Thursday, February 4, 2010

Edifying Meets Edgy Halfway - CANDOR by Pam Bachorz

Even though Julie and I have different tastes in books, every once in a while one comes along we both can appreciate. In our Edifying Meets Edgy Halfway posts we'll feature a book we both like and give our opinions on where it fits in the realm of young adult literature. For our first book we'll talk about CANDOR by Pam
Bachorz.
Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town
where his father brainwashes everyone, he's found a way
to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He's got them all fooled: Oscar's the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he's made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. Oscar has even found a way to get rich. For a hefty price, he helps new kids escape Candor, Florida before they're transformed into cookie-cutter teens. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor
and Oscar's carefully-
controlled world crumbles.
I enjoyed Candor. I did have an issue with some language and sexual references. There were definate nail-biting scenes in the book that caused my heart to race and my fingers to want to turn the pages quicker. I would say this is definately a more mature-themed book.




CANDOR is an intense
story about the dangers of control and the insistence of perfection. Readers will be fascinated with life in Candor and won’t want to put the book down. Oscar, even though self-serving at times, is a great character to get to know and Nia and Oscar’s relationship is heart-warming. In terms of science fiction, CANDOR is a winner. Even with the mentions of alcohol consumption and Oscar's vivid imagination when it comes to sex and girls, CANDOR is still a great choice for middle schools. Eighth graders will love the story. Think Stepford Wives for young people.

Now, would you like a chance to win a copy of CANDOR? If so, fill out the form below. The giveaway ends on Monday, February 8th at Midnight (CST).


3 comments:

  1. I love these types of stories--of teens fighting the powers that be to remain individual! This one's definitely on my to-read list.

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  2. I'm glad you both agreed on this book. I have been trying to decide if I would like to read it. I'm still a litttle undecided but a free copy would certainly tip the balance to "read". Great contest and lovely blog.

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  3. I am very excited to find a blog written by middle school educators. I am a Grade 8 teacher from Canada and am always looking for good books for my students.

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Julie and Karin are anxious to hear what you have to say. Leave a comment.

 
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