Girl Parts Review

Saturday, October 9, 2010


"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.

21 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to read this, so I was really interested to read your review. I sometimes like a lighter read, so I'm still considering it, but it does sound a little like it lacks substance. Pity, but thanks for your honesty. :)

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  2. Thanks for the honest review. I've been reading similar reviews to yours saying that the premise sounded good, but the book didn't love up to it. I'm still interested in checking it out and if I don't enjoy it I could just pass it on to my brother. :D

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  3. Thanks for the review! I was curious about this book but I think I would rather not read it

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  4. Ahhh bummer. Well thanks for your honesty :) I still reaallly want to read this one :)

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  5. I've been really interested in this book, and I think I'll still end up giving it a shot, but I'll keep in mind the negatives you've pointed out. Thanks for the review!

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  6. Nice honest review. I do think I would have expected more from this book, too bad that wasn't the case

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  7. I'm on the fence about this one.

    Thanks for the review.

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  8. Oh what a bummer I was hoping this would be a better story especially since I am always looking for good books with male protagonists.

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  9. Mmm... am also not quite sure whether or not I'd want to read this one, but really enjoyed reading your review for it. I think I'd pick it up at the library, but won't go out of my way to purchase a copy!

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  10. Sorry to hear you didn't care for this one much. It's one I'm still going to read because I like the idea. I understand your qualms about it though. Thanks for the honest review!

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  11. Thanks for the honest review Melissa! I just read a similar review. I was looking forward to this reading this one, but books without solutions are definitely my type of book haha.

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  12. I've been thinking about reading this and I'm glad you reviewed it :) Now, I will put it off on my TBR list! You should try the Blue Bloods series... I think you would like it!

    You're reading The Replacement?! I'm jealous ;) I can't wait to see your review for it! Great review on this one too!

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  13. Hm. I think I'll pass on this one, the ones where you can't connect to the characters are always the ones that are hardest to read for me. Great review though Melissa, you supported your opinion well instead of just ripping the book apart.

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  14. I read another review of this book and you both had similar views. I'll probably pass on this one - thanks for the honest review!

    Congratulations - you have been given The Versatile Blogger award!

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  15. I'm so glad you got this review up; I've been looking forward to it because I kind of love the cover.

    I'm disappointed to read that the story didn't work out that well, but grateful for the honest review.

    I still might check it out from the library or something once I twiddle down my TBR pile a bit.

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  16. I think my favourite part about this book is the cover :)

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  17. Great honest review...really gave me a sense of why the book failed for you...

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  18. I enjoyed this review a lot. Thank you for your honesty!!

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  19. Some books are just better for boys, I think. I kind of feel that way about Scott Westerfeld.

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  20. "According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate…" That's hilarious. ^_^ It sounds like a satire of the arbitrary rules that people make up to determine whether their relationship is "right."

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  21. I like the line you quoted. I also hate when a book just "ends" ... there have been some where I turned the page expecting to find more story, and there wasn't any! Thanks for the review!

    Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

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