Scythe

By Neal Shusterman
Lexile = 830

Loved this book and now I am worried about myself. You see, this is a book about death. And killing people. Scythe is set in a future where not only have all diseases been cured and erradicated, but any injury, no matter how devastating (think beheading), can also be patched up. Think about that. People never die. If a person gets really old, they COULD still be healthy, but now they also have the option of "turning".... really turning back the clock and having a younger body again. People never die. The society has figured out that the world can't sustain an infinite number of people, so they have selected scythes (grim reapers) to kill a certain number of people each year. That maintains the correct population balance.

The plot begins with the selection of two new apprentices for the scythedom. They must learn to kill in every way possible and they must also learn the rules for their new lives. There is a lot "backstabbing" here... meaning questionable loyalties and alliances. Yes, Shusterman's book is violent, but the questions raised by this novel about death, life, right and wrong make it a book I would recommend for students.

Just found out that it is the first in a series... so looking forward to the next one. Watch a rather dark book trailer HERE.

Scythe is on the nomination list for the Beehive Book Award.... Utah students pick their favorites! See all the current picks HERE.