Madapple

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

Wow, where to begin! This is certainly an interesting read that was difficult to put down. No one in this story seems to have any grounding in reality. The protagonist is raised isolated from humanity in a house without electricity, they forage for food essentially. At age 15 she goes to live with her aunt and cousins who are part of a cult-like religion. This is the first time she has ever been around a male, she has never really talked with anyone other than her mother. I was a little disappointed in the ending because it was executed in such a sudden way that did not seem to mesh with the flow of the book, but I think it would make an excellent discussion.

There is a lot of science, nature, religious, and mythological references that I found somewhat long-winded, but that I think others will be much more interested in. The religious discussions among characters may be particularly interesting to young people who are trying to figure out what they believe and why. And, a lot of great vocabulary.

I wouldn't recommend this to the masses, but there are certainly a lot of teens who will be fascinated and appreciate something a little different.