Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


While post-apocalyptic settings are generally my least favorite, it's hard to find anything bad to say about this book. I enjoyed the way the desperate global situation was conveyed easily through the character's daily lives, rather than breaking up the narrative with explanations. It's also clear throughout the story that the author's focus is firmly on his characters, their emotions and actions than on the exotic new world they live in. While the world of Bright Sands Beach is clearly drawn, it's descriptions don't intrude on the story which can often happen in stories with such foreign locations. I also appreciated the way each characters actions, especially Sloth and Lucky Strike, play into Nailer's thought process as he tries to navigate his own way through life. He has something to learn from all of them, even his father. This is a very well written book, with realistic characters and a well rounded plot. A well deserved Printz Winner.



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