Review: Girl parts by John Cusick

Girl parts by John Cusick
Published by Walker Books
Source: review copy

What happens when a robot designed to be a boy’s ideal “companion” develops a will of her own? A compulsively readable novel from a new talent.

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 designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted 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 uberconnected world.

***

Girl parts is an interesting read and a very different offering in the YA market which I would say would appeal to boys especially.

The story is based around two main characters who are both teenage boys from one town and their interacts with Rose who is a robot companion designed to help teenage boys learn about the correct way to build maintain a healthy relationship in an impersonal and internet driven era.

I liked that this story whilst being totally made up isn't that implausible and a nice comment on the society we are living in today where interactions between people are happening face to face less often and more increasily via some form of technology. This is bought up time and time again throughout this short book and is really quite poignant in the way the subject is broached.

I also enjoyed that the two main characters within the book are total opposites of one another and I likes seeing how each of their relationships with Rose were so very different. I also liked seeing how Rose changed throughout the story and how the plotline developed into almost a comment of what free will actually is.

I would have liked the story to be a bit longer and there to have been more development of the themes picked up on and to have had the chance to get to know some of the characters better. That said all in all I found it to be a very quick and interesting read which will make you think. Definitely worth a look.