Author signs copies of new controversial novel at local bookstore

by Giancarlo Galarreta

ORLANDO, Florida – Award-winning author, Neal Shusterman, autographed several copies of his controversial book last Thursday at the Waterford Lakes Barnes and Noble Bookstore and brought in more than just teenager fiction fans.

Shusterman arrived at Barnes and Noble around 7 PM and promptly gathered his fans to speak about his inspirations and the birth of his ideas. He signed several copies of his latest novel, “Unwind” for teens and adults whom some even drove in from nearby cities.

His thrilling new novel talks about a nearby future where parents of teenagers under the age of 18 can choose to dismember their children and donate their organs to people with greater needs. The storyline drew controversial attention because it ties in with the issue of abortion and the opposing sides of Pro-Life and Pro-Choice.

“I’m not making a political statement, I’m making a statement about when things become political,” said Shusterman shortly after explaining the concept of his novel. “What’s important about the book is posing questions for the readers, not giving the answers.”

Shusterman’s target audiences are teenagers and young adults and some worry that the controversial subject might be hard to understand for some of the younger readers.

Kim Miller, an English teacher at Timber Creek High School, read the book along with her students. “I definitely enjoyed it. I like the angles he takes, he shows both sides to the argument,” said Miller. “A couple of my honor students brought up abortion and the whole controversy subject but most of my kids were attracted to the novel because it was different.”

“I got this book two days ago and I’m almost done. I’m buying four of his other books today, Unwind was just so creepy and awesome,” said 8^th grader Kasey Kallay, 13, who got all five of her novels signed.

“It’s important to stay neutral with this kind of story and captivate readers with a fresh view; I just have a weird way of looking at things,” said Shusterman.

The author talked very smoothly throughout his presentation and even squeezed in some time to promote his upcoming novel, “Everwild” by giving away an advanced reader’s copy. Fans proceeded to join the one-hour line for autographs.

“I’m really pleased to have seen the turnout,” said Shusterman after he signed the last copy for one of his fans. “I think I got the right point across with this novel and that makes me feel successful as a writer.”