Author: Jessica
Khoury. Release date: 2012. Publisher: Razorbill. ISBN: 9781595145956.
Annotation:
Pia
is perfect: the sole member of a race of immortals created deep in the jungles
of the Amazon. She has spent her entire life behind the walls of the secret
compound of scientists who made her and doesn’t know anything about what lies
beyond the cage she calls home. Everything changes, however, when she discovers
a hole in the fence and ventures into the jungle where she meets Eio, a boy her
age from the outside world.
Personal
thoughts: I really liked the concept of this book and, although I had some trouble reading through some of the
parts pertaining to animal testing, overall, I enjoyed it. Pia is a very
likable character and it was interesting watching her grow and become more “human”
as the story progressed. While I don’t think this novel is for everyone, I
would definitely recommend it to science-fiction fans who want something a
little different from the norm.
Plot
summary: Pia is perfect. The only member of a race of immortals created
deep in the jungles of the Amazon, she has spent her life in the walls of the
compound of scientists who have dedicated their lives to engineering more
people like her. Pia knows that her destiny lies in one day joining the
scientists in discovering how to quickly create more immortals; currently the
process takes five generations and Pia is the result of work that began in
1912. Everything changes, however, when Pia discovers a hole in the fence that
surrounds her home and ventures out into the jungle. There she meets Eio, a
handsome boy who lives in a neighboring village of natives. Pia has never seen
someone her age and is fascinated by Eio and the rest of the villagers.
Although she knows it’s wrong, she continues to visit Eio and the village,
learning more about the outside world than she ever thought possible. The more
she discovers, however, the more she begins to realize that not everything
inside her compound of scientists is what it seems and that the truth behind
her creation might be deadlier than she ever imagined.
Review: From debut
author Jessica Khoury comes this Michael Crichton-esque novel for young adults
about science, danger and, of course, romance. One of the best things about Origin is that the author does her best
not to dumb down the scientific aspects of the plot for the reader. Pia’s
creation isn’t paranormal: she was engineered by the very group of scientists
that are the only family she has ever known. Some aspects of the operations of
Little Cam, the compound Pia calls home, might be difficult for readers to make
it through, particularly the elements pertaining to animal testing. Part of the
story, however, is showing how Pia’s humanity despite her immortality impacts
the events of the novel, and her growing separation from the scientists of
Little Cam becomes more evident as she grows and changes. The romance that
develops between Pia and Eio, the handsome eighteen-year-old from the
neighboring village of natives, is enjoyable and not over-the-top, making the
book relatable for teen boys and girls alike. Overall, a well-written and
thought-provoking novel from an author with a lot of promise.
Genre: Science-Fiction
Reading
level: Grade 8+
Similar
titles: Michael Crichton novels (Jurassic
Park, Next, etc.)
Themes: Science, genetic engineering, the Amazon, duty,
immortality, danger, secrets, romance, betrayal.
Awards/Reviews:
Positive review from Kirkus and Booklist.
Series
Information: N/A
Discussion
questions:
- Why do you think the scientists of Little Cam
kept the outside world a secret from Pia? Do you think it was the right choice?
- How do you explain the “tests” that was Pia
was put through? What was Uncle Paolo hoping to accomplish with the tests?
- Why do you think Pia was so intrigued by Eio?
- Why did it take Pia such a long time to warm
up to Aunt Harriet?
- Would you have been able to do what Uncle
Paolo asked Pia to do to Sneeze? Why or why not?
- Do you think Pia made the right choice in the
end? Why or why not?
