I had bought Bacigalupi's book The Windup Girl for RoB while we were in Tahoe for Christmas (at a super aweosme local bookstore called The Bookshelf). But let's be honest, I really just wanted to read it and it was nice to use him as a guinea pig and it kept him busy. Soon I will read that book but I happened to see his young adult book on audio at the library so, of course, I borrowed it!
What is it about?
It takes place in the future when global warming has really taken a toll on our country. The main character, Nailer, is somewhere near the gulf of Mexico and works as a ship breaker, someone who dismantles old oil tankers for scrap metal and any other worthwhile commodities. There are crazy storms that happen (called city wreckers) and one of these brings in a ship that will eventually lead them on an adventure.
What did I think?
I really like the premise for this book, the world that Bacigalupi creates is eerily realistic and very intriguing. The problem I had was the story was very simple. I know it is a young adult book but I think it might be meant for younger adults than what I am used to reading. They go off on a adventure but it is all straight forward and then it ends as expected. I wanted at least one twist or something else to make the plot more interesting. I think there is at least one sequel in the works, but because of the simpleness of the ending I don't feel like there needs to be one. It almost makes me think that the author was trying to dumb down the story for a younger audience when that really isn't necessary.
Who would I recommend it to?
The biggest problem with this book is that it is too simple. For someone who is not sure about reading YA books for this reason should avoid this book. However, if you enjoy most YA books and can appreciate all the interesting points of the book and hope that more depth is added as the sequel (an maybe more?) is released. Its well written and makes me interested in reading his other work that isn't meant for younger audiences.
