Kacvinsky, Katie. Middle Ground (Awaken sequel)

Kacvinsky, Katie.  Middle Ground (Awaken sequel) Houghton Mifflin  2012  324p  ISBN 978-0-547-86336-8   hs  Hardback  VG-BN  Science fiction  

This is the sequel to Awaken, about the subversive and pervasive role of technology in life and Maddie’s defiant fight against it.  In this novel she speaks her mind and acts on her opinions, which lands her in a detention center where she is to be rehabilitated.  She calls it torture.  This process involves isolation, mind-altering drugs and the inducing of hallucinations.  She manages to maintain her sanity with the help of a young worker at the center and her friends on the outside. 

This is at times a disturbing read, but with a very current message about technology replacing face-to face interactions and the future repercussions of this trend.  In this society all schooling is done on line.  Dating, parties, and dances are done with avatars in a virtual world.  There are pockets of holdouts living totally without technology, but they are being wiped out.

The novel stands well on its own without the prior novel.  The writing is often beautiful, but the message is clear and disturbing to consider.  It would be an excellent discussion starter for high-school students.

           

Summary: Maddie is thrown into a detention center where they attempt to brainwash her.  She fights back with the help of a few friends.  Quite intense, so more suitable for high school.    It is a beautifully written novel about the pervasive use of technology that would be a great discussion starter for high-school classes.    

Science fiction, Fantasy                                    --Joan Theal