Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Review by Shellie: Inside Out by Maria Snyder

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Basic Set Up Info: 

Set somewhere in the future, within an enclosed world which has advanced technology, Trella lives in a crowded space where she is one of two factions - Uppers and Lowers. Trella is a Lower and because of this “lower” status she is required to clean the complex pipe systems of this metallic world and is designated a “scrub.” Trella is strong teen, slightly damaged, and prefers to keep to herself. As the story progresses and we become introduced to its dystopian society and its apparent class structure imbalance, drama and light romance ensue.

My Thoughts:

This is a wonderful introduction to science fiction and dystopian society for young adults and especially girls. I would have loved this as a “tween” in the 1970s. We had the Nancy Drew series, and authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Zilpha Keatley Snyder giving us mystery, historical fiction, and paranormal. Sadly, I remember no role models for girls within science fiction; goodness knows, I tried devouring the boy’s preteen section on science fiction from our local library. 

Another  positive element in this book is that Maria Snyder includes some basic concepts around political dystopian concpets for a younger reader. This I feel is important, since it can be then be a basis for understanding more complex worlds, as well as world history and current events. Highly recommended for adults interested in a light read, but especially for intrigued and intelligent girls (and boys too, since it is light on the romance). I give it a 4 star rating and am also excited that it is a first in a series. I believe the next is called Outside In and will be released at the beginning of 2011.

For more information on this newly released book, the author, as well as purchasing links and more please see Layers of Thought's preview for Inside Out.

Here are some additional reviews from my reading list:

  1. Misty at Book Rat – includes book trailer
  2. Jennifer from Reading with Tequila

Thanks for reading Layers of Thought.

12 comments:

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

This one sounds intriguing...Also, I'm noticing you've made some changes here.

Hopefully, you won't tell me that you've had it this way for months and months! That would be terrible, since I'm a follower here.

Lots of times I read without going to the actual blog, but that's a mistake, I think.

Blodeuedd said...

I really do like dystopian YA so I think this could be a book for me

Unknown said...

Laurel -
It is an easy and light read, and is sci fi for girls... yeah!

Yes I wanted a whiteish background since I read somewhere that it helps with retention...who knows. Clean and springy.

Only problem is, is that I think that explorer users will experience some lag. I need to check that out better....

I would say its about a month or so, since I changed it. Most of us do read in google readers so it is understood. :)
Thanks Laurel.

Blodeued -
I think you would enjoy this too. If you have an ereader (and a blog) it is available through NetGalley.

Misty said...

You know, I've never really thought about it, but you're right. There really hasn't been an attempt to right girl-driven sci-fi until recently. Good call.
And thanks for linking to me! :D

Unknown said...

Misty -
As a middle age adult... it was so sad in my teens. I was a science nut and no sci fi for girls... Younger girls have fared a bit better, but I will be darned if I can think of one example at the moment.

You are so welcome, my pleasure. I am going to try to link other reviews from readers here as much as I can. :)

ThePageTurner said...

Hey Shellie, this one looks interesting to me as well. I, too, love YA and dystopian lit. Be checking it out soon.

ThePageTurner said...

Hey Shellie,
Great review. I, too, love YA and dystopian lit. I'll be checking this one out soon.
Rose

Unknown said...

Rose -
Thanks - It should be up on Goodreads today. I tried to post it last night but it didn't work. Oh well.

I have a whole shelf full of dystopian/apocalyptic reads on my account there that I have been collecting.. for a rainy day, you should check it out.

Charlie said...

Sometimes I think you think I'm an old stick-in-the-mud when it comes to "alternative" lit. WRONG!

1. I just downloaded this book to my Kindle for seven bucks.

2. I'm halfway through the steampunk novel, "Leviathan."

3. The final book in The Hunger Games trilogy, "Mockingjay", comes out in August and I can't wait.

All three books/trilogy are YA and feature strong female characters—especially Katniss in The Hunger Games.

So I'm not as stodgy as you think I am, just because I don't like vampire novels . . .

Unknown said...

Charlie -
Your not an old stick in the mud or stodgy but perhaps a bit of a bloody pain in the neck - so to speak. ;)

As for the vampires..(werewolves, and zombies too) we all have opinions, yours are just a bit stronger than most. I will be expecting a "50% rant rate" on the posts of this type we create, from you. lol.... and we do have a number coming up.

Beyond that my friend -

I know you have a great opinion where women and where their equal rights are concerned so that's great. I will be curious about what you think about this one. Its an easy read.

As for The Hunger Games it is calling my name on the shelf as we speak - as is The Windup Girl, The Sparrow,..... the list goes on. Its a wonder I can sleep at night.

You should join the Woman Unbound Challenge - they/we would love you. There's only one guy I know of its Mel u (he only does classics).

Cheers Charlie and have a great day!

Julie (ASmAcc) said...

Thanx for the review! I'm adding it to my Black Hole Reviews list and have it in mind for my daughter. :)

Unknown said...

Julie -
Thanks that would be wonderful. That is a very cute meme/feature. I like that :)

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