***SPOILER ALERT***DO NOT READ IF YOU DON’T LIKE SPOILERS!***
Summary: David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious red-headed Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Severed from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend. In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uber-connected world.
My Thoughts: This is another book I’d label a quick read. (Maybe not for a teen/preteen, but for definitely an adult.) It’s an interesting concept, and I think handled pretty well. There were some serious laugh-out-loud moments, too. I always love those! (Thankfully, I was alone at home while reading!)
David is someone who can’t seem to figure out who he is. He goes from a complete jerk to an understanding nice guy, to total butt-hole. Then he’s distracted and downright depressed. I get that he’s nice in part because he simply CANNOT touch Rose without being shocked (unless he’s earned the right for more physical contact, of course), but his instantaneous change upon realization that she lacks “girl parts” – well, it was surprising. He was being so nice for so long that it just seemed off to me that he would turn on her just like that. I get that sex is important, but knowing he was a virgin … c’mon! Had he not patiently waited the (roughly) month before he could kiss her, I think it would’ve been more believable.
I liked Charlie. Poor kid was a sweet loner. I didn’t get why he didn’t tell his dad the truth about Rose right off the bat. Maybe because he and his dad both had decided that getting Charlie a Companion wasn’t something they wanted to try? That’s my best guess.
I thought Rose was the most interesting character. Despite being a robot, watching her learn and grow and “come to life” was actually really neat to see. She goes from blind devotion to a boy who’s a complete arse to electing to have an illegal procedure to attempt to remove her connection to him. And, really, I think she’s really the only deep character. I think the others aren’t very well developed. While their personalities were clear, nothing deeper – nothing motivating them or driving them – is revealed. I get that David’s parents are flaky, disinterested (and they wonder why he’s disassociated?), and a joke. I get that Charlie’s mom walked out and left him with issues, but there isn’t enough time dealing with any of this. Most of it is briefly mentioned and/or shown.
Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read. But, honestly, I was somewhat disappointed by it. I couldn’t tell you exactly what I was expecting, but I can tell you that this wasn’t nearly as good as I thought it would be. I do, however, appreciate the laugh-out-loud moments. Those always make up for anything a book is missing.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: Received through Around The World Tours for review.
Read It: You can get your own copy HERE.
FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.
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