Review: XVI

Feb •  18 •  2011
Title: XVI 
Series: Sixteen # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Dystopian

Author: Julia Karr
Publisher: Speak
Release Date: January 6, 2011
Book: Bought

“Nina Oberon’s life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she’ll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world—even the most predatory of men—that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a “sex-teen” is Nina’s worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina’s mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past—one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother’s killer.”
I liked this book and the way the world was portrayed. There were so many emotions and so many….changes in the world that it was easy to see with Ms. Karr writing.
This book is awesome. I like how Ms. Karr used the future of the world and what is going on today to formulate a wonderful story. Never have I heard or read anything like it. The rules of her world are easy to see and how our world today is progressing. In XVI girls have to dress easy and be all sexed up by the time they turn 16. They are told how to act, what to wear, and to do stuff that is beyond disgusting.
The world of XVI is scary and one that some girls and women could relate today. Nina is a strong character with strong morals. She knows what she wants and what is right. In searching for her mom’s killer, Nina learns new secrets and is not bitter. She takes everything in stride, knowing that they were secrets for a reason. Nina is mature. Very mature and has learned things the hard way.
My only gripe about the book is that its slow. It takes a while to get into things and for things to start coming out. Of course I do understand because there is a lot of explaining of what the future is like in this book. if you like to read dyspotian and something of what this world s today, read this book. It will open your eyes like no other book has ever done.
I give it 4 BITES!
Happy Reading!
Posted by on Feb 18, 2011 in 2011, Julia Karr, Review, Young Adult | 14 comments

14 Comments

  1. Anna
    Feb 18, 2011

    It’s among the books i’m dying to read this year but somehow i haven’t even ordered it yet…
    Glad you liked it!

  2. Jessheartsbooks
    Feb 18, 2011

    I have this one waiting to be read sounds so interesting and I’m glad you enjoyed it! fab review 🙂

  3. Jenny
    Feb 18, 2011

    I really enjoyed the world building aspect of this one too, it was just so disturbing and fascinating at the same time. I agree with you on Nina, I really liked her, I just wish there had been a little more depth with the relationship between her and Sal:)

  4. Missie
    Feb 18, 2011

    I’ve had a problem lately with books that are slow building. I’ve been putting them down instead of forcing my way through.

    Still, I’m looking forward to reading this one. Nina sounds like a great character.

  5. Dana Alma
    Feb 18, 2011

    Hey Savy, just stopping by on follow.
    I really enjoy Sci-fi, come see my fave book.
    Have a terrific weekend!!!
    See ya!
    Dana
    Readaholics Anonymous

  6. Beth
    Feb 18, 2011

    Oh wow. This sounds creepy, but good. I’m going to have to add this to my TBR.
    By the way, I’m a new follower.
    bethfred.com

  7. Katy
    Feb 18, 2011

    I can’t find this book anywhere, I’m just going to have to cave and order it online, but I love your review :]

  8. Natalie (Mindful Musings)
    Feb 18, 2011

    I’ve been seeing this one around, and it’s really spiked my interest. I love dystopian. Glad you enjoyed it! I’ll probably be giving it a shot…hopefully soon!

  9. Melissa (Books and Things)
    Feb 18, 2011

    Too bad it was slow at the beginning, but it still sounds interesting. Thanks so much for the review. It’s been on my radar for quite a bit now!

  10. Theresa M
    Feb 18, 2011

    Glad to hear XVI is good! I just got it as a Valentine’s Day gift and will probably be reading it soon!

  11. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog
    Feb 18, 2011

    i’ve heard a lot about this one! great review!

  12. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog
    Feb 18, 2011

    i’ve heard a lot about this one! great review!

  13. Kate Evangelista
    Feb 19, 2011

    Oh, I’m curios about this one.

  14. Melissa (i swim for oceans)
    Feb 19, 2011

    I’ve heard so many mixed reviews about this one that I’m on the fence, but I still am riveted by the premise. Fabulous, balanced review, Savannah 🙂