Skinned

Book #31 Read in 2013 Skinned by Robin Wasserman (YA) This is the first book in a trilogy. Lia is killed in a car crash. However, in the future, where this book is set, it is possible to transplant Lia's brain and memories into a mechanical being, known as a Skinner, to keep Lia alive. Her parents decide to do this. Lia is having some problems adjusting to life after being an "org"--organic or human. She is not used to not feeling anything, not having to eat, not being able to cry etc. Her family and friends are having problems adjusting as well. Lia meets a group of mechanical beings who are trying to show her the good things about being this way. But at what cost? This book was a decent read. It was an interesting premise to read about. The characters could be a bit annoying at times but overall I enjoyed it. http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com

The beginning of this book reminded me of the series uglies by Scott Westerfeld. But throughout the book, my opinion of that definitely changed. While it does have some similarities in that people are getting “upgrades”, it is a very different situation. This book is incredibly engaging and very difficult to put down. It makes you think about what free will is and what makes a human, a human. It gives you new perspective on life and mortality versus immortality. I am really enjoying the character of Lia. I’m disappointed in the character of Zoe but none of what she is doing is surprising me.