Title: Being
Author: Kevin Brooks
First published January 1, 2007
323 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780439899734 (ISBN10: 0439899737)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
In this heart-pounding sci-fi thriller, Kevin Brooks delivers a gripping tale of a young man who finds out he’s not entirely human. Robert Smith’s routine medical exam turns into a nightmare when doctors discover that he’s made up of plastic and metal parts.
Determined to find out the truth about his existence, Robert escapes the hospital, armed only with his stolen gun and a video tape of his strange organs. As he sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth, he realizes that he’s not alone in this world, and that his very existence threatens the balance of power.
With adrenaline-pumping action and a thought-provoking plot, Being will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Kevin Brooks, born in 1959 and raised in Exeter, Devon, England, has had a diverse range of jobs throughout his life. From a musician to a gasoline station attendant, crematorium handyman to civil service clerk, hot dog vendor at the London Zoo to post office clerk, and even a railway ticket office clerk, he has tried his hand at many professions.
Brooks began his writing career in 2002 with his debut novel, “Martyn Pig,” published through The Chicken House. The book was a success, winning the Branford Boase Award in 2003 and being shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
He continued to receive recognition for his work with his second novel, “Lucas,” being shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2003, as well as winning the North East Book Award in 2004.
Over the years, Brooks has published several more novels, including “Kissing the Rain” and “Being,” both released in 2004, and “Candy” and “Lollipop,” both released in 2005. In 2006, he published three books, including the Johnny Delgado series, “I See You, Baby” and “The Road of the Dead,” as well as a standalone novel.
In February 2008, he released another standalone book, “Black Rabbit Summer.”
As a child, Brooks developed a love for detective novels, which heavily influenced his writing style. He enjoys incorporating elements of mystery and suspense into his work, aiming to create an engaging and thrilling reading experience for his audience.
Editoral Review
Being by Kevin Brooks is a gripping novel that explores complex themes of identity, self-discovery, and human connection. Brooks is a British author who has written several young adult novels, including the award-winning The Bunker Diary.
Being tells the story of Robert Smith, a teenage boy who wakes up one morning to find that he has become a ghost. Unable to interact with the world around him, Robert is forced to confront his own mortality and the meaning of his existence.
As he navigates this strange new reality, Robert meets other ghosts who are also struggling to find their place in the afterlife. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that leads them to question the very nature of existence itself.
Brooks’ writing style is engaging and accessible, with vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters. The novel is set in a contemporary urban landscape, but Brooks infuses it with a sense of otherworldly wonder that is both haunting and beautiful.
The themes of the novel are universal and timeless, and will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the strengths of Being is its exploration of the idea of identity. Robert is forced to confront the question of who he really is, and what makes him unique.
This theme is particularly relevant in today’s society, where social media and other forms of technology can blur the lines between our real selves and our digital personas.
Another strength of the novel is its pacing. Brooks keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, with plenty of action and suspense.
The plot is well-structured and builds to a satisfying conclusion that will leave readers thinking long after they have finished the book.
Despite these strengths, there are some weaknesses to the novel. Some readers may find the plot to be too predictable, and the characters to be somewhat one-dimensional.
Additionally, the novel can be quite dark at times, which may not be suitable for all readers.
Overall, however, Being is a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of young adult literature and anyone who enjoys exploring big questions about life and existence. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the intersection of science fiction, philosophy, and literature.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
