Posted on by Angie

Spreading the Awesome – FEED by MT Anderson

This month, the ever-energetic Elana Johnson has organized a book review ring called “Spreading the Awesome.” Each of us chose a YA/MG  book we think deserves 10 stars (or more).

“We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to totally suck.” After reading the first line of MT Anderson’s FEED, I was hooked.  Thankfully, I read FEED after I finished MEMENTO NORA (at least the 2nd or 3rd draft of it). If I’d read it before I started writing my book, I might’ve hung it up and begged for my old job back. It’s one of those books that completely demoralizes and inspires me. It’s that good.

FEED is both funny and tragic. Anderson never talks down to his readers or over explains the world he’s built. (A few of my pet peeves.) The book is a fresh take on the worn cyberpunk genre.  (You might call it post-cyberpunk.)  (If you’re not familiar with cyberpunk, check out the granddaddy of the sub-genre, Neuromancer by William Gibson.)

The main character, Titus, and almost everyone in his not-so-far-future society are hooked into the Feed.  It’s the total online, social media experience—internet, cell phones, chat, shows, shopping—all rolled into one and piped into your head.  Titus and his friends only had to go to school learn how to use the Feed. People connect through the Feed. They still go places, like work and entertainment hot-spots, like the moon—but all the while they’re chatting with others, shopping, etc. on the Feed in their heads. (Imagine having an iPhone implanted in your skull.)

So, on his sucky trip to the Moon—a clubbing destination—a terrorist hacks Titus and a girl called Violet, whom he’d just met. They have to be quarantined–offline. No Feed.  I won’t give away the plot, but one of the main reasons I love this book is that the hero doesn’t save the day. Titus and his friends don’t suddenly rise up out of their apathy, form an underground, and overthrow the Feed. The book is much subtler, darker, and more interesting than that.  His friends and his society, for the most part, don’t ever question the Feed or the consequences of it.  And, that’s the point.  Titus does have his eyes opened. He realizes, maybe somewhat dimly, that the Feed, which is fueled by rampant consumerism (and apathy) just might be consuming the world.  In the end, though, we aren’t certain whether he’s going to fall back into the lure of the Feed or fight it.  And, that’s also the point.

If you want to win a copy of FEED, please comment below. I’ll pick someone randomly by the end of the week.

The next stop on the Spread the Awesome book review tour is Nicole Ducleroir. She’s reviewing  AMONG THE HIDDEN by Margaret Peterson Haddix.  If you want to see the whole list of those of us participating, check out Elana’s Recommended Reads list.

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42 Replies to “Spreading the Awesome – FEED by MT Anderson”

  2. I just had to say that this is quite possibly my favorite book. I think it should be required reading in high school and I often thrust it on one of my unsuspecting friends saying, “This is the modern-day The Giver. Read it.”

    I was hooked on the first sentence, too & pieces of the book stuck in my mind for years afterwards…especially as the Internet and things like Droids and Minority Report invaded our lives. This is a gripping, wonderful 10-star book!!!

  3. How could I resist reading a book where the hero doesn’t save the day?
    Thanks for the opportunity! (Hugs)Indigo

  5. I already own this, but had to chime in to say how much I agree. I loved Feed so much that I propped it open so I could read while I was cooking and burnt myself. Didn’t care. It was THAT good. 🙂

  6. Such a unique and original idea for a story! I would love to be entered if this is open internationally. Feed sounds great!

    Thanks 🙂

  10. I want to read FEED! I love the cover. And the premise sounds so unique… I just need a copy. ; )
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  12. I agree! The first line was really good. It sounds so youthful. I’m interested in reading and reviewing this on my blog. Please include me if this is open internationally!

  23. Great review. I’m going to the LA SCBWI conference this summer, and M.T. Andersen is a keynote speaker. Now I know what book to read before I go. 🙂

  26. I’m a cyber-punk fan — thanks for the recommendation! I was excited to see this genre represented in the Spread the Awesome book review list. Looking forward to picking up a copy of Feed!

  33. Oh, man, we’re like soul sisters. I adored this book as well. From the first line to the last. And yes, I’ve read books where I’m like, “Oh crap! This is MY BOOK!”

    Can’t wait to read Momento Nora.

  37. I’ve heard about this book, but didn’t know if I wanted to add it to my massively huge and always growing to-read list. You’ve convinced me, though. That first line is BRILLIANT. Please enter me in your kewl contest!

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