Book Review: Specials by Scott Westerfeld
January 30th, 2009
It has been close to a month since I finished Specials, so this review will be a bit shaky. I enjoyed this trilogy about Tally and her adventures. The books were quick reads which is something that I appreciate from time to time! I know that one additional book, Extras, exists in the series so far. From what I understand, Specials is the last one that features Tally. This was my 5th book in the From the Stacks challenge, the challenge that required me to read 5 books without purchasing new ones. I received Specials for Christmas, is that cheating?
WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW
In Specials, Tally has been altered once again, not only in appearance but in attitude. She is now one of the elite members of Special Circumstances and has been modified with super strength, reflexes, and defenses. Westerfeld’s language once again effectively conveys her new attitude as he did when she became a Pretty in Pretties. She works together with Shay in the Cutters group. As I mentioned in my review of Pretties, I felt that the cutting in the series was inappropriately handled for the intended audience (teenagers). The Cutters cut themselves in order to give themselves clarity or feeling. I can understand introducing controversial topics in teen reading, but I saw no consequences. The cutting was more glamorized than anything. I am not suggesting censorship, but I felt that the handling of a controversial topic was disappointing.
Despite my problems with the cutting issue, I enjoyed the books! I would recommend them and his Midnighters trilogy as well.
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