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Friday, August 14, 2009

Review: The Adoration of Jenna Fox


Title and Author of book: The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
Fiction or non-fiction: Fiction
Genre: YA/Adult- Science Fiction
Where did I get the book: My public Library
Challenges that this fulfilled: None

Who recommended this book to me? Lenore from Presenting Lenore. Read her review HERE!

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!
In the not-too-distant future, when biotechnological advances have made synthetic bodies and brains possible but illegal, a seventeen-year-old girl, recovering from a serious accident and suffering from memory lapses, learns a startling secret about her existence.



My Thoughts:
Wow, this book really made me stop and think. What would I do if my child was on the brink of death? Would I use all of the technology at my fingertips and no matter what happened, piece him/her back together like Frankenstein? This book brings to light not only the moral questions of death and who should control it, but also the ethical side of when too much science intervention is too much.

"How much is me?"
Her lip trembles. Her eyes pool.
Lily intervenes. "Ten percent. Ten percent of your brain. That's all they could save. They should have let you die."
I try to understand what she is saying. I watch her mouth move. I hear words. Ten percent. Ten percent.
And then Mother is suddenly fierce. A lion. Within inches of my face. "But it is the most important ten percent. Do you hear me? The most important."

p.117

This is a great book that is well-written and can easily be enjoyed by YA and adults. I finished the book last week and am still talking about it with my son. We each have our own thoughts on whether or not we would want to be kept alive "artificially" like in Jenna's case. Our answer was an emphatic NO. The one question that was never answered was what happened to the human soul? Is this something that can be uploaded into a computer and then into the person's brain?

I glare at them both. "How dare you!" I say. "How dare you play with my brain!" How dare you pretend with me that I'm normal! How dare you program me!"
The word sends a shock wave through the room. For moment neither one speaks, stunned by the outing of their dirty secret. p.152
Is 10% of your brain enough to live a fully engaged life? There are other political issues that occur in this book that are being discussed right now in regards to OUR health care choices. In the book, body parts are given a number. If you've used up too many resources and your number is high, guess what---NO HEALTH CARE!!! (even though it's free...hmmm...makes me think very hard)

"A bill is before Congress, " Rae explains, "and Senator Harris has been trying to persuade his fellow senators to vote against it. By talking for so long, he has hoped that it will give some chance for the opposition to make a stronger case, sway others to their point of view."
"What is the bill?" I ask.
Ethan lays his head down on his desk and closes his eyes as Rae explains.
"The bill is the Medical Access Act, which will put all medical decisions and choices back into the hands of physician and patient. It will cut FSEB entirely out of the process."

p.208

Trust me...this is a must-read YA book for anyone. Don't miss out!

Other Reviews:
Heather-Book Addiction
Reviewer X
Kay-Infinite Shelf
Thoughts of Joy
YA Reads
Serena- Savvy Verse & Wit
Melissa's Bookshelf
Tara-Books and Cooks

**If you've reviewed this book leave me the link in the comment box and I will include it in my post!!

30 comments:

  1. Good review, Staci. Seems like it addresses some tough issues. Also, it sounds like it may have a political slant to it? I usually find that too distracting in my fiction reads and tend to avoid books with it.

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  2. Great review Staci. I have wanted to read this book for ages. Still do. Don't you just love the cover -I do!

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  3. Oh sounds wonderful. Great review.

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  4. I read this book last year and loved it. It raises so many moral and political issues. I think everyone should be reading this book.

    Here's my review: http://www.savvyverseandwit.com/2008/07/to-adore.html

    I will add a link to yours.

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  5. Wow! Sounds like there's so much to discuss and explore with this one. It's awesome you're able to keep a running dialogue with your son about the issues! I've read lots of great reviews (including yours!) and definitely plan on getting this one soon!

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  6. This book sounds really good - I think my daughter (19 yr old) would find it interesting too. Odd, but I recognize the cover of this book but not the title - I've seen it before but I didn't read the title of the book! I guess that for me anyway the cover is very appealing.

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  7. I love the cover of this book. This does sound like a good one. It deals with some serious issues, that's for sure. Thanks for the great review, Staci.

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  8. Wow, you and Lenore have convinced me that I need to read this!

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  9. I really want to read this. Everyone keeps saying how complex and intelligent it is! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much, Staci.

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  10. Wow, what a powerful review! It sounds like a must-read!

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  11. I love that you and your son are talking about the book! That's awesome. I love when my mom and I read the same book and then discuss it... somehow, it makes it a bit more special to be discussing books with loved ones.

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  12. Great review! I really enjoyed this one too :-) I linked your review to mine, and wondered if you'd do the same for me? :) Here's the link: http://www.melissas-bookshelf.com/2009/03/review-adoration-of-jenna-fox.html

    Thank you!!

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  13. I've been waiting to get my hands on this one. May have to make a trip to the library. Your review is of course great! :)

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  14. Oh, I loved this one, too! This really was one of those books that hit me on the "parental" front. I couldn't help but being disturbed by what Jenna's parents did, and yet I couldn't honestly say what lengths I'd go to to "save" my children. It kind of scares me to think about.

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  15. Awesome review, Staci. I have been wanting to read this book for months and every review I read makes me want to just buy it already!

    Come over to my blog and pick up an award, too. :D

    Award for Staci

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  16. Awesome review, Staci. I have been wanting to read this book for months and every review I read makes me want to just buy it already!

    Come over to my blog and pick up an award, too. :D

    Award for Staci

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  17. Wowwwwwwwww...this sounds really good!!!!! And hehehehehehehe.....should I spread my smileys all over the world....or just to the GRUMPS of the world!!! LOL! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  18. I've been looking forward to this one for awhile and I think I'd forgotten what it was about :) Great review.

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  19. Great review Staci!!! You are so good at reading and reviewing. It takes me FOREVER to read one book. I have to get motivated. I have been in a rut as of late.

    Thanks for popping by my friend! I hope you and the kids are well and enjoying the summer!!!

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  20. Great review! I agree, it was such a great read! I loved that it does give you a lot to think about, and I would recommend it to teens in a heartbeat.

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  21. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one so much! I wasn't too impressed by it, but it appears that most people really enjoy it. Although, I like books that prompt thinking, too.

    Thanks for the link. :)

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  22. This sounds like a great book with a lot of discussion potential. I agree with you - I would not want to be kept alive artificially either. Great review and one to think about!

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  23. Great review.
    Sure sounds like a must read YA book.

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  24. Wow. This book sounds tremendously thought provoking. I am adding it to my insanely out-of-control TBR list. :-)

    http://starkravingbibliophile.blogspot.com/

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  25. Terrific review! Thanks for the recommendation, I love it when I can find books that my 14 year old and I can both read and enjoy!

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  26. Oh this sounds good! I loved my ethics class and this fits right in there. Thanks Staci!

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  27. This book was one of my favourite books of the year, so I am glad you enjoyed it!

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  28. This is the one you were telling me about, don't know how I missed it! Really fantastic review Staci, I have seen this one around but your review has me wanting to pick it up immediately!

    Another one going on my list that is ALL YOUR FAULT!

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  29. Oh this one is already on my TBR list, no worries! Great review.

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  30. Loved this.

    http://booksandcooks.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-i-can-tell-you.html

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