Unwind Book Report

A couple of years ago I read a book called Unwind. This book, written by Neal Shusterman, is about a boy that runs from his family. He ran from his family after they signed a contract to have his body harvested. Being “unwound” happened to be a decision that the parents made. Connor’s parents signed a contract without him knowing. After he found the papers in a drawer, he ran away to save his life. Throughout the book, Connor endures many challenges. His mental stamina allows him to outsmart juvey cops, or police that looked for runaway unwinds. He meets many people, but few become his companions. Unwind is a book that I relate to in unique ways.
This book is the first of a trilogy. Shusterman captured the emotional and physical struggles of
unwanted children. Just as Connor, I feel quite unwanted by my parents. Many people have healthy relationships with their parents, but I can’t say the same. Although my parents cannot sign a paper to have me taken away, this book left me wondering if they would. I related to Connor’s feelings as he ran from home, disappointed in himself and where he wound up. I had wanted to run away from home before, but the idea soon proved to unrealistic. Most families participate in simple activities together, such as watch movies or eat dinner together. I never actively spend time with my family. Connor avoided confronting his parents. I would not count on my family members if I had a problem. It doesn’t even feel as if I have anyone to rely on.
Unwind definitely made me think. Occasionally authors will tell stories indirectly. To the parents in the book, Connor and the other unwinds would be useful. They figured that the kids would be more useful that way. Maybe Shusterman attempted to say that, on occasion, parents have different desires than kids regarding their future. Kids ages 13-18 could be unwound. Runaways didn’t need to hide after they were 18. That is how I feel. I will only be required to “hide” until I’m 18. After that I will be free from my mother.