Book Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Solid

Author:  Shelley Workinger
Publisher:  CreateSpace

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  236 pages

ISBN - 10:  1453624821

ISBN - 13:  978-1453624821
Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Shelley Workinger

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Summary

From Goodreads 

"Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are brought together at a classified site where they forge new friendships, find love, develop "super-abilities," and even unearth a conspiracy."

Review

A very fast read that I was able to finish in a day, Solid by Shelley Workinger tells the story of Clio, a teenager struggling to become normal, only to discover she has been genetically altered way before her birth, without her family knowing it.  Placed in a camp with other similarly-fated teens, she not just uncovers a big conspiracy, but also finds real, lasting friendship, and a sense of belongingness.

This story was very fast-paced, engaging , and precise.  The narration is very straight to the point and carried with it an undertone of urgency, as if reading this slowly - even putting this down - will have dire consequences to the outcome of the story.  Although it starts as a seemingly ordinary teen story, this will not turn the reader off as there are some very interesting events that will catch the reader's attention.  The voice - Clio's voice - was very authentic and believable, it was like actually listening to Clio tell you her story.  Through her voice, we were able to learn about the other characters, the significant events, and the rather strange circumstances that she and her friends encounter.  Clio's friends, for that matter, were also very interesting and alive.  The author captured the reader's attention with very colorful descriptions of the characters, that after being introduced it's as if they have really come alive.  What's more interesting to note was that although they were very different from each other, as a group they were very good together and I think every teenager will find a little of themselves in every personality from the book.

Reading the plot, one would think that it would be as complicated as say, that of the X-Men.  But let me assure you that although this may have the same excitement as that of the famed comic book, the premise is lighter, less complex, but much easier to accept.  In a way, it was funny to read about special abilities that aptly suited teenagers' behaviors like wanting to be unnoticed and blend in, standing out and becoming popular, and showing exceptional skills in particular areas.

This book is not like your typical superhero books where it tells you that everything is possible if you just believe in it, or that "With great power comes great responsibility."  In my opinion, one of this book's messages is to accept yourself, whatever your flaws may be, and to know that it's all right to ask for other people's help.  Which are things that most young adults - even real adults - seem to have difficulty grasping.  And for that, this book is something that should be read by everyone, not just the teenagers, and not just those fascinated with special abilities.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Shelley Workinger, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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