Teen troubles seem little different in the high tech world of millions of on-line connections in this not distant future. School companions David and Charlie have very different lives; rich David is the centre of an active on line social scene while poor Charlie isn’t even connected. But, whatever their technical hook ups, both boys feel disconnected and lonely. When David’s parents buy him a robotic companion to help him get off line their lives change. But, can Rose, part-girl part-robot really change their lives? An entertaining story about the pitfalls of new technology and the importance of real connections.
What happens when a robot designed to be a boy's ideal 'companion' develops a will of her own? This is a compulsively readable novel from a hot new talent in YA.
'Hello, David. My name is Rose. It's a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate'. David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David's parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat 'dissociative disorder', he can't get enough of luscious red-headed Rose - and he can't get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Severed from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn't real. With Charlie's help, the ideal 'companion' is about to become her own best friend. In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uber-connected world. A strong boy read that girls will love too: sexy, hilarious, high-tech, and full of pop-culture nods to everything from 'Blade Runner' to 'Buffy'.
'It may be hard for readers to get this book out of their system [...] charming and witty, peppered with satirical jabs at the irony of being lonely in an increasingly connected world.' - The Horn Book
'[A] bittersweet and prescient novel ... which makes the teenager-as-robot metaphor work so well.' - Publishers Weekly
'[An] I, Robot-meets-Pinocchio cautionary tale.' - Kirkus Reviews
Author
About John M. Cusick
John Cusick is a 2007 graduate of Wesleyan University. About Girl Parts he says, It is easy to feel lonely, despite the immediacy of technological connection. This is a story about human connections, how they catch us by surprise and challenge who we are. A literary agent of books for children and teens, he lives in Brooklyn, USA.
