I received this for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A.S. King Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on 2014-10-14
Pages: 320
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads
Would you try to change the world if you thought it had no future?
Graduating from high school is a time of limitless possibilities — but not for Glory, who has no plan for what's next. Her mother committed suicide when Glory was only four years old, and she’s never stopped wondering if she will eventually go the same way... until a transformative night when she begins to experience an astonishing new power to see a person’s infinite past and future. From ancient ancestors to many generations forward, Glory is bombarded with visions—and what she sees ahead of her is terrifying.
A tyrannical new leader raises an army. Women’s rights disappear. A violent second civil war breaks out. And young girls vanish daily, sold off or interned in camps. Glory makes it her mission to record everything she sees, hoping her notes will somehow make a difference. She may not see a future for herself, but she’ll do everything in her power to make sure this one doesn’t come to pass.
In this masterpiece about freedom, feminism, and destiny, Printz Honor author A.S. King tells the epic story of a girl coping with devastating loss at long last—a girl who has no idea that the future needs her, and that the present needs her even more.
My Thoughts:
A.S. King’s books are consistent. As in, they consistently blow my mind. The writing is always incredible. King addresses topics head on and doesn’t shy away from talking about the things that are important. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read something in one of her books and thought, “Yes, this! Why aren’t more people talking about this?!?” And the way she weaves together reality with a touch of magic? It’s, well, magical. Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future is all these things and more.
When I sit down and think about all the things that made up Glory O’Brien I cannot help but be impressed with how compulsively readable it is. The loss of a parent through suicide, trying to figure out your life after graduation, suddenly being able to see the past and future of a person’s life and ancestors…. anyone of these things could potentially overwhelm a story. It’s a testament to King’s talent and dedication that these factors (and more) work together so seamlessly to form a novel that is not only coherent, but excellent.
Glory O’Brien is a fascinating character. Seeing the world through her eyes was an experience I won’t soon forget. She’s at a point in her life (graduation) where choices seem “bigger” for the first time. She’s already dealt with so much in her life. I loved seeing the way her experiences shaped her and how she changed throughout the book. Her strength is something I admire.
I could go on and on about the things I loved in this book but my writing is nothing to King’s and could never properly express why you need to read Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future. I highly suggest you get your hands on it ASAP! Then, if you haven’t done so already, read A.S. King’s entire backlog of books. You can thank me later.
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