Scalzi, John. Lock In. New York: Doherty, 2014. Electronic.
Brief Summary: In the not-so-distant future, Locked-in Syndrome has become a widespread disease across the world. People of all ages are now restricted to their beds in a coma-like state. Fortunately, technology has allowed these people to continue to interact with the world through androids and, in some cases, through actual people called Integrators. The main character, Chris Shane, is a victim of this disease and is just starting his new job as an FBI agent. Along with his partner, Leslie Vann, he has an action-packed first week on the job. Beginning with a seemingly simple murder case, Shane and Vann soon discover that this is only the start of a much more complicated case involving everyone from Shane’s dad to Integrators to Locked-in victims to people living on the Navajo Reservation.
Overall impression: Completely agree with Kirkus’s thoughts: “Contains plenty of action, great character development, vivid and believable worldbuilding and a thought-provoking examination of disability culture and politics--is definitely worth the ride.
Critical Analysis:
Lock In and Young Adults: I would not classify this novel as being a “young adult novel” nor would I say that it is developmentally appropriate for them, but YAs interested in futuristic settings and action could still enjoy it nonetheless. There are no teen characters and there is not a lot that teens will explicitly relate to. However, there are subtle aspects of it that some teens, probably older ones, would find familiar and interesting, such as the world’s view of the characters with Lock In Syndrome (disabilities, etc.) and the world’s widespread acceptance of same sex relationships.
Strengths: As stated in “overall impression,” it has action, good characters, a believable futuristic world, and allows the reader to think about our society’s view on disabilities and politics. In addition to that, the story itself is interesting and will keep readers engaged throughout.
Weaknesses: Parts of the story are left unexplained (like Vann’s former partner’s story and the twins threep). This is more of an annoyance than a weakness, but maybe he will explain in the sequel.
Activity: A fun activity that could be paired with this book is a murder mystery dinner/party. The story could be set in the futuristic world that Scalzi has created, with threeps, Integrators, Hadens, and so on. Participants (teens and/or adults) would have to read the book in order to solve the mystery.
Related Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locked-in_syndrome This Wikipedia article explains the basics of “Locked-in Syndrome.” It’s important for readers to know that this is a real disorder even though the book is fiction and adds information to fit the future world the author has created.
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-02/nasa-unveils-android-astronaut This article shows readers the android created by NASA about 6 years ago. It shows readers that technology from Lock In is not all that far away.
Published Review: “Lock In.” Kirkus Reviews 82.15 (2014): 36. Book Review Digest Plus (H.W. Wilson). Web. 13 July 2016.
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