 1982 introduction, 30 years after his experiences.  My least favorite part was the concluding chapter on the Rock Monasteries of Cappodocia, which seemed a bit out of place.

A few years ago, I was interested in the life of Thomas Merton, the great spiritual leader who was a Trappist Monk.  Merton was interested in Buddhism and interfaith understanding.  Although the two men would have been contemporaries, Merton's experiences with the Trappist order were different because he was eventually allowed more freedom and privacy than most Trappist monks (who had to sleep in dormitories).  He met personally with the Dalai Llama and Chatral Rinpoche and felt that his experiences with this broader religious community deepened his own faith.

I have no idea, even after reading about Fermor's experiences as a lay guest in different monasteries and Merton's experiences as a Trappist monk, what it would really be like to have a lengthy retreat in a monastery.  I would certainly choose a Benedictine over a Trappist monastery, however.

Nonfiction.  Memoir/Religion/Spirituality.  First published in 1957.  96 pages.

The Bradbury Report by Steven Polansky

Polansky, Steven.  The Bradbury Report.

An ARC from Tandem that explores some of the moral dilemmas involved when the government takes over cloning as a means of...well, having spare body parts that would not be rejected as the parts would be used by "the original."

I have always found cloning a dangerous development, but the future described here is not one that I believe will ever happen.  Nevertheless, many of the questions will arise if (as?) the process becomes safer-- even if the government never plans to create people for spare parts or designer children.

The novel begins slowly and the protagonist is not particularly likable.  He isn't evil or cruel; he is a man who is quite ordinary in most ways.  Contacted by Anna, a woman who knew him over 40 years ago, "Ray" finds himself involved in an anti-cloning Resistance movement and is soon on the run along with Anna and a clone, trying to stay ahead of the government that wants to silence them.

The Bradbury Report is begun in 2071 by the 66-year-old narrator to provide information about the experience.  He doesn't try to spare himself.

You may note some similarity to Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro--a certain bleakness that is evident before you really know why, as well as the concept of creating clones for body parts. In Ishiguro's novel, the young clones attend an elite boarding school and are sheltered.  Polansky's clones survive in concentration camp atmosphere, with no benefit of education, love, or even communication with each other.

Both novels examine what it means to be human, but Ishiguro sucks you in with both his beautiful prose and misdirections.  In Polansky's novel,  "Ray" (the pseudonym assumed for writing the Bradbury Report) admits  has no real skill at writing and does his best to explain all the circumstances factually.

I didn't enjoy either novel.  The oppressive subject matter and moral dilemmas make my heart hurt.  Literally, a heart-ache.  Yet the subject matter--while carried to an extreme in both novels for effect--forces us to examine cultural values and the potential for corruption that comes with scientific advancement.

(As to the allusion to the real Ray Bradbury-- in 2071, he probably wouldn't be widely read, but Polansky also includes a reference to the song "Dandelion Wine" at the end of the novel.  Bradbury's novel of that name is one that also had a great deal of poignancy.)

Here is a list of speculative fiction about cloning, books reviewed by a member of the Human Cloning Foundation!  Now, that is just scary.  There are other lists as well, I'm sure and they may not include the same novels.  Maybe I should look for some nonfiction books about the ethics of cloning; I'd need popular science for the layman, nothing technical.

What books have you read on this topic?  Fiction or Nonfiction?

Fiction.  Speculative Fiction/Science Fiction.  2009.  326 pages.