logo

112 pages 3 hours read

Unwind

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Neal Shusterman

Unwind

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • Near Future

Publication Year

2007

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

Lexile Level

HL740L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Neal Shusterman’s Unwind, after a civil war over abortion, a dystopian society allows parents to have their teens unwound, which involves the dismemberment and reuse of their body parts. The narrative follows three teenagers, Connor, Risa, and Lev, as they attempt to escape their fates, confronting betrayal, friendship, and moral dilemmas along the way. Topics include abortion and youth exploitation.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

243,005 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Neal Shusterman's Unwind is praised for its thought-provoking themes and compelling narrative, engaging readers with a dystopian world that raises ethical questions. However, some critique its pacing and character development. Overall, it's a gripping read that stimulates discussion on moral issues and societal norms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Unwind?

Readers who enjoy dystopian novels like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Divergent by Veronica Roth will find Unwind by Neal Shusterman equally compelling. This book appeals to those fascinated by morally complex societies, intense survival stories, and the ethical dilemmas faced by young protagonists.

4.3

243,005 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Connor

Connor starts off as a character prone to anger and fights but evolves into a leader with a calm demeanor. His transformation allows him to gain the respect of others and effectively manage tense situations.

Risa has a nurturing, maternal role throughout the novel. She is protective and attentive, alerting others to manipulation and providing comfort through music in dire situations.

Lev begins as a tithe with no control over his fate and evolves into a character filled with anger, which is eventually extinguished. He experiences significant growth and change throughout the story.

CyFi serves as a powerful example of unwinding's consequences. Though not unwound himself, he deals with inherited trauma and becomes a spokesperson against the practice in the novel.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • Near Future

Publication Year

2007

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-17 years

Lexile Level

HL740L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.