But I *didn't* get hit by any cars.

I read this while I waited for the bus. I read this on the bus. I read this here. I read this there. I read while walking through the streets of downtown Seattle. I narrowly missed two sign posts while reading The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

I didn't want to stop reading. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Jenna Fox. I wanted to know what happened to Jenna Fox.

Jenna was in a coma for 18 months. When she wakes up she doesn't remember anything - or anyone. Not what happened to her. Not her parents. Not her grandmother. Soon little pieces of her memory start coming back, slowly, and with their return she begins to realize that the isolated world of Jenna Fox is not what it seems. As she slowly unravels what happened to her - and the implications of what was done to her - she finds that maybe it would have been better if she had never woken up from that coma at all.

It is topical. It is believable. It is stirring. It is, I think, sophisticated. It is what makes science fiction science fiction. And even with it being science fiction, I would have NO PROBLEM giving this to kids who don't like science fiction (or kids who didn't like sci-fi until Westerfeld came around) (or adults. Speaking of, Mom, did I put this on your Required Summer Reading List? Consider it added.). Mary Pearson goes beyond the generics of the genre and makes it relevant to today's world, today's emotions, and today's audience of younger readers.

I'm really into the parallel structure tonight, aren't I? *shrug* I'm tired. I can't put muster any energy for more creative writing. You'll live.

I'm not a scientist, but I am an avid NPR listener (that's the same, right?), and while Pearson's science is not something possible now or in the imminent future, it is definitely on the horizon. There is so much going on in medical technology and bioethics right now that the situations and dilemmas of the book are entirely plausible. Specifically, I'm reminded of this story.

It's an easy choice for book groups. Lots to discuss, and fun to read. I can't wait to talk to someone about it.