Review of Awaken

This novel will not be published until April 2010...

Here is my review. Enjoy!

Review of novel Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

This Young Adult novel, set in 2060, takes place within a society that is fully integrated with technology. Every aspect of each citizens life is monitored, safeguarded, and controlled through technology. The idea of meeting face to face to discuss an issue or enjoy a cup of coffee is a foreign concept to most. Individuals have never experienced the ocean, the mountains or real grass, as the landscape has been transformed through the use of plastic trees and grass.

The main character of the novel is Madeline Freeman, the heiress of Digital School which her father envisioned, implemented and controls. She, however, is a teenager who questions the circumstances in which she finds herself. And therefore, in this society, is also then questioning her father's authority and his way of life.

Many of the issues presented within the context of this novel are valuable to teenagers who can easily relate to Madeline's dilemmas regarding authority and social awkwardness. The idea of never being able to voice your opinion if it is against the social norm is something that many teens struggle with. They are seen as defiant and disrespectful instead of inquisitive and questioning.

As our current society becomes more and more reliant on technology we are becoming a culture where manners and social interactions are being disregarded. If you don't believe that, just stand in line at the grocery store while someone talks on their cell phone about problems that are more appropriate for X rated movies.

In the novel, information is shared, but in a secretive way. One can always "delete" interactions and not have to live the idea of others knowing your personal information and most embarrassing situations. There is a "awkwardness" of social situations, like in Chapter 4 when Justin rang the doorbell. We are becoming a society who relies on "friends" from social networks to fill voids that are best filled by real people in real situations.

A novel that contains themes that teens can easily relate to: parenting, technology, peer pressure, social awkwardness, and many others.

An enjoyable read.