Set in the near future, this is ostensibly a YA book that shows girl as hero. It actually was long listed for the Man Booker prize.

Bio-terrorists have let loose a virus that threatens to end the human race. Merging the Aids virus with CJD, women die horribly as soon as they become pregnant. The future of the human race seems cut off. Luckily the young people will save us; they care more for the earth. We old farts take planes, eat non-local food, allow animal experimentation and research. Jessie wants to offer hope for the world......

Allright, first of all, I don't care that the author tells us she talked to her family who know things about germs. I'm glad she had people to tell her about those icky things, otherwise she might have had to do something active like RESEARCH. Let it go, let it go, let it go... Merging possible misfolded proteins to a shifting antigen virus is a little tricky. And then tieing it to the idea of the immune response to pregnancy, while interesting, means that the fetus would be destroyed before the mother, but hey, we'll let that one go too...

Now. Let's talk about what heros do. They act. Or do they? Perhaps if they are girl 'heros' they are princesses, or sleeping beauties, or anything that just looks pretty and passive in pink. (Okay, the gorgeous silk dress our 'hero' puts on for her heroic decision is not pink. It's blue...)

No Clue. Had a really hard time with this book, but think it's worth getting out there for discussion. Is it just me? Am I getting too old and crotchety? Too tired of the passive princess trope that is all we can allow our young women?
I am not rating this book

Fly far little book aand hopefully make someone think!

Put in the Medicine Chest V Bookbox.

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Ops, looks like decided to stay behind instead of continuing on in the Medicine Chest book box. Maybe it finds the box too claustrophobic? Maybe it wants to see more of Florida. Maybe it doesn't like being rejected at the final round? Anyway, it sneaked away and hid among my other books, hiding until today, when the box is long gone, I saw it and wondered, I thought I put this back into the box?

I guess this book wants to be read, so here it stays for now. Luckily, I have put an extra book into the box, as I have lots to share.

Okay, I know this book is long listed for Man Booker Prize, but I am not getting the story. It seems to drag on forever with nothing really going on. Honestly. The protagonist, or the author, tries to make it sounds like things are escalating: riots going on, new research breakthroughs... but honestly it's not. All the things happening do not build up to make me understand how or why Jessie feels compelled to do what she is going to do, except as a rebellious act against her parents, who, can we blame them, for being a bit distracted in their parenting? I feel that the idea has potentials but was not fully explored in this book.

Visiting this LFL, with its founder, for the first time bearing gifts of books!

Hi! How wonderful you've found one of my books! Thank you so much for checking out the journal. I would really appreciate if you can take a moment to let me know you have it now. Trust me, it'll totally make my day to hear from one of my "wild" books.

Bookcrossing is a wonderful online community of book lovers dedicated to sharing books with each other and the world at large. We are also curious to see how far and wide our books can travel. I would appreciate if you can make a journal entry on this book so we know where the book has been. You don't have to set up an account.

Feel free to keep this book, return it to where you found it, or pass it on to the next reader. If you sign up as a member, you will hear from the book as it travels and gets journaled. Feel free to explore the BookCrossing site, and visit our forum to meet other booklovers. Membership is confidential, free, and spam-free. Happy reading!