Unplugged

by P.D. Quaver

Technology is everywhere in our lives today. We are forced to use it on many occasions and on others, we just use it over other activities. This teen novel starts out as a group of teenagers from well-to-do families addicted to technology: cell phones, computers and other devices. At their parents' behest, they all check into a boarding school to cure them of their technology addictions. Although they are definitely sequestered from technology and the outside world as they know it, it soon becomes apparent that the school, The Natural Path, has other designs for them. Dr. Zarkov, the head of the program, turns out to be involved in a kidnapping plot. The kids are flown off to a tropical island far away from home. They interact with each other and learn coping skills and share humor with each other despite the circumstances. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. A couple of times, I sincerely thought that some of the students would lose their life—for diverse reasons.

 

I found this book to be a pleasant read. It took me back to when I was the characters' age. There was some technology back then — but of course, nothing like now. I found myself engaging with the hostages in my head, pretending to give them advice and laughing along with them. This is something that happens to me when a book is well-written by a skilled author.

 

Whatever stereotypes might have fit the kids at first (rich, nerdy, living outside the law in the case of the hacker) either disappeared or were fleshed out as the story leaped out of bounds on an endless roller coaster. This is something not a few authors neglect to do—describe characters so they are three dimensional and not just flat, cursory descriptions. Yet another talent of P.D, Quaver’s that comes to light.

 

I recommend this book for any teenager who wants to experience an entertaining story and also contemplate their own personal situation. If their parents are so inclined, they can read it too and have another reason to bond with their children. You can purchase it on Amazon and download it to your e-reader in less than a minute!