The Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn

Introduction: After reading the summary on the back of this book. I told myself this might be a good read for those moments when you want to get back to the game. I didn’t read any book for quite some time now because of my pregnancy symptoms (nausea and over-sleeping), so I was looking for something that I can just simply enjoy reading.

Overview:
They want your identity. They want your freedom. They can't have them.

The bar code rebellion.

Kayla has resisted getting the bar code tattoo, even though it's meant forfeiting a "normal" life. Without the tattoo, she's an exile. But she can't stay an exile for long....

For reasons she doesn't completely understand--but will soon discover--Kayla is at the center of a lethan conspiracy that will soon threaten the very notion of freedom. Kayla can either give in to the bar code, or she can join the resistance and fight it. The choice, to her, is clear: It's time to fight.

They want your identity.

They want your freedom.

They can't have them.
  
My Opinion: I finished reading the book and barely noticed that there should actually be a first part to this story. I think it’s good though, because interesting stories, even if they are related, should be independent of each other.

I kind of like the concept of this book, very futuristic and interestingly plausible. I can just imagine what if we are all identifiable by a tattoo that contains all our genetic information, financial and professional standing. We don’t have to carry Identification cards, credit cards or something of that sort – all that we have is recorded in that ink staining a part of our body. It’s promising really but at the same time scary.

But going back to the execution of the book, I just find that the characters lack, well… character. I cannot identify them, they seem so monotonous. The story is a little too convenient – when Kayla kept bumping into people who just like her, are rebelling against this bar code tattoo. The idea of cloning people and altering their genetic makeup is cool, but lacks a little “wow” factor in the book. I find that the story is too rushed, and it doesn’t build any momentum at all.

I personally don’t like the ending – I find it a little too easy. I feel that there should have been more to the story, especially in the character of KM-6. And there’s just too many questions left unanswered, like, why is Kayla a threat to the society? Why is she being pursued? Oh well, maybe all this is in the third book. I just don’t know if I’m reading it.

Overall, this book has served its purpose. It entertained me because I don’t have to think - It’s shallow, it’s short, and very easy to read. I’ll recommend this to those boring afternoon moments when you have nothing else to do but relax over a cup of coffee. 

My Rating: 

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Introduction: I think its really scary to all of a sudden forget ten years of your life - to wake up and realize that your dreams of a perfect happy little family, a promise of friendship - all those things you protect so much to keep are all gone now. To wake up and suddenly realize you dont know the person you've become. I guess this book has given me a new perspective in life - to really hold on to what matters most in life today before they become just another memory that you might forget one day.

Overview: Alice is twenty-nine. She is whimsical, optimistic and adores sleep, chocolate, her ramshackle new house and her wonderful husband Nick. What's more, she's looking forward to the birth of the 'Sultana' - her first baby.

But now Alice has slipped and hit her head in her step-aerobics class and everyone's telling her she's misplaced the last ten years of her life.

In fact, it would seem that Alice is actually thirty-nine and now she loves schedules, expensive lingerie, caffeine and manicures. She has three children and the honeymoon is well and truly over for her and Nick. In fact, he looks at her like she's his worst enemy. What's more, her beloved sister Elisabeth isn't speaking to her either. And who is this 'Gina' everyone is so carefully trying not to mention?

Alice isn't sure that she likes life ten years on. Every photo is another memory she doesn't have and nothing makes sense. Just how much can happen in a decade? Has she really lost her lovely husband for ever?
  
My Opinion: Part of me enjoyed this book, because the story line is something that catches my attention. I guess because I was able to relate to what Alice felt... to suddenly not know details of my life. Its not the Alice and I have the same situation, but just like Alice... I'm in that point where she was 10 years ago - I'm also full of hope, looking forward to my future with the man I love, together with our kids. Its scary for me to wake up one day and realize I lost everything I want to have so much before. 


Although honestly, there are parts of the book that I wish the author has established more... I feel like Nick is lost as a character. I cant feel his presence and importance in the story. Although Elizabeth's character is amplified by her journal, I cant seem to connect the sister/ bestfriend bond that she and Alice used to have. So although Alice is missing ten years of her life, I dont. 

But overall, this is a good read for me - especially since I took a unjustifiable long break from reading and blogging. So before plunging in, I have to start it light! ;)

My Rating: