Girl Parts Review

"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.
Taken from GoodReads.

Girl Parts is the story of two boys who couldn't be more different if they tried. David is Mr. Popularity with not a care in the world, plus all the money he could ever need or want from his technologically-advanced father. Charlie, in stark contrast, is most comfortable when he's alone. His school counselors decide he must be depressed, though he disagrees...he's just a loner. Ultimately and inevitably connected by David's Companion Bot, Rose, Charlie and David are about to set off on a winding road to self-discovery.

To be honest, I'm really not completely sure how to start reviewing Girl Parts. I think the premise is interesting, and it sounds humourous, without sounding completely absurd. Girl Parts sounds like the perfect blend of futuristic technology, relatable characters, and a touch of humour to emphasize the moral of the story. That said, I honestly think the premise was better than the story, itself. Now, that's not to say that the author, John M. Cusick doesn't have a distinctive writing style. The prose flows well, and he has a very clear writing voice - simple and succinct.

All that aside though, I had an extremely difficult time connecting with the characters. In theory, David and Charlie should have been easy to relate to and understand, but I just couldn't get inside their heads. I will admit that Rose's humanity was the highlight of Girl Parts for me. Though designed to love David, she discovers herself through the story. Ultimately though, the process evolved so quickly, I barely had time to understand what was happening before it was over. Girl Parts took (at most) 4 hours to read, and then it was just done...I wasn't left with a meaning, or questions, or really anything. I will also admit that I had a hard time connecting with the crass dialogue at times, but that's just personal taste.

Girl Parts is not a bad read, and I don't like giving bad reviews, but I just don't think it was the book for me. I give it a 2.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to YA and upper MG fans - particularly those who want a touch of humour, and I think it would be great for boys.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher, Candlewick Press, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.