Gem X

I highly recommend this book. The story alternates from the viewpoint of a few different main characters, some more flawed than others, but most of whom are sympathetic in some meaningful way. A few things distinguish this book. The author's narrative has a distinctive style that flows, and parts of her narrative are poignant because of their simplicity and frankness. Yet in this distopian world, juxtaposed between the mindless, robotic-like rich elite and the abject underclass, the honesty and unexpected feelings experienced by many characters kept me guessing...and reading. A quick but thoughtful read, this book exemplifies the good in humanity even as it hints at the depths to which a society can essentially unmake its own humanity for the sake of science, perfection, and order. In a world without individualism or criticism, what remains? This is the story of one young who learns the value of these traits and more.