A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) by Beth Revis ☆☆☆☆☆

This sequel to Across the Universe exceeded all my expectations. It had twists and turns that surprised me when I didn't think I could be surprised. When I thought I figured out something about one person, it ended up being more about someone else. Not only did this sequel have excitement, but it had a mystery with clues to follow. And while I love being able to figure things out in a book (often before the main character), I loved that I couldn't figure it out in this one. As they deciphered the clues, they explained to me their logic which I hadn't figured out on my own. And it all made sense. And I have to give serious credit for the amount of literature referenced and used in this story. While I'm familiar with the texts used, my hope is that it will introduce young adults to those amazing works of literature that need to be read. My only wish with it would have been that The Little Prince would have appeared in more than just a reference because that book truly is a life changer. Overall, this book was gripping in all the right places and I can't wait for the final installment in January 2013. Sci-Fi was never my kind of read, but I couldn't get enough of this series.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Across the Universe by Beth Revis ☆☆☆☆☆

Take young adult romance and coming of age, add a dystopian society and a murder mystery, and top it off with a little science fiction and you have this book. I don't usually read science fiction, it's just not my thing, but a few reviews of this book and some classic shelf placement at the book store made me pick it up. And I devoured it.

One of my favorite things about this book is its usage of social commentary. On the surface is a story about assuming responsibility and a budding romance. But below the surface is thinly veiled critique of society in the past, present, and possible future. Revis takes our world histories of violence and racism and shows the many different ways that it can be misconstrued. At the same time she plays off of the idea of the differences between crazy and normal and flips what/who can be filed into the categories created. I loved just how many levels this book worked on.

The other thing I really loved was how much emotion I had for the book. I felt angry when the characters were angry and angry when they couldn't see what was right in front of them while I could. I felt helpless with the conditions they were faced with and wanted so badly to take them and give them happy endings before I even reached the ending myself. I really felt for this book and the characters in it. And this is especially purposeful when a large portion of the book questions the lack of emotion in people and the desire to feel anything even if the feeling is rage.

Now while I wasn't entirely satisfied with the book, and while I wouldn't necessarily read it again, I still give it five stars instead of four because I like what it said underneath and not just on top. I liked how it had more layers than I could ever possibly explain. And it's because of those layers that I would recommend people I know to read it.