Author:
Anderson, M.T.
Title:
Feed
Publisher & Date:
Candlewick, 2002
Recommended Age Range:
14 and up
Plot Summary:
Feed introduces readers to a troubling future where everyone, who can afford it, that is, is constantly plugged in. What everyone is plugged into is not explicitly stated, but it seems to be a scary, commercial conglomerate that constantly bombards everyone with advertisements. Unfortunately, this situation seems to have grown so slowly, inconspicuously, and insidiously, that no one notices anymore. Everyone, adult, teen, or child is used to the commercialism of their lives.
The novel revolves around two main characters, Titus, who is used to this fast-paced, media-inundated lifestyle, and Violet, who got the feed installed at a relatively late age. Violet’s father was a professor who did not believe in the feed. Thus, Violet did not have the feed installed until she about seven years old. It seems that most people in Violet and Titus’ age group get the feed at birth or very early in their childhood. Violet and Titus meet during a spring break trip to the moon. While hanging out at a club, both Violet and Titus’ feeds get hacked. Titus seems mostly recovered, while Violet, perhaps as a result of her late installation, seems to degenerate further and further. Or does she? Violet starts to struggle against the feed and to grasp the last bits of real life she has ahead of her before her infected feed kills her.
Reader Appeal:
This innovative science-fiction novel and its theme of anti-consumerism and information literacy would appeal to fans of science-fiction, social responsibility, activism, and social justice. This novel would not appeal to anyone looking for romance or action. This book would also not appeal to anyone who does not have patience with annoying fake slang.
Literary Merit:
Feed is a an innovative novel that uses slang, poor grammar and limited vocabulary to place readers into the head of the main character, Titus. Everything that happens does so through Titus’ eyes, so readers experience his struggles to understand the queerness of Violet’s upbringing and beliefs. It is well-written because it works on many levels. It works at face value for reluctant readers due to its limited vocabulary, short chapters and decent amount of white space. It also works for more advanced readers due to the social implications of its anti-consumerism theme.
I thought this book was very interesting at some points i couldnt put it down cuz i wanted to know what was gonna happen next. Although I didnt like the ending, it’s a well written book and gives you a look at what could be our soon futures.
Feed is seriously one of my favorite books. Just a warning: it ends in tragedy, so if you’re looking for one of those happy lovey-dovey fairy tale stories, you’re in no luck here. But even though Feed is so dark, it’s VERY interesting and addicting. I admit I didn’t like it so much when I saw the cover, but the futuristic world portrayed in here really drew me in. ‘Course, it doesn’t hurt that there’s a love story in here told from the boy’s point of view (for once). There’s a lot of humor in here too. Feed is the kind of book that makes you look at things differently and actually makes you think. A must-read.
I just started reading this book it’sgetting confusing though, like with the unfamiliar words and im still stuck on what a valve is. I hope it’s as good as how others describe it though. I can’t wait to finsh it maybe there will be more answers than questions in the end.
This was one of my favorite books, i thought the ending was terrible, i almsot cried, hah, well its deffinetly one of the best books iv read.