jtryckman's review against another edition
3.0
"Truancy" is a book that really, really wants to be groundbreaking. In the end, it really only ends up a cringy, messy text.
Now, for starters: this book was written by a 15 year-old. I teach 15 year-olds. If one of my students came to me and told me they had written this, I would be unbelievably proud of them and their accomplishment. The only problem is that this is a published novel, and judging it by the standards of other established dystopian novels means recognizing that, ultimately, "Truancy" just isn't very good.
The premise itself is just very heavy-handed: the Educators are a group of adult politicians that force children - students - to undergo years of intense, intentionally-rough learning. Anti-establishment themes are overwhelmingly obvious, as well. Perhaps this would not seem like much of an issue if it weren't for the fact that the novel keeps trying to treat these ideas like they're subtle. There is a clear disconnect between intent and result.
The other main problem: the characters. Tack, Zyid, and Umasi, in particular, all feel like basically-identical characters, in that they are these "wise-beyond-years" teenagers who can outwit and outfight any adult who tries to cross them. Other than Tack, none of the characters are given any kind of real character development: they all exist just as background to come and go as Fukui pleases. As a result, I ended up caring for them very little; there is a moment where some characters we met near the beginning are killed, and it is obvious that as the reader I should feel sad for these characters, and yet I feel almost nothing.
"Truancy" also appears to feel nothing, as the level of outright violence in this story is actually shocking. Not shocking in a way that surprises or invites conversation, mind you...just shocking in the sheer amount of it. The novel spends far too long describing scenes of gore and death, yet at the same time seems to care little for the actual horror of it all. Any emotion that could be gained from such scenes is entirely gone.
I initially read "Truancy" when I myself was about 15 years old. I'll admit, I loved it back then. Coming back to it, nearly 12 years later, I don't get any joy from reading it like I did before. While Fukui should be very proud of getting his novel published at such a young age, "Truancy" is a novel that definitely could have benefitted from having some additional editing.
Now, for starters: this book was written by a 15 year-old. I teach 15 year-olds. If one of my students came to me and told me they had written this, I would be unbelievably proud of them and their accomplishment. The only problem is that this is a published novel, and judging it by the standards of other established dystopian novels means recognizing that, ultimately, "Truancy" just isn't very good.
The premise itself is just very heavy-handed: the Educators are a group of adult politicians that force children - students - to undergo years of intense, intentionally-rough learning. Anti-establishment themes are overwhelmingly obvious, as well. Perhaps this would not seem like much of an issue if it weren't for the fact that the novel keeps trying to treat these ideas like they're subtle. There is a clear disconnect between intent and result.
The other main problem: the characters. Tack, Zyid, and Umasi, in particular, all feel like basically-identical characters, in that they are these "wise-beyond-years" teenagers who can outwit and outfight any adult who tries to cross them. Other than Tack, none of the characters are given any kind of real character development: they all exist just as background to come and go as Fukui pleases. As a result, I ended up caring for them very little; there is a moment where some characters we met near the beginning are killed, and it is obvious that as the reader I should feel sad for these characters, and yet I feel almost nothing.
"Truancy" also appears to feel nothing, as the level of outright violence in this story is actually shocking. Not shocking in a way that surprises or invites conversation, mind you...just shocking in the sheer amount of it. The novel spends far too long describing scenes of gore and death, yet at the same time seems to care little for the actual horror of it all. Any emotion that could be gained from such scenes is entirely gone.
I initially read "Truancy" when I myself was about 15 years old. I'll admit, I loved it back then. Coming back to it, nearly 12 years later, I don't get any joy from reading it like I did before. While Fukui should be very proud of getting his novel published at such a young age, "Truancy" is a novel that definitely could have benefitted from having some additional editing.
lillianhong's review against another edition
3.0
I would've loved it but...I don't know if anyone noticed but if you take Umasi (one of the strongest and mysterious characters in the book) and flip it, you get Isamu, the author. That seemed so stupid and arrogant to me. :/
ginnikin's review against another edition
Usually, I only talk about throwing books; this one irritated me enough that I actually did throw it. Whine whine whine, yeah, life sucks. However, crappy writing is no remedy therefor.
krissyronan's review against another edition
3.0
Finally made time to finish this book. An action-packed dystopia. It was not my favorite but one I'm glad that I read as I can think of lots of students who might enjoy it.
ellen's review against another edition
4.0
um ok those fight scenes were killer like oh my gosh those were amazing
i love how this was just like SCHOOL SUCKS LETS TAKE IT DOWN!!!!!!!
also BROTHERS!?!? FATHER!??!! WHATTTTT
i love how this was just like SCHOOL SUCKS LETS TAKE IT DOWN!!!!!!!
also BROTHERS!?!? FATHER!??!! WHATTTTT
etinney's review against another edition
5.0
I am dissapointed in my fellow women. What is with the squemish(ness?). Were you expecting a literary masterpiece in this?? Were you expecting Emma or Jane Eyre?? I believe that he wrote well for a 15 year-old. Why are you attacking it? It was a great deal to get it published. The way he presents his characters is well done in my opinion. You do not know whose side to be on. I love post apocalyptic novels, and this one was one of the best. The actions scenes were intense. The characters were believable, complex, and scary. You really had sympathy for these kids who were murderers. I enjoyed the different points of view. Also, you finally have a girl protaganist who actually does something. It's so annoying when I have to look through the eyes of a "heroine" who waits for her boyfriend to beat up the bad guys then save her. Noni, the girl in this book, is strong enough to take care of herself. However, she does have a heart, which I appreciate in my assassians. I would recommend this book to anyone. I do not rebel against school. I love school, and I am a teacher's pet. Oh, and fellow women, read an action book. Romances are BORING, and their ideas do not help further women's power in the world. Just remember: "Good girls seldom make history."
nerfherder86's review against another edition
3.0
Written by a teen author. In a future where schools are run by strict Educators in more of a military setting than a school, and Enforcers are under the thumb of a strict Mayor, students become rebels and guerrilla fighters against the corrupt system. Lots of action, battles in the streets, betrayals and so forth. First in a trilogy. Interesting dystopian scifi story.
funsizelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Great for teens who hate school, though I'm not sure what their school administration will think about it!
ravencrantz's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I read it a few years ago, and going back to the library I found the prequel which I am currently reading.
I felt the book had a vague 1984 distopian society ring to it. I really enjoyed 1984, so I understand why I enjoyed this book. A lot of action, memorable characters, fighting, I enjoyed it all. Sure there were some technical flaws, some of the dialogue seemed weird to me, but I feel that in a lot of books I read and still enjoy. Truancy might not be a book for everyone, but it doesn't mean it is not enjoyable.
I felt the book had a vague 1984 distopian society ring to it. I really enjoyed 1984, so I understand why I enjoyed this book. A lot of action, memorable characters, fighting, I enjoyed it all. Sure there were some technical flaws, some of the dialogue seemed weird to me, but I feel that in a lot of books I read and still enjoy. Truancy might not be a book for everyone, but it doesn't mean it is not enjoyable.
chloesumner1317's review against another edition
5.0
This book was high school student's dream. Essentially it's like this book just sits there and flips off the education system, which, being a student, if I did I would be condemned to the outskirts of society.