Girl Parts (John Cusick) Review

Publisher: Candlewick Press (August 10, 2010)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Book from Publisher

"Hello, David. My name is Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate…"

David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat "dissociative disorder," he can’t get enough of luscious red-headed Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Severed from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal "companion" is about to become her own best friend.

In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uber-connected world. (Source)

Review
GIRL PARTS, by John Cusick, centers around two contrasting high school boys dealing with the same "dissociative disorder" that they are diagnosed with. Companions are given to teens who are having face-to-face connection issues to learn boundaries of communication in "real life". In his debut novel, Cusick humorously explores the fate of those who are disconnected from society through technology.

This book was a pleasant unexpected surprise. Cusick molded a story around two totally different teens (popular troublemaker versus unpopular nerd) and their link through one not so human Companion, Rose. Both these characters had me laughing out loud during awkward date moments and general male-hormone-driven thoughts.

I liked the concept of the Companions. Through Rose's point of view we are able to see how technologically advanced the Sakora Solutions company really is (it's a bit scary too if you ask me!). Rose started off as pretty stiff in her movements and speech but through her "learning" she eventually looked and acted like any other female. She definitely won my heart with her innocence and downright sweetness.

Overall, this book was definitely different and I think girls and guys alike will enjoy it. It was hilarious, romantic, and definitely bittersweet. I look forward to reading future releases from this talented author.

For more info about the author and book: John Cusick