Title: Girl Parts
Author: John M. Cusick
Available: Now
Publisher: Candlewick
Number of Pages:
Reading Level: Young Adult
4 out of 5 Stars
Description from Goodreads:
"Hello, David. My name is Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate…"
David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat "dissociative disorder," he can’t get enough of luscious red-headed Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Severed from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal "companion" is about to become her own best friend.
My thoughts:
Girl Parts opens with a girl committing suicide to a live internet audience. David inadvertently witnesses the streaming video, and his parents become concerned. After a meeting with his guidance counselor they decide a robotic “companion” might be just what he needs. Companion Rose arrives in a box, and David is immediately awed by how lifelike (and hot) she is. Elsewhere is loner Charlie. He isn’t one of the cool kids. He’d prefer to spend his time studying plant life as opposed to partying with the popular crowd. When David breaks Rose’s heart, Charlie must help pick up the pieces.
The entire premise of this book was seriously clever. Dark at moments, yet able to make you laugh during others. This is really something special. It has the necessities to appeal to both male and female readers. Two interesting male protags, and a little bit of mushy romance for readers that dig that sort of thing. I was under the impression this would be a quick, light read. While it was fun, and I read it in just a few hours, it packs a punch and makes you think.
Does contain emotionally heavy content (suicide), sexual situations, drinking, and language. I’d be ok with recommending this to my children if they were 14 or older.
John M. Cusick on the web:
*Received from Around the World Tours
I want to read this even more now. Great review.
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