
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A virus that broke out in the town of Black River Falls on October 16th completely wiped out the past and all memories of those who were infected. The town is now quarantined and under control of the National Guard, and 17-year old Cardinal Cassidy, one of the few who weren't infected by the Lassiter virus, is living in the mountains, looking after a group of children who are orphaned. He is joined by Greer, a former bully (who has no recollection of that period of his life) who is now his best friend. When a private security corporation decides to take over the quarantined area and the librarian reveals some clues as to the origin of the virus, Card has some tough decisions to make.
Questions are raised such as who are we without our memories, and do our memories matter if we can't share them with others? What could have been a really interesting look at the human psyche and what makes us who we are falls short. Written as a letter to Card's brother, the first half of the book moves very slowly. Card is mostly introspective, angsty, and boring. The second half moves more quickly, but it ultimately isn't enough to make me care.
Recommended for gr. 9-12.
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