Unplugged 2021 book Review written by the Ent on /2020 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. **We reviewed an audiobook copy of the book from the publisher. Our opinions are our own, we were not monetarily compensated for our opinion and we recommend the book**
Know Before You Read
Book: Unplugged
Author: Gordon Korman
Genre: Teen Drama, Comedy
Age suggested: 11 and up
Release Date: January 5th, 2021
Themes: Dependency of devices/screens, being whole, serenity
Warnings: Nothing inappropriate. The age suggestion is simply because younger viewers would lose interest in the story.
Quick Summary:
When affluent families need to take a break and relax, they attend Camp Oasis. Which provides a complete overhaul of everyday life: Pure diet, meditation, and perhaps the most difficult change- absolutely no devices. Jet is the child of one of the richest business moguls in the world and is sent to Camp Oasis in order to be ‘corrected’. But Jet isn’t intimidated by the Camp Oasis rules and he is going to do do anything he needs to to keep his personal luxuries. Who will win, and what qualifies winning anyways?
Unplugged 2021 book Review: (Contains Light Spoilers)
-Is Unplugged Appropriate?-
There is nothing inherently inappropriate in this book except for some disrespectful teens. Any kid who can handle the length of the book will be able to handle the contents.
-Plot/Story of Unplugged-
*MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD*
The general plot consists of kids being sent to camp Oasis in order to find true meaning and peace through a good diet and removal of all external distractions (like screens). Jet, the son of a multi-billionaire, is sent here, but he has absolutely no desire to go along with the beliefs of the camp. This leads to lots of conflict and even delves into a camp secret that must be uncovered. Personally, I thought the ending fell a bit flat, but the overarching story was put together well. The characters are really engaging and that’s what really carries this story.
-Characters in Unplugged-
There are many diametrically opposed characters in Unplugged, which leads to some interesting and dynamic friendships/rivalries. This is led by Jet Baranov, whose completely blasé attitude towards any type of self-improvement puts him at odds with just about everyone in his life. And, as in real life, all the campers have different opinions about the camp and it’s rules.
All of these characters pale in comparison to the most compelling thing in the story (and our favorite part), Needles. Needles is an abandoned lizard that the campers start to bond over in order to take care of it. This simultaneously humanizes everyone while also bringing characters together for the common good of their lizard friend.
–Why Read Unplugged-
This middle grade book provides a fun setting with some interesting characters. There aren’t particularly any great lessons about “being unplugged” which is a bit ironic, but there is some good character development and growth within the story.
Unplugged Discussion Questions
- In recent memory, what is the longest time you have gone without your phone or device?
- What do you think of Camp Oasis? Would you enjoy it or do you think it would just stress you out?
- If you found a lizard at Camp Oasis, would you have tried to take care of it yourself or pointed it out to a camp counselor?
- Have you ever experienced the benefits of being ‘unplugged’? Do you find it difficult, relaxing, stressful, etc?
- Do you think the program that Magnus Fellini developed still has merit despite the ending? What merits do you think it still has?
Thanks for reading our Unplugged 2021 book review! Check out some of our other review posts before you go:
–The Babysitter Club Netflix review
-For other older middle grade reads; check out our reviews of Inquisitors Tale, Awkward, Alls Faire In Middle School.
-Don’t miss this post on Life Lessons from the new Little Women Movie or review of the new fun movie My Spy.
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