Book Review: Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Awaken

Author: Katie Kacvinsky

Release Date: May 23rd 2011

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Age: Young Adult

Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

I was really interested in Awaken since the moment I discovered. I like to read dystopia so I thought I was probably going to like this one.

Maddie is the typical teenager. She goes to school, have friends, goes to the movies, etc...but always behind the protection of her computer's screen. At this time, people doesn't really come out of their houses. Why would they? It's dangerous! Besides, they can do whatever they want at their computers.

But not everyone is happy with this kind of life. There are people who still want to talk face to face, touch each other. People who wants to meet the real person, not the one you say you are at your profile.

I was really interested in the plot and in Maddie (and her secret), but still it was extremely difficult for me to read this book. Why? Because I didn't like Maddie's love for Justin. Love at first sight. It was more like an obsession. I know this is typical in YA books, but still I don't like it. I didn't like that the only thing Maddie could think about was him. I understand what it is to be in love (because I'm in love), and specially at that age (because I was at that age), but I don't think it's right to be that obsessed.

Anyway, Awaken is the kind of book that makes you think about the life we are living. It's at the future (2060, I think), but I think it's happening now. People are always playing / talking / etc. with their iPads, Blackberry or whatever device they have, instead of talking to the person who is beside them. I think it's sad, really.

Overall, Awaken is a great book for those who likes to read dystopia. It has an original plot, and even when I wasn't happy with Maddie's love for Justin, I'm still interested to see what's going to happen in the sequel.

More about this book at katiekacvinsky.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.