When asked about his purpose in writing Unwind Shusterman responded, Unwind intentionally does not take a side on any issue. The club members believe that an unpopular student who has eavesdropped on them is responsible for some of the more vicious pranks, but this is such an obvious red herring that the drama of the situation is lost. Neal Shusterman is an award-winning author who has been writing books and screenplays for more than twenty-five years. Unfortunately, most of the book lacks suspense. The dialogue of the teens, their concerns, and especially their feelings, are on target. This is strong material, and sections of the book have a punch that matches the subject.
Shusterman’s focus is on how the actions of these teens create a power that feeds on a previously hidden cruel or evil side of their personalities. The pranks, which at first are humiliating but harmless, escalate to the point that they result in vandalism and injury and nearly cause a student’s death. Grade 8 Up A group of competitive high-school students, all second best in their areas of talent, form a secret club in order to pull anonymous practical jokes on their rivals. Ages 12-up.Ĭopyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. Shusterman vividly conveys the overwhelming qualities of violent emotions and chillingly shows how a group of “nice” people can become an ugly, vengeful mob. In the thrilling denouement, Jared learns where the blame really lies.
Jared leads the others in beating him up, then almost causes the boy’s death. Sure that school weirdo Tyson is the culprit, the Shadow Club captures him. Events come to a head when Austin is seriously injured. And, though he calls a temporary halt to the pranks, someone starts playing really dangerous tricks. Any qualms that Jared has about the club get tossed aside when he’s acknowledged as president. Revenge tastes very sweet when they play humiliating practical jokes on all the school’s first-bests, including track star Austin, Jared’s nemesis.
#Shadows of doubt neal shusterman free
Seven junior-high-school students (all “second-bests”) led by narrator Jared and best friend Cheryl form the Shadow Club to get back at the “unbeatables” who make their lives miserable. Part of Arc of a Scythe By Neal Shusterman Hardcover LIST PRICE 19.99 PRICE MAY VARY BY RETAILER Get a FREE ebook by joining our mailing list today Plus, receive recommendations and exclusive offers on all of your favorite books and authors from Simon & Schuster. Perhaps not this trilogy.This engrossing book portrays how easily even “good” kids can lose control of themselves and do cruel and horrible things. I love the world, though! I expect to see Sanderson’s writing stand out as classics in the future. So, Jared and his best friend Cheryl, who is also a best singer in the school to her co, form a group for the people. Austin is always making Jared feel bad about getting second place to him. The first book is exceptional, the second falls a bit flat and doesn’t cover the breadth of character and difficult concepts I expect in Sanderson’s masterful way, and the third is fun - but, that’s about it. In the book The Shadow Club by Neal Shusterman, there is a boy named Jared who is always taking second place to his archival Austin Pace in running. But I find this trilogy is one of his least well-loved. Sanderson’s writing is incredible, and he is definitely a perennial fan-favorite.
I feel like far too many YA book skirt the big issues, though we’re moving closer to seeing more that take these head on - like The Hate U Give. I like the addition of They Both Die in the End to your list - I agree, this has the potential to become a classic! We need more YA books that ask big questions and cover serious topics. This was a shockingly difficult post to write! I didn’t add Harry Potter as I tried to focus on books in the last 20 years. I only picked 5 books, but we have a lot of overlap - particularly when you pull in my “runner up” categories.
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