Status
Available
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Series
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Publication
Speak (no date), Paperback, 272 pages
Description
At fifteen, Nina Oberon leads a pretty normal life that includes family, friends, and school. However, Nina lives in a totalitarian future society in which all girls are required to get a Governing Council-ordered "XVI" wrist tattoo on their 16th birthdays, announcing to the world that they are ready for sex. Becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear until, right before her birthday, her mother is brutally attacked and reveals a shocking truth to Nina with her dying breaths that changes everything Nina thought she knew about her life. Now, alone but for her younger sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.
User reviews
LibraryThing member dk_phoenix
This is another hyped YA dystopia from 2011, and based on my recent experiences with the genre, I went into this novel with lowered expectations. It was probably for the best.
The setup is a world where teenage girls are considered "ready for sex" once they reach the age of sixteen, and are given a
The actual plot is negligible, as it centers around an abusive stepfather (though we never actually see him abuse anyone) who has something to do with the government, and the main character's fear of sex. She doesn't want to have sex once she's sixteen (or "sex-teen" as the kids call it), but her best friend does and is overly eager to do so.
What actually happens? Well, not a whole lot. If there's a moment of action, the characters are back at school the next day doing mundane things and rehashing what just happened. Then there's another moment of action, and we're back to repeating the conversation from the previous day. The writing just didn't work for me because of this--it was lacking in that dark, urgent feel that comes with a dystopian society and trying to subvert the norm. That said, I wasn't entirely sure I bought the premise of "sex-teens" to begin with, because there wasn't enough explanation as to how the world got this way or why.
Perhaps the biggest thing that would convince me not to recommend the book to others is the attitude toward sex in the novel. I've noticed a few other reviewers refer to the content as "slut-shaming", and I have to say I agree with them. There is a distinct sense that women's sexuality is something that's dangerous, corrupting, and something to be ashamed of because it results in a rape society. I particularly took issue with the concept that women who dress "provocatively" are just asking to be raped. I'm not sure the author meant to present this message, but it certainly came across that way.
The ending also left something to be desired, but to be perfectly honest, a week after reading it, I can barely even remember what happened. That ought to tell you something right there.
A sequel was released this past January, but I won't be picking it up.
The setup is a world where teenage girls are considered "ready for sex" once they reach the age of sixteen, and are given a
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tattoo on their wrist so that men can identify the females who they can have sex with--regardless of whether the women want it or not. Apparently, in this society, men can rape young women without consequences, because the law sees the women as having "asked for it" by the way they ask and dress. The actual plot is negligible, as it centers around an abusive stepfather (though we never actually see him abuse anyone) who has something to do with the government, and the main character's fear of sex. She doesn't want to have sex once she's sixteen (or "sex-teen" as the kids call it), but her best friend does and is overly eager to do so.
What actually happens? Well, not a whole lot. If there's a moment of action, the characters are back at school the next day doing mundane things and rehashing what just happened. Then there's another moment of action, and we're back to repeating the conversation from the previous day. The writing just didn't work for me because of this--it was lacking in that dark, urgent feel that comes with a dystopian society and trying to subvert the norm. That said, I wasn't entirely sure I bought the premise of "sex-teens" to begin with, because there wasn't enough explanation as to how the world got this way or why.
Perhaps the biggest thing that would convince me not to recommend the book to others is the attitude toward sex in the novel. I've noticed a few other reviewers refer to the content as "slut-shaming", and I have to say I agree with them. There is a distinct sense that women's sexuality is something that's dangerous, corrupting, and something to be ashamed of because it results in a rape society. I particularly took issue with the concept that women who dress "provocatively" are just asking to be raped. I'm not sure the author meant to present this message, but it certainly came across that way.
The ending also left something to be desired, but to be perfectly honest, a week after reading it, I can barely even remember what happened. That ought to tell you something right there.
A sequel was released this past January, but I won't be picking it up.
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LibraryThing member readingbeader
Wow, just wow.
In a future where there are ten tiers of economic classes and the US government has been replaced by a “World Council,” at 16 a girl is considered of legal age, for sex at least, and receives a tattoo on her wrist so all will know. The government claims it’s for protection and
Tight writing, suspenseful storyline and not your typical plotline, make XVI a fast, intense read. I’d recommend this book to fans of The Chosen One, and Hunger Games.
In a future where there are ten tiers of economic classes and the US government has been replaced by a “World Council,” at 16 a girl is considered of legal age, for sex at least, and receives a tattoo on her wrist so all will know. The government claims it’s for protection and
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it will fade if a few years. Uh, hum. Nina is approaching 16 and isn’t excited like many girls; she and her mother didn’t buy into the government’s “sex-teen” propaganda. When Nina meets people who knew her father before he died, she feels excited, but they might not be everything they seem.Tight writing, suspenseful storyline and not your typical plotline, make XVI a fast, intense read. I’d recommend this book to fans of The Chosen One, and Hunger Games.
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LibraryThing member highflyer
I'm really starting to enjoy dystopian novels and this is no different. I found this book to start off sort of slow and I was beginning to wonder why I was reading it. However, as the story unfolded, I really started to enjoy it. I'm far from being 16 anymore, but I can remember a lot from those
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days. And scarily enough, I can see a lot of these things occurring in the distant future. If anyone, those ideals are already pushed within our culture, so I don't think the ideals pushed within this novel are far fetched. Show Less
LibraryThing member librarybrandy
Nina is just a few months out from her 16th birthday. Her best friend is excited about it: when they turn 16, they'll be legal to have sex! And be chosen for the FeLS program! [Female Liason Somethingorother, basically escorts, I think, for government officials?] It's a way out of their Tier 2
I want to say there's a big point here in the whole "at 16 girls can legally have sex" and in the caste system, but that part of the world is never really explored. There's talk (in the "As you know..." style of dialogue) about how the world is vegetarian now, but no discussion of when the world became so misogynistic as to openly objectify young women and establish government programs for sex slavery. (Wait, that was supposed to be a big reveal, except it's totally obvious from the beginning, so idk.) Nina's best friend, the boy-crazy airhead, is basically slut-shamed at every opportunity, from the way she dresses to her flirting to her desire to be chosen for the FeLS program (somehow not guessing what the "Female liasons" might do). Advertising is omnipresent (again, no commentary on the society; it's just there), and the class system supposedly allows for no blending among the classes, except that Nina and her friends range across the whole spectrum.
Overall: not something I can recommend in any capacity, really. The dystopian elements are so underrepresented that it seems a stretch to even list this as dystopian. It's not even background; it's just not there.
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lives, anyway. Nina is less than thrilled: being 16 means men can force themselves on her pretty much whenever they want with no repercussions. Things are going poorly enough for her already, but then her mom is killed, and right before she dies she tells Nina that her late father is actually still alive and she needs to bring him a particular book. No easy task, since her mother was possibly working for a resistance movement while Mom's abusive boyfriend is a government agent. Kidnapping, stalking, conspiracy, you name it, until the book mercifully ends.I want to say there's a big point here in the whole "at 16 girls can legally have sex" and in the caste system, but that part of the world is never really explored. There's talk (in the "As you know..." style of dialogue) about how the world is vegetarian now, but no discussion of when the world became so misogynistic as to openly objectify young women and establish government programs for sex slavery. (Wait, that was supposed to be a big reveal, except it's totally obvious from the beginning, so idk.) Nina's best friend, the boy-crazy airhead, is basically slut-shamed at every opportunity, from the way she dresses to her flirting to her desire to be chosen for the FeLS program (somehow not guessing what the "Female liasons" might do). Advertising is omnipresent (again, no commentary on the society; it's just there), and the class system supposedly allows for no blending among the classes, except that Nina and her friends range across the whole spectrum.
Overall: not something I can recommend in any capacity, really. The dystopian elements are so underrepresented that it seems a stretch to even list this as dystopian. It's not even background; it's just not there.
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LibraryThing member Ashley29
I read this book for my March Random Reads pick. Going into the book I knew it wasn't going to amaze me. I read a lot of bad reviews on this book, but of course I still forged ahead to make my own decision. Unfortunately, the reviews were right with the one. It had great promise, an interesting
Nina Oberon is fifteen, soon to be sixteen. In her world sixteen year olds or "sex-teens" have no rights. They are basically expected to have sex with whomever. One of the problems I had with this book is that the author didn't do a lot of background world building. The End-Of-Wars was mentioned frequently, but what were they? How did this sex-teen world come to be? The concept of the world is interesting, but it wasn't explained very well.
Girls don't have choices in this world. Women's reproductive rights are no existent. If a girl gets pregnant before she is sixteen she is forced to have an abortion and if she is sixteen, she doesn't get to decide, only the guy's opinion matters. Throughout the novel girls were either deemed virginal if they dressed conservatively or whores and deserved what they got if they dressed provocatively. There was a lot of unanswered questions I had by the time I finish the book. Hopefully, they will be answered in the next book, but I honestly don't think I will be continuing with this series.
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plot, but it just wasn't executed eloquently. So my run of mediocre books continues. I feel like I haven't read a solid four or five star book in forever!Nina Oberon is fifteen, soon to be sixteen. In her world sixteen year olds or "sex-teens" have no rights. They are basically expected to have sex with whomever. One of the problems I had with this book is that the author didn't do a lot of background world building. The End-Of-Wars was mentioned frequently, but what were they? How did this sex-teen world come to be? The concept of the world is interesting, but it wasn't explained very well.
Girls don't have choices in this world. Women's reproductive rights are no existent. If a girl gets pregnant before she is sixteen she is forced to have an abortion and if she is sixteen, she doesn't get to decide, only the guy's opinion matters. Throughout the novel girls were either deemed virginal if they dressed conservatively or whores and deserved what they got if they dressed provocatively. There was a lot of unanswered questions I had by the time I finish the book. Hopefully, they will be answered in the next book, but I honestly don't think I will be continuing with this series.
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LibraryThing member ahappybooker
XVI is a futuristic/dystopian young adult debut by Julia Karr that introduces us to Nina Oberon and her world of media brainwashing and strange government control over society. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy XVI as much as I had anticipated. While I did enjoy the steady pacing and writing style, I
Nina Oberon’s world almost seems like a pretty scary place with the government listening and watching everything you do, media flashing advertisements convincing you of who you want to aspire to be, and the underground resistance fighting against the status quo. But in XVI, we only get a small glimpse at all that’s going on, we never get to see the inner workings of either side and so I was left without a very clear understanding about the world. I felt the same about Nina’s friends and family, that the author just barely scratched the surface of who they were and I really couldn’t relate to any of the characters, plot, or world enough to be completely invested in the story.
I liked that the author tackled some serious issues such as teen self image and sexuality as it is influenced by the media. However, once again, I wish there would have been more to it than it just being mentioned throughout the book. There were too many things left unexplained, unexplored, and undeveloped for me to have enjoyed this. It felt too safe for the subject matter.
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thought that there wasn’t enough plot to carry the story. I would compare reading this novel to going to an amusement park and riding only the carousel. Its an enjoyable enough ride, relaxing and nice, but while you can just see the roller-coaster over the hill, you never quite make it there. Instead continuing at the same slow steady pace to the end, no ups, downs, twists or surprises.Nina Oberon’s world almost seems like a pretty scary place with the government listening and watching everything you do, media flashing advertisements convincing you of who you want to aspire to be, and the underground resistance fighting against the status quo. But in XVI, we only get a small glimpse at all that’s going on, we never get to see the inner workings of either side and so I was left without a very clear understanding about the world. I felt the same about Nina’s friends and family, that the author just barely scratched the surface of who they were and I really couldn’t relate to any of the characters, plot, or world enough to be completely invested in the story.
I liked that the author tackled some serious issues such as teen self image and sexuality as it is influenced by the media. However, once again, I wish there would have been more to it than it just being mentioned throughout the book. There were too many things left unexplained, unexplored, and undeveloped for me to have enjoyed this. It felt too safe for the subject matter.
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LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
The concept and the blurb drew me in, and I was excited to read this, but in all honesty... it was just something of a let-down, and definitely not enough to pull me into reading the next book in the series.
All-told, the only character who had any depth was the narrator--and even she was a bit too
I do think the author had a lot of good ideas, but perhaps felt like it being a YA book was an excuse to get lazy on the details(?) and focus instead on a lot of angst, but with characters who just weren't that strong or developed, there just wasn't enough here to give the book real substance.
So, could I recommend it? Nope, I'm afraid not. I probably won't be picking up more work by Karr, either, since the concept here struck me, but the execution just wasn't up to what it needed to be.
All-told, the only character who had any depth was the narrator--and even she was a bit too
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much of EXACTLY what you'd expect from a narrator of a YA dystopian book centered on a 15/16-year-old girl. With the other characters being either stereotypes or just, simply, very flat, the work really needed to be able to depend on outstanding plotting and/or writing, and it just couldn't. The world's details were interesting, for what they were, but a lot more vague than I'd expect from a book like this, and far too predictable. The foreshadowing and the various ideas (again, the ideas being exactly what you'd expect from a YA dystopian) were also so heavy-handed that the book went back and forth between feeling contrived and being predictable, to the point where I never felt any real suspense about what was coming, and the ending ended up being incredibly anti-climactic.I do think the author had a lot of good ideas, but perhaps felt like it being a YA book was an excuse to get lazy on the details(?) and focus instead on a lot of angst, but with characters who just weren't that strong or developed, there just wasn't enough here to give the book real substance.
So, could I recommend it? Nope, I'm afraid not. I probably won't be picking up more work by Karr, either, since the concept here struck me, but the execution just wasn't up to what it needed to be.
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LibraryThing member booknerdreviews
What a great read! I’ve read a number of dystopian books, but this one I felt was a little bit different, and it was refreshing! The book didn’t spoon feed me, it expected me to keep up and figure out the definitions for myself. Things like “Non-Cons” I figured out what that meant in the
The story line itself was absolutely compelling. Nina is about to turn 16 (or sex-teen as it’s commonly referred to). She’s not sure she wants to get the 16 tattoo on her wrist because then she will be an adult. Her mum has told her certain things about the Government, but she is about to find out a WHOLE lot more that will shock her. There’s also some romance in this story too – which lets face it, we all love some romance!
The characters were so strong and well written. Nina has such a strong will and knows what she wants. She may not physically be a strong girl, but she is still what I would consider emotionally strong. She is thrown into so many situations, from her mother, to finding out about her father, Ed coming after her… she is pretty amazing.
Wei covers the physical aspects with her martial arts training, and then Sal is also portrayed as a protector.. someone who is strong as well. I even think that Sandy is quite strong as well – she is strong willed and stubborn and is determined to be selected for FeLS.
I really like reading a book that has kick ass characters personally – maybe it’s because I am such a wuss myself that I get a thrill out of it!
Ed was pure evil, everything from the videos Nina saw, to the physical violence he bought upon Nina’s mum and then everything that is to come later in the book, he is absolutely dispicable and so easy to hate. I’ve said it before, but I truly love having someone so easy to hate in a book. A good villain is essential a dystopian novel!
Fantastic book, I am giving this a 5 out of 5 for it’s abilty to have me turning pages like it did. It was highly enjoyable and I am of the understanding there will be more in the series. If this is true, then I am very much looking forward to a sequel!
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4th chapter or there abouts, there was no background explanation which during chapters 1 and 2 frustrated me, but I appreciated it in the long run, because the book hit the ground running and got straight into the action!The story line itself was absolutely compelling. Nina is about to turn 16 (or sex-teen as it’s commonly referred to). She’s not sure she wants to get the 16 tattoo on her wrist because then she will be an adult. Her mum has told her certain things about the Government, but she is about to find out a WHOLE lot more that will shock her. There’s also some romance in this story too – which lets face it, we all love some romance!
The characters were so strong and well written. Nina has such a strong will and knows what she wants. She may not physically be a strong girl, but she is still what I would consider emotionally strong. She is thrown into so many situations, from her mother, to finding out about her father, Ed coming after her… she is pretty amazing.
Wei covers the physical aspects with her martial arts training, and then Sal is also portrayed as a protector.. someone who is strong as well. I even think that Sandy is quite strong as well – she is strong willed and stubborn and is determined to be selected for FeLS.
I really like reading a book that has kick ass characters personally – maybe it’s because I am such a wuss myself that I get a thrill out of it!
Ed was pure evil, everything from the videos Nina saw, to the physical violence he bought upon Nina’s mum and then everything that is to come later in the book, he is absolutely dispicable and so easy to hate. I’ve said it before, but I truly love having someone so easy to hate in a book. A good villain is essential a dystopian novel!
Fantastic book, I am giving this a 5 out of 5 for it’s abilty to have me turning pages like it did. It was highly enjoyable and I am of the understanding there will be more in the series. If this is true, then I am very much looking forward to a sequel!
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LibraryThing member katiedoll
I think my favorite thing about futuristic novels is the worlds that they take place in. They’re different, they’re brutal, they’re almost unimaginable. XVI is another prime example of that. Sex among teenagers is such a touchy subject nowadays and with some people, it’s extremely frowned
There were a few things that I wasn’t crazy about; it was kind of unclear, to me at least, what the aim of the story was. Everything seemed kind of scattered. Nina’s trying to keep her little sister’s brutal and abusive and dangerous father at arms length. She’s trying to uncover her mother’s murder and seek out the father who she believed to be dead. She’s trying to reign in her feelings for Sal, a mysterious boy who takes an interest in her, because she doesn’t want to be like every other girl at her age: a sex-teen. It was a lot to digest and made for an anticlimactic ending, but it did keep me enthralled.
I don’t know if this is the first book in a series or anything, but for the very least, I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel. Karr sets up a taboo world that opens the door open for an immense amount of issues for Nina and the gang. I’d love to read more about Nina’s father, her relationship with Sal - which I would‘ve loved to see more of - and the rebellion of the Non-Cons who struggle to restore the freedom and values the world once had.
Overall, XVI is a fresh and exciting story that explores the dark side to futuristic ideas about sex and teenagers. I was immediately swept up into Julia Karr’s twisted world and I can only hope that she satiates our need for more with a sequel!
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upon. The idea that sex at sixteen is sugarcoated to be something to strive for is a ridiculously ironic twist and I absolutely loved it.There were a few things that I wasn’t crazy about; it was kind of unclear, to me at least, what the aim of the story was. Everything seemed kind of scattered. Nina’s trying to keep her little sister’s brutal and abusive and dangerous father at arms length. She’s trying to uncover her mother’s murder and seek out the father who she believed to be dead. She’s trying to reign in her feelings for Sal, a mysterious boy who takes an interest in her, because she doesn’t want to be like every other girl at her age: a sex-teen. It was a lot to digest and made for an anticlimactic ending, but it did keep me enthralled.
I don’t know if this is the first book in a series or anything, but for the very least, I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel. Karr sets up a taboo world that opens the door open for an immense amount of issues for Nina and the gang. I’d love to read more about Nina’s father, her relationship with Sal - which I would‘ve loved to see more of - and the rebellion of the Non-Cons who struggle to restore the freedom and values the world once had.
Overall, XVI is a fresh and exciting story that explores the dark side to futuristic ideas about sex and teenagers. I was immediately swept up into Julia Karr’s twisted world and I can only hope that she satiates our need for more with a sequel!
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LibraryThing member raboyer
Sinister Sixteen
*Read via ARC from Around The World ARC Tours
This book gets a not bad 3 out of 5 gnomes it has a pretty great concept and the characters are interesting, there's just not enough answers to the main character, Nina's questions.
I was disappointed by the book not being more like its
Nina and her best friend are very different when it comes to their society's social norms for sixteen year olds. Nina is of the view that just because getting a XVI tattoo on your wrist is mandatory, it doesn't mean that you should go right out and have sex. She sees the tattoo as giving people an excuse to just go out and target girls. Sandy on the other hand is a complete sex-teen and believes all the hype of the media and what they are taught in school. They are basically encouraged to have sex as soon as they turn sixteen.
In the future the world is pretty much run by the media and strictly controlled by the government. Freedom of speech is laughable and surveillance is everywhere. People fall into different tiers in society that are much like a caste system. The lower tiers which Nina is a part of, have almost no hope of rising to the top tier.
Also just like in any good dystopian society/future there is a rebellion fighting against the repression. After her mother is killed and before dying she gives Nina an important task and tells her to keep her sister Dee safe.
Now Nina has to worry about Ed, her Mom's abusive boyfriend/Dee's father. She's afraid that he will take Dee away to be a servant for him.
Nina doesn't want a boyfriend but that starts to change once Sal comes into the picture. He's different then anyone that she's ever know and knows a lot about the resistance.
I know that Ed's a horrible guy and he does make a great bad guy for the story. The one thing I don't understand is why Nina seems so scarred from just seeing some of Ed's pornagraphic vids/videos by mistake one time. It's not very plausible to be that messed up from accidently seeing a dirty video especially with her not wanting to talk or tell anyone about it. In this society with everything that we know about it and how sex obsessed it seems you would think that a fifteen year old would know that videos like that exist or at least not be traumatized by seeing one.
Secrets and mysteries abound but I just wanted more answers to be given. Towards the end of the book it looks like some major questions are going to be answered and then it just ends. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what happens next. After lots of time spent looking for answers there are still plenty of questions left and the story stops on a positive note.
*Read via ARC from Around The World ARC Tours
This book gets a not bad 3 out of 5 gnomes it has a pretty great concept and the characters are interesting, there's just not enough answers to the main character, Nina's questions.
I was disappointed by the book not being more like its
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description. The description made it sound like she'd be on the run with her sister Dee but they just end up living with her grandparents.Nina and her best friend are very different when it comes to their society's social norms for sixteen year olds. Nina is of the view that just because getting a XVI tattoo on your wrist is mandatory, it doesn't mean that you should go right out and have sex. She sees the tattoo as giving people an excuse to just go out and target girls. Sandy on the other hand is a complete sex-teen and believes all the hype of the media and what they are taught in school. They are basically encouraged to have sex as soon as they turn sixteen.
In the future the world is pretty much run by the media and strictly controlled by the government. Freedom of speech is laughable and surveillance is everywhere. People fall into different tiers in society that are much like a caste system. The lower tiers which Nina is a part of, have almost no hope of rising to the top tier.
Also just like in any good dystopian society/future there is a rebellion fighting against the repression. After her mother is killed and before dying she gives Nina an important task and tells her to keep her sister Dee safe.
Now Nina has to worry about Ed, her Mom's abusive boyfriend/Dee's father. She's afraid that he will take Dee away to be a servant for him.
Nina doesn't want a boyfriend but that starts to change once Sal comes into the picture. He's different then anyone that she's ever know and knows a lot about the resistance.
I know that Ed's a horrible guy and he does make a great bad guy for the story. The one thing I don't understand is why Nina seems so scarred from just seeing some of Ed's pornagraphic vids/videos by mistake one time. It's not very plausible to be that messed up from accidently seeing a dirty video especially with her not wanting to talk or tell anyone about it. In this society with everything that we know about it and how sex obsessed it seems you would think that a fifteen year old would know that videos like that exist or at least not be traumatized by seeing one.
Secrets and mysteries abound but I just wanted more answers to be given. Towards the end of the book it looks like some major questions are going to be answered and then it just ends. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what happens next. After lots of time spent looking for answers there are still plenty of questions left and the story stops on a positive note.
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LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
I liked this book and the way the world was portrayed. There were so many emotions and so many....changes in the world that it was easy to see with Ms. Karr writing.
This book is awesome. I like how Ms. Karr used the future of the world and what is going on today to formulate a wonderful story.
The world of XVI is scary and one that some girls and women could relate today. Nina is a strong character with strong morals. She knows what she wants and what is right. In searching for her mom's killer, Nina learns new secrets and is not bitter. She takes everything in stride, knowing that they were secrets for a reason. Nina is mature. Very mature and has learned things the hard way.
My only gripe about the book is that its slow. It takes a while to get into things and for things to start coming out. Of course I do understand because there is a lot of explaining of what the future is like in this book. if you like to read dyspotian and something of what this world s today, read this book. It will open your eyes like no other book has ever done.
This book is awesome. I like how Ms. Karr used the future of the world and what is going on today to formulate a wonderful story.
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Never have I heard or read anything like it. The rules of her world are easy to see and how our world today is progressing. In XVI girls have to dress easy and be all sexed up by the time they turn 16. They are told how to act, what to wear, and to do stuff that is beyond disgusting.The world of XVI is scary and one that some girls and women could relate today. Nina is a strong character with strong morals. She knows what she wants and what is right. In searching for her mom's killer, Nina learns new secrets and is not bitter. She takes everything in stride, knowing that they were secrets for a reason. Nina is mature. Very mature and has learned things the hard way.
My only gripe about the book is that its slow. It takes a while to get into things and for things to start coming out. Of course I do understand because there is a lot of explaining of what the future is like in this book. if you like to read dyspotian and something of what this world s today, read this book. It will open your eyes like no other book has ever done.
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
In a world where teen dystopian novel have taken off, I am completely in heaven. I've been a fan of dystopian (or, for those not familiar with the term, negative utopia) fiction ever since I first picked up George Orwell's immortal novel 1984 several years ago. Though this has always seemed to be a
Nina Oberon's sixteenth birthday is coming up. In her world, when a young girl turns sixteen, she is given an "XVI" tattoo on her wrist, so that everyone knows she is legal of age -to have sex. The Media portrays this as a wonderful freedom for young girls, who will then have the opportunity to join FeLS (Female Liaison Specialists) and, presumably, improve their social status. The idea is a no-brainer for some like Nina's friend Sandy, but Nina isn't looking forward to turning the legal age and experiencing life as a "sex-teen." When Nina's mother dies, she leaves behind a book that the government would kill to get...
The world of XVI almost seems like a stepchild of 1984. It's incredibly dark and fascinating, but strikes a haunting resemblance to our world today and, sadly, I can easily see some elements of XVI coming true if the world continues in much the same way it is now. One of the most frightening aspects of XVI is the Media, a vast corporation owned by the government -and fed exclusively by the government -that controls all of the information available to citizens. Most importantly, the Media hypes up the glamor and freedom that comes with a young girl becoming sixteen and, of course, joining the supposed elite FeLS.
What I particularly liked about XVI is the fact that's its more cerebral than most YA dystopian novels out there. Karr openly discusses teen sexuality issues, which is incredibly refreshing, dark and edgy for a teen novel (of course, I'd note that this book isn't appropriate for young readers). As someone who shares many of Nina's beliefs on sex, I enjoyed reading about a character who didn't buy in to the Media hype and wanted more out of her world than the supposed "freedom" of sex at sixteen.
XVI, though, isn't perfect. The world is a well-constructed, thought-provoking dystopia with plenty of issues for the characters to explore. However, I was a little off-put by the somewhat rickety writing. It's not completely smooth, somewhat weak and, at points, seems to go around in circles, neglect important details or even not go far enough into the deeply-rooted issues of the world. Karr really has amazing ideas here, but she could use a little more work in the writing department. I've seen online that XVI is supposed to be the first book in a trilogy, so hopefully Karr's writing will get better in future installments.
Ideal for older teens who enjoy thought-provoking dystopian worlds.
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somewhat obscure genre in the adult fiction universe, it has found an unexpected home in the teen/YA world. It seems like ever since the popularity of The Hunger Games, teen dystopians are being released in bucketfuls, heading toward a new peak in 2011. While some of these dystopian novels tend to be nothing more than a paranormal romance with some elements of dystopia, this has brought about a fascinating resurgence of interest in dystopian worlds.Nina Oberon's sixteenth birthday is coming up. In her world, when a young girl turns sixteen, she is given an "XVI" tattoo on her wrist, so that everyone knows she is legal of age -to have sex. The Media portrays this as a wonderful freedom for young girls, who will then have the opportunity to join FeLS (Female Liaison Specialists) and, presumably, improve their social status. The idea is a no-brainer for some like Nina's friend Sandy, but Nina isn't looking forward to turning the legal age and experiencing life as a "sex-teen." When Nina's mother dies, she leaves behind a book that the government would kill to get...
The world of XVI almost seems like a stepchild of 1984. It's incredibly dark and fascinating, but strikes a haunting resemblance to our world today and, sadly, I can easily see some elements of XVI coming true if the world continues in much the same way it is now. One of the most frightening aspects of XVI is the Media, a vast corporation owned by the government -and fed exclusively by the government -that controls all of the information available to citizens. Most importantly, the Media hypes up the glamor and freedom that comes with a young girl becoming sixteen and, of course, joining the supposed elite FeLS.
What I particularly liked about XVI is the fact that's its more cerebral than most YA dystopian novels out there. Karr openly discusses teen sexuality issues, which is incredibly refreshing, dark and edgy for a teen novel (of course, I'd note that this book isn't appropriate for young readers). As someone who shares many of Nina's beliefs on sex, I enjoyed reading about a character who didn't buy in to the Media hype and wanted more out of her world than the supposed "freedom" of sex at sixteen.
XVI, though, isn't perfect. The world is a well-constructed, thought-provoking dystopia with plenty of issues for the characters to explore. However, I was a little off-put by the somewhat rickety writing. It's not completely smooth, somewhat weak and, at points, seems to go around in circles, neglect important details or even not go far enough into the deeply-rooted issues of the world. Karr really has amazing ideas here, but she could use a little more work in the writing department. I've seen online that XVI is supposed to be the first book in a trilogy, so hopefully Karr's writing will get better in future installments.
Ideal for older teens who enjoy thought-provoking dystopian worlds.
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LibraryThing member UniquelyMoiBooks
The eager anticipation of this books arrival wasn't what it cracked up to be. I was hoping more of a story line of what happened after the arrival, not the journey leading up to. All in all, it was an OK read, just wasn't quite what I was expecting.
For Nina, things apparently used to be rather
Lies!
The only way out? There is a contract that can be bought for you so that you don't have to go. That's just what Nina's mom did. Thing is, Nina's mom was murdered and now her contract is missing.
For Nina, things apparently used to be rather
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pleasant, being a tier 5 and all, but now, now she's a tier 3. The higher the count, the better the rank in life, the lower, well, that pretty much means your a nobody. And once a girl turns 16, well, you get a not so pretty tattoo labeling you for everyone to see, so they know. They fill your head with lies. Good things happen when you turn sixteen! Yes! You get to leave your family and go with the government to who knows what exactly because nobody seems to come back but they tell you its wonderful!!!Lies!
The only way out? There is a contract that can be bought for you so that you don't have to go. That's just what Nina's mom did. Thing is, Nina's mom was murdered and now her contract is missing.
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LibraryThing member readingdate
Dystopian books are all the rage right now, and there are a crop of them popping up this year. Some of them are better than others. Overall, I really enjoy this genre and ever since The Hunger Games I have been devouring these books. XVI is an exciting new dystopian novel by debut author Julia
The year is 2150 and the world is a dangerous place, especially for young girls. At the age of sixteen, girls are tattooed with an XVI on their wrist to show that they are legal and ready to have sex. They are called sex-teens. These girls have been taught by the media to look, dress and behave a certain way to attract the opposite sex. Men basically feel like they have the right to have sex with any girl with the XVI marking.
The protagonist is Nina Oberon, and it is her worst nightmare to become a sex-teen. Nina is a smart, thoughtful, responsible girl. Nina’s mother Ginny has encouraged her to think for herself and not trust the government. Ginny has encouraged Nina to be an artist to carve a different path for her. Tragedy strikes when Ginny is murdered, and with her dying words sends Nina off to discover the clues of her mother’s secret life. Nina also must protect her little sister Dee from being abducted by Ginny’s evil ex-boyfriend.
Nina and Dee go to live with their grandparents, and attend a new school. Nina is separated from her best friend Sandy after she moves away. Sandy has bought into the whole sex-teen thing and can’t wait to turn sixteen and live the glamorous life portrayed in the media. They have two friends, Mike and Derek, who are sweet and supportive and have known the girls since grade school. Nina runs into a new boy, Sal, who questions the government’s motives and practices, much like Nina’s parents did. Ginny’s boyfriend Ed is one of the villains of the book, and he is very creepy with his taste for young girls and violence towards women in general.
Nina finds herself infatuated with Sal, and is conflicted about starting a romance with him. Her life is complicated, and she is worried about being a sex-teen. Their relationship was a strong point for me, and I just wish it were developed a little more. Nina also becomes friendly with a cool, confident, girl named Wei, who studies Cliste Galad martial arts. I hope to find out more about her and the martial arts in the next book in the series.
I was fascinated and horrified with XVI’s dystopian world, where there is no free speech, and girls are objectified and monitored with implanted gps devices. Verts/Advertisements are everywhere and the government is always listening and monitoring your every move.
XVI has a great story and characters, has a feminist theme, and makes you think about the future. As a bonus, I also loved that the society is vegetarian, and eating meat is outlawed due to the fact that there are so few animals left in the world. The story is fast-paced and kept me turning the pages (or clicking next on my kindle.) The ending was satisfying on it’s own, but I’ll definitely be ready to pick up the next book in the series.
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Karr. XVI paints a dark picture of the future, and makes you wonder if this is where we’re headed.The year is 2150 and the world is a dangerous place, especially for young girls. At the age of sixteen, girls are tattooed with an XVI on their wrist to show that they are legal and ready to have sex. They are called sex-teens. These girls have been taught by the media to look, dress and behave a certain way to attract the opposite sex. Men basically feel like they have the right to have sex with any girl with the XVI marking.
The protagonist is Nina Oberon, and it is her worst nightmare to become a sex-teen. Nina is a smart, thoughtful, responsible girl. Nina’s mother Ginny has encouraged her to think for herself and not trust the government. Ginny has encouraged Nina to be an artist to carve a different path for her. Tragedy strikes when Ginny is murdered, and with her dying words sends Nina off to discover the clues of her mother’s secret life. Nina also must protect her little sister Dee from being abducted by Ginny’s evil ex-boyfriend.
Nina and Dee go to live with their grandparents, and attend a new school. Nina is separated from her best friend Sandy after she moves away. Sandy has bought into the whole sex-teen thing and can’t wait to turn sixteen and live the glamorous life portrayed in the media. They have two friends, Mike and Derek, who are sweet and supportive and have known the girls since grade school. Nina runs into a new boy, Sal, who questions the government’s motives and practices, much like Nina’s parents did. Ginny’s boyfriend Ed is one of the villains of the book, and he is very creepy with his taste for young girls and violence towards women in general.
Nina finds herself infatuated with Sal, and is conflicted about starting a romance with him. Her life is complicated, and she is worried about being a sex-teen. Their relationship was a strong point for me, and I just wish it were developed a little more. Nina also becomes friendly with a cool, confident, girl named Wei, who studies Cliste Galad martial arts. I hope to find out more about her and the martial arts in the next book in the series.
I was fascinated and horrified with XVI’s dystopian world, where there is no free speech, and girls are objectified and monitored with implanted gps devices. Verts/Advertisements are everywhere and the government is always listening and monitoring your every move.
XVI has a great story and characters, has a feminist theme, and makes you think about the future. As a bonus, I also loved that the society is vegetarian, and eating meat is outlawed due to the fact that there are so few animals left in the world. The story is fast-paced and kept me turning the pages (or clicking next on my kindle.) The ending was satisfying on it’s own, but I’ll definitely be ready to pick up the next book in the series.
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LibraryThing member pacey1927
As soon as I read a blurb, I had to read this new dystopian fantasy by Julia Karr. The premise is unique, and we all know how hard that is now that dystopian fantasy appears to be the newest hot sub genre. This world takes place in the year 2050 in a vaguely recognizable Chicago. Nearly 16 year old
Yet in this world, nothing is quite what it seems. Teenage girls are required by the government to get tattoos that read in bold black markings "XVI". Its a outward symbol that announces to the world that this girl is now legally able (and usually willing, thanks to advertisements that promote sexuality) to have sex. The government claims its for their protection, but even as I finished the book, I wasn't sure really how they backed up this claim, other than to suggest trouble for boys who don't obey the 'stay away' sign of an unmarked girl.
This is a world where a person can hardly get away from the sights and sounds of advertisements, or verts, that literally surround you. Every conversation is monitored by technology...by the government. There are different social classes, known as 'tiers'. Depending on where you are in the tiers, you can make a little or a lot of 'credits' to buy housing, food, clothing, etc. Social snobbery is encouraged. But this is all for the safety and health of their citizens...or is it? Much more is going on and we have one heck of corrupt government here {of course, or their wouldn't be any story!}
When tragedy strikes, Nina is sent to untangle a huge web of lies that have encompassed her entire lifetime. What has her mom been covering up? What really happened the night her father died? What happens to the virgin girls who are sent into a popular government sanctioned program?
I really enjoyed this story. It was nicely set up and the world was engrossing. There were just a few drawbacks. The story losses a little momentum toward the middle of the book and my mind was able to wander a bit, which is never a good sign. By the end of the book I was fully invested again. The characters were drawn very well. Nina's grandma and Grandpa were my favorites but I liked all her friends as well. The love interest is okay, but I would like to see some more of his personally. In fact both he and Nina were characters that need a little something more.
The ending was very satisfying also. There is going to be a follow up book but nearly all the threads were resolved in this book. The government still exists at the close of the book and that is reason enough to buy the next book!
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Nina lives with her mother and her 11 year old half-sister Dee. Nina's father died years before. Yet in this world, nothing is quite what it seems. Teenage girls are required by the government to get tattoos that read in bold black markings "XVI". Its a outward symbol that announces to the world that this girl is now legally able (and usually willing, thanks to advertisements that promote sexuality) to have sex. The government claims its for their protection, but even as I finished the book, I wasn't sure really how they backed up this claim, other than to suggest trouble for boys who don't obey the 'stay away' sign of an unmarked girl.
This is a world where a person can hardly get away from the sights and sounds of advertisements, or verts, that literally surround you. Every conversation is monitored by technology...by the government. There are different social classes, known as 'tiers'. Depending on where you are in the tiers, you can make a little or a lot of 'credits' to buy housing, food, clothing, etc. Social snobbery is encouraged. But this is all for the safety and health of their citizens...or is it? Much more is going on and we have one heck of corrupt government here {of course, or their wouldn't be any story!}
When tragedy strikes, Nina is sent to untangle a huge web of lies that have encompassed her entire lifetime. What has her mom been covering up? What really happened the night her father died? What happens to the virgin girls who are sent into a popular government sanctioned program?
I really enjoyed this story. It was nicely set up and the world was engrossing. There were just a few drawbacks. The story losses a little momentum toward the middle of the book and my mind was able to wander a bit, which is never a good sign. By the end of the book I was fully invested again. The characters were drawn very well. Nina's grandma and Grandpa were my favorites but I liked all her friends as well. The love interest is okay, but I would like to see some more of his personally. In fact both he and Nina were characters that need a little something more.
The ending was very satisfying also. There is going to be a follow up book but nearly all the threads were resolved in this book. The government still exists at the close of the book and that is reason enough to buy the next book!
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LibraryThing member MrsTeeMae
WOW! I don't know what to say about this book. It was definitely different than any dystopian book I've read. While it had some similarities to Matched, like the age you get matched and the age when you can have sex.
I thought this book was very controversial, but not in a bad way. I loved the plot
So basically, when you turn 16 you get the XVI tattooed on your wrist, there letting the world, err, universe know that you are legal to have sex. What bothered me was the fact that women or girls in this book were used and abused. Sixteen or not, they were looked at as a piece of meat, like they were beneath men.
I think the great thing about this book was what that it emphasized on society does to the younger generation with the TV ads, the Magazine ads, and the pressure it puts on teenagers in the present. It's really sad to think that a lot of these teenagers are doing everything they can to get attention from boys or whoever just to fit in.
I think this is a great book for teenagers to read. Even though it is placed in the future, I think a lot of it is happening now. So if you love the futuristic stuff, dystopian and action, I say read it. This "review" is just my opinion on what I read. I still enjoyed the read.
I thought this book was very controversial, but not in a bad way. I loved the plot
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and the action of the story. I think the super futuristic stuff threw me off a little bit. But that is just my opinion. Maybe I am not so much for the future, Jetson-like stuff. So basically, when you turn 16 you get the XVI tattooed on your wrist, there letting the world, err, universe know that you are legal to have sex. What bothered me was the fact that women or girls in this book were used and abused. Sixteen or not, they were looked at as a piece of meat, like they were beneath men.
I think the great thing about this book was what that it emphasized on society does to the younger generation with the TV ads, the Magazine ads, and the pressure it puts on teenagers in the present. It's really sad to think that a lot of these teenagers are doing everything they can to get attention from boys or whoever just to fit in.
I think this is a great book for teenagers to read. Even though it is placed in the future, I think a lot of it is happening now. So if you love the futuristic stuff, dystopian and action, I say read it. This "review" is just my opinion on what I read. I still enjoyed the read.
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LibraryThing member MBels
It's difficult not to compare XVI to Matched - the stories are quite similar: dystopian society, teenage girl as the protagonist, the evolution of sexual identity. Although there are similarities, XVI is really very different from Matched. XVI's society is darker and more violent, with rape and
I am giving this book the same rating that I gave Matched - although I think Matched is the better of the two (for want of a 1/2 star). I found myself compelled to continue reading this book, even when the clock was well past midnight. The love story between Nina and her boyfriend was quite sweet amongst the general yuckiness that surrounds her, and there was a decent level of danger to make the read interesting. I still found the book lacking in some explanation as to the tiers in society, and I thought the end of the book was a tad rushed. The book ends well on it's own though. I'm not sure if there will be a sequel, but the book has been written as though it's a one book story, and that's a refreshing thing in the sequel-heavy young adult genre.
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sexual slavery apparently being commonplace.I am giving this book the same rating that I gave Matched - although I think Matched is the better of the two (for want of a 1/2 star). I found myself compelled to continue reading this book, even when the clock was well past midnight. The love story between Nina and her boyfriend was quite sweet amongst the general yuckiness that surrounds her, and there was a decent level of danger to make the read interesting. I still found the book lacking in some explanation as to the tiers in society, and I thought the end of the book was a tad rushed. The book ends well on it's own though. I'm not sure if there will be a sequel, but the book has been written as though it's a one book story, and that's a refreshing thing in the sequel-heavy young adult genre.
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LibraryThing member ilikethesebooks
This book is totally up my ally, so naturally, I was excited and expecting alot. Almost everything I wished for was presented in this novel, however, the way Karr went about it was just a bit confusing to me...
XVI is a dystopian novel with a resemblance to The Handmaid's Tale by Margret Atwood,
Nina's story holds a shocking amount of suspense, love, and a scary interpretation of what the future can hold for us all.
I did enjoy this book quite a bit, but like I said before, I was slightly confused with all the new slang and terms. I wish there was a guide or key or something in the beginning of the book to make it easier (whether this is me being ridiculous or such a thing is actually needed, I'm not quite sure). I found my self uncomfortable with the situation at more than a few times, and only a good book can do that. XVI was frightening, but also interesting, thought provoking, and suspenseful. If you like dystopians, I recommend this one
XVI is a dystopian novel with a resemblance to The Handmaid's Tale by Margret Atwood,
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but beautifully written in its own way. Nina is plagued with the fact that in just a few days she will turn 16. And unlike nowadays, when a girl's 16th birthday is the definition of "freedom", Nina's 16th will be anything but. On her much dreaded 16th, Nina will be poked with needles while getting multiple shots and a XVI tattoo on her wrist pronouncing her sexual eligibility. As Nina's life seems to start to unravel thread by thread, not only does everything she was used to start to change, but family and government secrets surface with every event. Nina's story holds a shocking amount of suspense, love, and a scary interpretation of what the future can hold for us all.
I did enjoy this book quite a bit, but like I said before, I was slightly confused with all the new slang and terms. I wish there was a guide or key or something in the beginning of the book to make it easier (whether this is me being ridiculous or such a thing is actually needed, I'm not quite sure). I found my self uncomfortable with the situation at more than a few times, and only a good book can do that. XVI was frightening, but also interesting, thought provoking, and suspenseful. If you like dystopians, I recommend this one
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LibraryThing member nbmars
In this Young Adult dystopia, it is the year 2150, and life has gotten much worse for women. When a girl turns sixteen (or “sex-teen” as it is known), she gets an XVI tattooed on her wrist. This means she is now legal sex bait for anyone who can get to her. As the protagonist Nina Oberon
But Nina has differing views than most girls about turning sixteen. Her best friend Sandy, who pays constant attention to the propaganda, can’t wait: "Sex has got to be the most ultra thing in the galaxy!”
Even Nina’s eleven-year-old sister Dee is excited about it: "All the verts [advertisements] tell you how popular you’ll be if you dress and act so boys want to have sex with you.”
Nina, on the other hand, is not looking forward to having sex. She has seen the state-approved videos, but she has also seen the porn kept by her mother’s abusive boyfriend Ed, and never wants to be treated like that. Plus, she is afraid to lose who she is by falling in love with someone else.
Sandy is especially interested in being selected for training as a Female Liaison Specialist (FeLS). All fifteen year olds are required to fill out the forms for this mysterious position, and then “choosers” select from among them. They are told that FeLS “get to wear ultra clothes and hang out with vid stars and have all kinds of money.” Ed is a Chooser, but Nina’s mother Ginnie is adamant that Nina not get “chosen”; there are rumors it is just a cover for recruiting virgins for sex slavery to service upper-level government officials.
Ginnie is knifed to death one night, and Nina suspects Ed, but can’t prove it. Right before she died, Ginnie passed some shocking news on to Nina along with a cryptic last request, which Nina is determined to fulfill if only she can figure out how. Now orphaned, Nina and her sister Dee are sent to downtown Chicago to live with her grandparents, the parents of her dad who died right after she was born.
One day Nina sees a group of “’letes” (college athletes known for animalistic behavior) [insert sarcastic comment here about some things never changing even in dystopias], pummeling a homeless person. The homeless are considered to be “no better than river rats” and get beaten up and killed regularly. But Nina risks her own life to intervene. When the ‘letes leave, she is shocked to find the homeless person is a boy about her own age, and moreover, under all the scrapes and blood, he is attractive. His name is Sal Davis, and it turns out he goes to her new high school.
By hanging out with Sal and his friend Wei, Nina and her friends learn the dark secrets of the regime. With their help, she also is able to uncover the secrets of her mother’s life, and find the solution to the problem her mother passed on to her.
But Nina’s friend Sandy can never overcome the propaganda she was brought up to believe, and her willingness to buy into the system has tragic consequences.
Evaluation: I thought the darkness of the world created by the author was appropriate; it sounded like a definite possibility to me. It struck me as much more realistic than the similar but "lighter" dystopia portrayed by Lauren Oliver in Delirium. As for the exploitation of women, much of it was implied rather than described. By way of comparison, I tried to read the adult dystopia, The Windup Girl, written by Paolo Bacigalupi and published in September 2009. It won all kinds of awards, but the sexual abuse was so horrific I just could not get very far in my reading. This book includes mistreatment only by way of suggestion.
I also was not bothered, as some readers have been, by the fast chemistry between Sal and Nina; when I was her age, I continually “fell in love” for no reason whatsoever besides the way someone looked or walked or even the color of his hair. And I’ve known plenty of girls like Sandy. I would probably agree, however, with the criticisms I’ve seen that “the kids” are able to overcome obstacles a bit too readily before moving on to their next adventure. It served to elevate the mood, but did not help to impart a true-to-life flavor to the book.
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explains: "We’re all supposed to be so excited about sex and willing to do whatever with practically any guy who asks.”But Nina has differing views than most girls about turning sixteen. Her best friend Sandy, who pays constant attention to the propaganda, can’t wait: "Sex has got to be the most ultra thing in the galaxy!”
Even Nina’s eleven-year-old sister Dee is excited about it: "All the verts [advertisements] tell you how popular you’ll be if you dress and act so boys want to have sex with you.”
Nina, on the other hand, is not looking forward to having sex. She has seen the state-approved videos, but she has also seen the porn kept by her mother’s abusive boyfriend Ed, and never wants to be treated like that. Plus, she is afraid to lose who she is by falling in love with someone else.
Sandy is especially interested in being selected for training as a Female Liaison Specialist (FeLS). All fifteen year olds are required to fill out the forms for this mysterious position, and then “choosers” select from among them. They are told that FeLS “get to wear ultra clothes and hang out with vid stars and have all kinds of money.” Ed is a Chooser, but Nina’s mother Ginnie is adamant that Nina not get “chosen”; there are rumors it is just a cover for recruiting virgins for sex slavery to service upper-level government officials.
Ginnie is knifed to death one night, and Nina suspects Ed, but can’t prove it. Right before she died, Ginnie passed some shocking news on to Nina along with a cryptic last request, which Nina is determined to fulfill if only she can figure out how. Now orphaned, Nina and her sister Dee are sent to downtown Chicago to live with her grandparents, the parents of her dad who died right after she was born.
One day Nina sees a group of “’letes” (college athletes known for animalistic behavior) [insert sarcastic comment here about some things never changing even in dystopias], pummeling a homeless person. The homeless are considered to be “no better than river rats” and get beaten up and killed regularly. But Nina risks her own life to intervene. When the ‘letes leave, she is shocked to find the homeless person is a boy about her own age, and moreover, under all the scrapes and blood, he is attractive. His name is Sal Davis, and it turns out he goes to her new high school.
By hanging out with Sal and his friend Wei, Nina and her friends learn the dark secrets of the regime. With their help, she also is able to uncover the secrets of her mother’s life, and find the solution to the problem her mother passed on to her.
But Nina’s friend Sandy can never overcome the propaganda she was brought up to believe, and her willingness to buy into the system has tragic consequences.
Evaluation: I thought the darkness of the world created by the author was appropriate; it sounded like a definite possibility to me. It struck me as much more realistic than the similar but "lighter" dystopia portrayed by Lauren Oliver in Delirium. As for the exploitation of women, much of it was implied rather than described. By way of comparison, I tried to read the adult dystopia, The Windup Girl, written by Paolo Bacigalupi and published in September 2009. It won all kinds of awards, but the sexual abuse was so horrific I just could not get very far in my reading. This book includes mistreatment only by way of suggestion.
I also was not bothered, as some readers have been, by the fast chemistry between Sal and Nina; when I was her age, I continually “fell in love” for no reason whatsoever besides the way someone looked or walked or even the color of his hair. And I’ve known plenty of girls like Sandy. I would probably agree, however, with the criticisms I’ve seen that “the kids” are able to overcome obstacles a bit too readily before moving on to their next adventure. It served to elevate the mood, but did not help to impart a true-to-life flavor to the book.
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LibraryThing member abackwardsstory
Dystopian lovers rejoice: Julia Karr's XVI marks the start of a wave of 2011 releases in the genre. Her debut novel is reminiscent of the classic novels 1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. XVI features a strong feminist viewpoint and a look at where our society could
The novel takes place in Chicago during the year 2150. On their sixteenth birthday when they become "legal," (Get it? "XVI?"), the government requires girls to get a special tattoo on their wrists. Sadly, women's rights are no longer protected and once they have their tattoo, many fall victim to the whims of men. The media advocates sexuality and teaches young girls how to appeal to men, making them want to turn "sex-teen" as soon as possible.
Nina, the protagonist of the novel, was raised by her mother Ginnie, an outspoken woman who dislikes the rules enforced by government officials. After she's murdered, Nina and her younger sister, Dee, move in with their grandparents and begin attending a new school. Nina makes friends with Wei and Sal, who conveniently both have parents who were friends with her own mother and father before they passed away. Nina is dreading her sixteenth birthday: Unlike her childhood best friend Sandy, who wants nothing more than to be a sex-teen, she dreads the fact that a man may decide to take advantage of her once she's legal. She feels no need to have a guy in her life, especially after seeing the way her mother's boyfriend Ed abused her over the years. When she realizes she's attracted to Sal, she fights her feelings and becomes conflicted.
Upon Ginnie's deathbed, Nina discovers that her mother believes her father to be alive despite the fact that he died several years ago. Digging into her past, she discovers that he may be a leader for NonCon, a group of people against the government and media. As she learns more about the secrets the government is hiding from society, she finds herself in increasing danger and must learn all she can before it's too late.
At times, it's clear that this is Karr's first published novel. She falls into some writing traps such as "telling" over "showing." The first portion of the novel suffers from this. The characters talk to one another about all the "modern-day" jargon being thrown around that 2011 readers have no concept of. At times, it felt overwhelming. Sometimes, I wished I could just physically see what a trannie car looked like. There were also a couple of times when Karr didn't explain the lingo until further into the novel, so I was lost and had to infer what the characters might be talking about. I also wish Nina was a little more emotional after her mother's violent death, though I do realize she was trying to be strong for her little sister. I would have at least liked to see a bit more reflection internally. From time to time, situations felt a little too convenient, though such crutches are necessary in order for Nina to discover all that she does on her own.
That being said, the second half of the novel really picks up speed and I became invested in Nina's plight. I wanted her to figure things out and succeed. Characters that were previously one-dimensional were fleshed out more and I found myself caring about what happened to them. XVI has moments that are tragically sad, full of frantic adrenaline, and laced with mystery. Whenever Nina was with Sal, it felt very real: These were truly two teenagers exploring their first real relationship together, with all its ups and downs.
Despite the fact that there will be at least one sequel and a companion novel, XVI didn't end on a cliffhanger. It was such a relief after all the books I've been reading that make you need to know what happens next right now. There are a lot of loose strings and questions to be answered, though. Karr is currently working on the sequel, tentatively titled The Sisterhood. There will also be a companion novel entitled Cinderella Girl, a type of female mentioned in XVI. On her website, the author states, “No fairy tale ending here.” I think the companion novel will be quite sad, since it seems Cinderella Girls lead a miserable existence. They are usually born out of wedlock, and their fathers are often already married. Some men will take the girls into their households to work as maids, etc.
While XVI wasn't my all-time favorite Dystopian novel, I enjoyed reading it and had trouble putting the book down. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel and feel that Karr will only grown as an author. I think the sequel will address all of the pitfalls the author experienced during the first novel and be all the better for it.
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be headed.The novel takes place in Chicago during the year 2150. On their sixteenth birthday when they become "legal," (Get it? "XVI?"), the government requires girls to get a special tattoo on their wrists. Sadly, women's rights are no longer protected and once they have their tattoo, many fall victim to the whims of men. The media advocates sexuality and teaches young girls how to appeal to men, making them want to turn "sex-teen" as soon as possible.
Nina, the protagonist of the novel, was raised by her mother Ginnie, an outspoken woman who dislikes the rules enforced by government officials. After she's murdered, Nina and her younger sister, Dee, move in with their grandparents and begin attending a new school. Nina makes friends with Wei and Sal, who conveniently both have parents who were friends with her own mother and father before they passed away. Nina is dreading her sixteenth birthday: Unlike her childhood best friend Sandy, who wants nothing more than to be a sex-teen, she dreads the fact that a man may decide to take advantage of her once she's legal. She feels no need to have a guy in her life, especially after seeing the way her mother's boyfriend Ed abused her over the years. When she realizes she's attracted to Sal, she fights her feelings and becomes conflicted.
Upon Ginnie's deathbed, Nina discovers that her mother believes her father to be alive despite the fact that he died several years ago. Digging into her past, she discovers that he may be a leader for NonCon, a group of people against the government and media. As she learns more about the secrets the government is hiding from society, she finds herself in increasing danger and must learn all she can before it's too late.
At times, it's clear that this is Karr's first published novel. She falls into some writing traps such as "telling" over "showing." The first portion of the novel suffers from this. The characters talk to one another about all the "modern-day" jargon being thrown around that 2011 readers have no concept of. At times, it felt overwhelming. Sometimes, I wished I could just physically see what a trannie car looked like. There were also a couple of times when Karr didn't explain the lingo until further into the novel, so I was lost and had to infer what the characters might be talking about. I also wish Nina was a little more emotional after her mother's violent death, though I do realize she was trying to be strong for her little sister. I would have at least liked to see a bit more reflection internally. From time to time, situations felt a little too convenient, though such crutches are necessary in order for Nina to discover all that she does on her own.
That being said, the second half of the novel really picks up speed and I became invested in Nina's plight. I wanted her to figure things out and succeed. Characters that were previously one-dimensional were fleshed out more and I found myself caring about what happened to them. XVI has moments that are tragically sad, full of frantic adrenaline, and laced with mystery. Whenever Nina was with Sal, it felt very real: These were truly two teenagers exploring their first real relationship together, with all its ups and downs.
Despite the fact that there will be at least one sequel and a companion novel, XVI didn't end on a cliffhanger. It was such a relief after all the books I've been reading that make you need to know what happens next right now. There are a lot of loose strings and questions to be answered, though. Karr is currently working on the sequel, tentatively titled The Sisterhood. There will also be a companion novel entitled Cinderella Girl, a type of female mentioned in XVI. On her website, the author states, “No fairy tale ending here.” I think the companion novel will be quite sad, since it seems Cinderella Girls lead a miserable existence. They are usually born out of wedlock, and their fathers are often already married. Some men will take the girls into their households to work as maids, etc.
While XVI wasn't my all-time favorite Dystopian novel, I enjoyed reading it and had trouble putting the book down. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel and feel that Karr will only grown as an author. I think the sequel will address all of the pitfalls the author experienced during the first novel and be all the better for it.
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LibraryThing member SmashAttack
I love a good dystopian book that brings ugly socio-political issues to light. XVI does just that, as the premise of this book is horrifying. On their 16th birthday, teen girls are branded with a tattoo on their wrist: XVI. This announces to the world that they are now sexteens and ready and
All of the above creates a terrifying world that really makes your skin crawl, and we are presented with this ugly, disgusting society…with no explanation. We get no history on how the world came to be as such, and while that isn’t a required component for dystopian novels, it sure as hell helps. I think that history assists the reader in absorbing why society has become Hell on Earth, and not just accepting it as is. I need cause and effect!
Nina was forgettable to me and was not the standout in this book. While her character seemed to have the right combination of substance and mindlessness only a teenager can possess, I did not find myself connecting with her. I loved her relationship with Sal, but it was mainly because of Sal. He was an enjoyable character, providing me with my much needed witty sarcasm and vulnerability. Nina’s grandparents were amazing too, as was Wei, Nina’s upper tier friend. Nina’s grandparents were so realistic and endearing. I felt so much love between those pages. Wei was a very interesting character. She has already turned 16 and thus, has the tattoo. However, she is strong-minded and confident in herself and does not worry about what the tattoo means for her. She shows much concern for her friends and sticks her neck out to keep them safe.
Slang can be hit or miss with me. The slang in this book did not annoy me as it was not overused and it was easy to figure out the meaning. Ultrayums is about the best word ever. And while Nina’s best friend, Sandy, was as close to getting bitch slapped as a fictional character can get, her use of the world ultra was too fun. Domestic violence was integrated into the story, although it takes a backseat to the main plot. Nina’s mom endured years of abuse to keep Nina safe. You will have to read the book in order to find out the story there. The ending was way too abrupt. It was anticlimactic and a tad disappointing. However, this is a series so it was likely written that way on purpose. I am glad that is continuing. These kids must make it out of the grips of this horrific society!
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willing to pleasure you. Predatory men await the day that tattoos appear on the wrists of teenage girls so that they can have their way with them, regardless of the girl’s consent. Big Brother was in full effect in this novel. The Media has constant verts talking in your ear, which doesn’t give you a moment to think for yourself. You can’t talk freely lest the big ears in the sky pick up your Non-Con speak. Society is also now a caste system. The lower the tier, the lower the class, and thus, the lower opportunities you have and the bigger chance you have of being royally screwed.All of the above creates a terrifying world that really makes your skin crawl, and we are presented with this ugly, disgusting society…with no explanation. We get no history on how the world came to be as such, and while that isn’t a required component for dystopian novels, it sure as hell helps. I think that history assists the reader in absorbing why society has become Hell on Earth, and not just accepting it as is. I need cause and effect!
Nina was forgettable to me and was not the standout in this book. While her character seemed to have the right combination of substance and mindlessness only a teenager can possess, I did not find myself connecting with her. I loved her relationship with Sal, but it was mainly because of Sal. He was an enjoyable character, providing me with my much needed witty sarcasm and vulnerability. Nina’s grandparents were amazing too, as was Wei, Nina’s upper tier friend. Nina’s grandparents were so realistic and endearing. I felt so much love between those pages. Wei was a very interesting character. She has already turned 16 and thus, has the tattoo. However, she is strong-minded and confident in herself and does not worry about what the tattoo means for her. She shows much concern for her friends and sticks her neck out to keep them safe.
Slang can be hit or miss with me. The slang in this book did not annoy me as it was not overused and it was easy to figure out the meaning. Ultrayums is about the best word ever. And while Nina’s best friend, Sandy, was as close to getting bitch slapped as a fictional character can get, her use of the world ultra was too fun. Domestic violence was integrated into the story, although it takes a backseat to the main plot. Nina’s mom endured years of abuse to keep Nina safe. You will have to read the book in order to find out the story there. The ending was way too abrupt. It was anticlimactic and a tad disappointing. However, this is a series so it was likely written that way on purpose. I am glad that is continuing. These kids must make it out of the grips of this horrific society!
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LibraryThing member thebookwormsorg
Overall, I really enjoyed XVI! I had read many comments about the first half of the book being slow and readers not being able to get into it until chapters in. Well, for me it was great from the start. I was thoroughly interested and couldn’t wait to read more.
Nina Oberon is not ready to be
Nina’s grandparents take her and her little sister under their wing and Nina discovers that there are secrets her family hasn’t told her and she’s determined to find out. Nina meets a few new kids at school and not just friends, but people who can help her. Everything she discovers has its dangers and ones she may not be able to be saved from.
Nina’s best friend Sandy has joined the sex-teen bandwagon and although Nina dislikes it, she’s torn, because after all Sandy is her best girl friend. I thought Sandy was really annoying. I just wanted her to shut up and NOT act like a sex-crazed girl. I do, however, feel that Sandy brought meaning to what its like to be forced to basically be ‘branded for sex’ and if you go against everything it would make things more dangerous and I truly felt that she was just as brainwashed as the rest of the world. That’s why Nina stood out so much to me, she wasn’t just another brainwashed girl. She had feelings and thoughts of her own.
Mike and Derek, two of Nina’s closest friends, I felt weren’t a huge addition to the story, but I enjoyed their presence. Now, Sal is Mr. Hot Stuff, haha. Nina thinks she doesn’t like Sal, but I feel that it was always her being afraid. I loved that XVI didn’t have any steamy relationships, considering the overall concept of the book I thought it was just right.
This was one of my first dystopian novels and I’m glad I got into them, because this book has proven to me they are just as interesting, mysterious, and exciting as paranormal novels! XVI is a must read, so go pick it up!!
Nina Oberon is not ready to be
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sixteen and become an ‘adult’. She’s afraid of what that means, which is that sex is okay and happens all the time, according to the sex-teen giddy girls. But Nina’s is not okay with that! Just when she needs help with boys the most, her mom is murdered and Nina’s past is revealed in her mom’s last words. Nina is sent on a whirlwind of finding out who her father is and fending off her mother’s killer.Nina’s grandparents take her and her little sister under their wing and Nina discovers that there are secrets her family hasn’t told her and she’s determined to find out. Nina meets a few new kids at school and not just friends, but people who can help her. Everything she discovers has its dangers and ones she may not be able to be saved from.
Nina’s best friend Sandy has joined the sex-teen bandwagon and although Nina dislikes it, she’s torn, because after all Sandy is her best girl friend. I thought Sandy was really annoying. I just wanted her to shut up and NOT act like a sex-crazed girl. I do, however, feel that Sandy brought meaning to what its like to be forced to basically be ‘branded for sex’ and if you go against everything it would make things more dangerous and I truly felt that she was just as brainwashed as the rest of the world. That’s why Nina stood out so much to me, she wasn’t just another brainwashed girl. She had feelings and thoughts of her own.
Mike and Derek, two of Nina’s closest friends, I felt weren’t a huge addition to the story, but I enjoyed their presence. Now, Sal is Mr. Hot Stuff, haha. Nina thinks she doesn’t like Sal, but I feel that it was always her being afraid. I loved that XVI didn’t have any steamy relationships, considering the overall concept of the book I thought it was just right.
This was one of my first dystopian novels and I’m glad I got into them, because this book has proven to me they are just as interesting, mysterious, and exciting as paranormal novels! XVI is a must read, so go pick it up!!
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LibraryThing member AverysBookNook
***May contain spoilers***
Over the last little but I had read a number of dystopians and as such I have found myself becoming somewhat burnt out with them- It seems like they essentially all follow the same storyline: a young girl is on the brink of adulthood, a time in which the society that she
Sandy, Nina's best friend, wasn't my most favourite secondary character in the book because I found her to be quite mindless and annoying, but I understand that her role was quite essential as she was the epitome of how her society wanted young females to act like. I really loved Wei, Derek and Mike as secondary characters, they all really had good heads on their shoulders and they truly cared about making a difference in their society. Also Ed, Nina and Sandy's tormentor was a great character, despite being a true villain. And the adults/parents (who really seem not to play all that much of a role in YA books) were truly noteworthy characters (Rita, Wei's parents, Gran and Pops, etc.).
It always seems like the boy in dystopians gets the shoddy end of the deal (ie. Alex in Lauren Oliver's "Delirium" and Ky from Ally Condie's "Matched") therefore I was beyond ecstatic to see that in this book Sal was not a male victim of the Revolution. Sal was such a sweet and caring character (not to mention totally swoon-worthy) and him and Nina are, in my opinion, perfect for one another as they really balance one another out.
All in all, while upon initial glance at this book it may seem that it is a typical (or almost overused) YA dystopian storyline, it is anything but that!
Over the last little but I had read a number of dystopians and as such I have found myself becoming somewhat burnt out with them- It seems like they essentially all follow the same storyline: a young girl is on the brink of adulthood, a time in which the society that she
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lives in initiates her in some way by imposing something upon her (whether it be a tattoo, a medical procedure, etc.), when she begins to notice that her seemingly perfect life and government aren't all they're cracked up to be, that they are hiding something about the initiation process and what occurs afterwards from its people. Her suspicions are confirmed when she meets the male lead of the story who is extremely knowledgeable about their corrupt government and society (as he is a member of the opposition) and who soon becomes her love interest. As her and her love interest delve deeper into exposing the corruption that runs deep in their government they find themselves in more and more danger. And though I did feel that this story did follow this storyline almost to a tee, I didn't find myself thinking to myself, "Oh gosh- another one!", mainly because, unlike in many of the other books of this nature, Julia actually provides with the reader with answers about what is occurring in the plot (as opposed to just talking around answers or giving the reader even more questions- which is just so gosh darn frustrating) and she writes extremely likeable characters- especially the secondary characters (which in many cases I find to be completely unnecessary as they rarely fuel the plot line).Sandy, Nina's best friend, wasn't my most favourite secondary character in the book because I found her to be quite mindless and annoying, but I understand that her role was quite essential as she was the epitome of how her society wanted young females to act like. I really loved Wei, Derek and Mike as secondary characters, they all really had good heads on their shoulders and they truly cared about making a difference in their society. Also Ed, Nina and Sandy's tormentor was a great character, despite being a true villain. And the adults/parents (who really seem not to play all that much of a role in YA books) were truly noteworthy characters (Rita, Wei's parents, Gran and Pops, etc.).
It always seems like the boy in dystopians gets the shoddy end of the deal (ie. Alex in Lauren Oliver's "Delirium" and Ky from Ally Condie's "Matched") therefore I was beyond ecstatic to see that in this book Sal was not a male victim of the Revolution. Sal was such a sweet and caring character (not to mention totally swoon-worthy) and him and Nina are, in my opinion, perfect for one another as they really balance one another out.
All in all, while upon initial glance at this book it may seem that it is a typical (or almost overused) YA dystopian storyline, it is anything but that!
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LibraryThing member MrsMich02
Starting this book, I had a very hard time with the idea of a society where once you turn 16, you are legal for and expected to have sex. Thankfully, the main character also has trouble with this idea. It builds nicely into a mystery and a nice dialog on Orwellian-like society. By the last page, it
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seems as if things are settled but I for one am wondering what would happen next? Show Less
LibraryThing member kreagsheehan
XVI was one dystopian that I have been waiting for for a long time. I was pleased to finally be able to read it and find that it was as enjoyable as I had hoped.
XVI focuses on Nina, a soon to be sixteen year old girl. her father is believed to be dead and her mother is with an abusive man. The
For the most part, I loved most of the characters. Nina was probably my favorite. She was strong and independent, and she didn't let people push her around. She was likeable and funny and I enjoyed reading from her perspective. Wei and Sal, Nina's friends, were also great. They were well developed and smart. My one complaint is some of Nina's other friends- Mike, Sandy, and Derek. I didn't feel as if they were very well developed, and while they were not as much of a main focus as the other characters, I still wish we felt more involved with them. 4/5
I loved the world that Nina lived in. It was a great dystopian concept, a world where girls over 16 are free to have sex with whoever wants to. It was concerning and disturbing, but it was very creative. The futuristic setting of Chicago was great and there was plenty of variety in the places that the characters traveled to. It was highly enjoyable. 5/5
I really enjoyed the writing! I felt involved with Nina through most of the book. When things happened to her, I felt for her. Some points in the book had me feeling so strongly for the characters I was close to tears, which was great. Though it was slow at points, overall, Ms. Karr did a great job and I am looking out for more from her. 4/5
Overall, 16.5/20. I really did enjoy the book, and i hope to see a sequel sometime soon! I want to find out more of what happens after the cliffhanger of an ending Ms. Karr left us with! I recommend it to fans of dystopian novels, as it is a great one. Oh, and I also want to warn about the high sexual content in the novel. If you are okay with sexual situations, then go ahead, but consider your self warned.
XVI focuses on Nina, a soon to be sixteen year old girl. her father is believed to be dead and her mother is with an abusive man. The
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story mainly focuses on Nina's adventure of finding out the truth about the society she lives in and all the secrets that her family held. It was very enjoyable for the most parts, though it does seem to drw on the "oppresive government" theme, as most dystopians seem to do. Also, around halfway through the book, I found myself not wanting to read the book much. It became slow and for some reason I felt univolved. Luckily, soon after the slump, the story picked up and threw us right back into the action. Overall, it was a fun ride that I think fans of dystopian novels wil enjoy. 3.5/5For the most part, I loved most of the characters. Nina was probably my favorite. She was strong and independent, and she didn't let people push her around. She was likeable and funny and I enjoyed reading from her perspective. Wei and Sal, Nina's friends, were also great. They were well developed and smart. My one complaint is some of Nina's other friends- Mike, Sandy, and Derek. I didn't feel as if they were very well developed, and while they were not as much of a main focus as the other characters, I still wish we felt more involved with them. 4/5
I loved the world that Nina lived in. It was a great dystopian concept, a world where girls over 16 are free to have sex with whoever wants to. It was concerning and disturbing, but it was very creative. The futuristic setting of Chicago was great and there was plenty of variety in the places that the characters traveled to. It was highly enjoyable. 5/5
I really enjoyed the writing! I felt involved with Nina through most of the book. When things happened to her, I felt for her. Some points in the book had me feeling so strongly for the characters I was close to tears, which was great. Though it was slow at points, overall, Ms. Karr did a great job and I am looking out for more from her. 4/5
Overall, 16.5/20. I really did enjoy the book, and i hope to see a sequel sometime soon! I want to find out more of what happens after the cliffhanger of an ending Ms. Karr left us with! I recommend it to fans of dystopian novels, as it is a great one. Oh, and I also want to warn about the high sexual content in the novel. If you are okay with sexual situations, then go ahead, but consider your self warned.
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Language
Original publication date
2011
Physical description
272 p.; 8 inches
ISBN
0142417718 / 9780142417713
Local notes
Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Announcing to all the world - even the most predatory of men - that she is ready for sex. And becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her pas. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.
A cool story idea, but ruined a bit by its fast-track true love in two pages scthick.
A cool story idea, but ruined a bit by its fast-track true love in two pages scthick.
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