If you haven't heard of Neal Shusterman, you will. He's the
author of several award-winning young adult books, including
What Daddy Did and The Dark Side of Nowhere,
currently being adapted for a feature-length film for Dark
Horse Entertainment (producers of the film, "The Mask"). Mr.
Shusterman has also written screenplays for several "Goosebumps"
episodes on Nickelodeon, and his books for adult readers include
a new fantasy/thriller, Thief of Souls, and its companion
novel, Scorpion Shards, which is being rereleased next
year as adult fiction (previously released to the young adult
market).
Interestingly, the author considers his newest novel, Downsiders,
to be his best work. The title refers to a subterranean world
below New York City, where a community of people who call
themselves "Downsiders" dwell. These people refer
to those of us who live above ground as "Topsiders."
The main characters, a Topsider girl named Lindsay and a Downsider
boy named Talon, are believable and likable as they deal with
the challenges that result when their worlds collide.
In describing how he came to write the novel, Mr. Shusterman
writes:
When I first thought of writing a subterranean story,
I realized that I wanted it to be more than just a fantasy
-- I wanted it to say something -- I wanted it to be a
powerful, and at times satirical commentary on "Topside"
values. What would our society look like to a culture
whose whole existence revolved around tunnel life? What
sort of cultural problems would occur when the two disparate
worlds came into contact. We've seen how an entire people
can be crushed beneath the heel of a dominant culture
-- even unintentionally. As Downsiders evolved, it became
clear to me what this story had to be: A parable about
cultural identity. I wanted to tell a story about the
triumph of human dignity over poverty, and of a culture
trying to maintain its identity in the face of assimilation.
While on one level it's a fun, and humorous whimsical
fantasy, on another level, it's very real. I think it's
my best book.
Mr. Shusterman has succeeded in writing a story that is both
an enjoyable read and a compelling commentary on social values.
The author has managed to avoid the pitfalls of preachiness
and excessive symbolism and instead offers a plot that keeps
you turning the pages. I highly recommend Downsiders
for readers of all ages.
Click here to buy: Downsiders
at Amazon.com.
