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Girl Parts
From a debut author! What happens when a robot designed to be a boy’s ideal "companion" develops a will of her own? A compulsively readable novel from a new talent. (Ages 14 and up)David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his "dissociative disorder," he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose --and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal "companion" is about to become her own best friend. In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uberconnected world.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2010
33 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read
About the author
John M. Cusick
7 books147 followersJohn M. Cusick is the author of GIRL PARTS and CHERRY MONEY BABY (Candlewick Press).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
December 15, 2010
Personally I don't think that blurb does the book much justice because it's so much more than what it's letting on. What this book really is is a satire of internet life. A finger poke to the eye of the digital generation that's more comfortable interacting with inhuman machines than with each other. Instead of attacking this supposed dissociative disorder with genuine human interaction and parenting, the parents are removed and human interaction is replaced by, of course, another computer that looks like a human.
David's a dick. His parents are dicks. And they all stay that way throughout the entire book. But they're compelling. And that's not to say David doesn't go through any kind of change. He certainly does. But it's the result of being a dick. So does it count that he de-dicks to an extent but it's only after he turns into a mega-dick? I'm torn on that one. But while he's a dick, he's human. He's multidimensional. He's not just some popular rich jerk. Towards the end, Rose really does her job in helping David come out of himself and act more human. So despite what they say, I don't think she failed at all.
Charlie I was kind of impartial on. He's your typical outcast but he's still a sweet guy. I really didn't find anything about him that stood out as miraculous to me. Not that I'm saying he had to be a dick like David, but I think Charlie acted in a way that you might expect a character like him to act. So for me Charlie was my least favorite character. I saw him as the least dynamic. Don't get me wrong. He, too, developed as a character but I didn't feel like it was as profound as David's development. Still, Rose did her job with Charlie too. Go Rose.
Rose is awesome. Cusick did an awesome job of bringing this bot to life and making me feel for her. I absolutely had to keep reminding myself that she wasn't human. But I guess that was the point. The more humans this Companion interacted with, the more human she became. She emoted just like anyone else. She felt fear, pain, despair, happiness. She was more human than Charlie and David. This humanoid bot was the one that made the humans feel human. Think on that one for a second. I was upset with the way her story ended, though. It is rather depressing and it's both inconclusive and conclusive at the same time. You're left with enough hanging around that you can safely insinuate just what happened to her but it's sad and you will feel bad for her. If you don't, then you need to re-read the book and take some lessons from her.
As amazing of a story this book is, I loved it even more for it's social commentary. Unlike other books I've read, I didn't feel like I was getting preached to or talked at. I didn't feel like I was having a point hammered down my throat. The message was subtle and expertly woven into the plot itself. The story was first. The message was a few steps down but even down there, I got it and I loved it. If you want a story that puts this digital age into perspective a little while at the same time reading an amazing story about amazing characters, pick up Girl Parts. I can't say enough good things about this one.
David's a dick. His parents are dicks. And they all stay that way throughout the entire book. But they're compelling. And that's not to say David doesn't go through any kind of change. He certainly does. But it's the result of being a dick. So does it count that he de-dicks to an extent but it's only after he turns into a mega-dick? I'm torn on that one. But while he's a dick, he's human. He's multidimensional. He's not just some popular rich jerk. Towards the end, Rose really does her job in helping David come out of himself and act more human. So despite what they say, I don't think she failed at all.
Charlie I was kind of impartial on. He's your typical outcast but he's still a sweet guy. I really didn't find anything about him that stood out as miraculous to me. Not that I'm saying he had to be a dick like David, but I think Charlie acted in a way that you might expect a character like him to act. So for me Charlie was my least favorite character. I saw him as the least dynamic. Don't get me wrong. He, too, developed as a character but I didn't feel like it was as profound as David's development. Still, Rose did her job with Charlie too. Go Rose.
Rose is awesome. Cusick did an awesome job of bringing this bot to life and making me feel for her. I absolutely had to keep reminding myself that she wasn't human. But I guess that was the point. The more humans this Companion interacted with, the more human she became. She emoted just like anyone else. She felt fear, pain, despair, happiness. She was more human than Charlie and David. This humanoid bot was the one that made the humans feel human. Think on that one for a second. I was upset with the way her story ended, though. It is rather depressing and it's both inconclusive and conclusive at the same time. You're left with enough hanging around that you can safely insinuate just what happened to her but it's sad and you will feel bad for her. If you don't, then you need to re-read the book and take some lessons from her.
As amazing of a story this book is, I loved it even more for it's social commentary. Unlike other books I've read, I didn't feel like I was getting preached to or talked at. I didn't feel like I was having a point hammered down my throat. The message was subtle and expertly woven into the plot itself. The story was first. The message was a few steps down but even down there, I got it and I loved it. If you want a story that puts this digital age into perspective a little while at the same time reading an amazing story about amazing characters, pick up Girl Parts. I can't say enough good things about this one.
September 7, 2012
(Just so you know, anyone who reads this, I've got spoilers in here...but it's such an awful book maybe you'd be better off reading my review.)
This is such a bad book.
Really. I mean, it wasn't terribly well-written, it didn't have much of an ending, and its attitude towards women was really, really troublesome. A bunch of girls are basically created (they're androids, I guess) to reform guys by only letting them progress in a romantic relationship very slowly. But that's *all* these girls are for--they're basically sex dolls. And, hah, without any sexual organs. Surprise! The worst part for me was when the main-character-android went to some underground android-modifier and ends up taking home some brand new girl parts! (See what I did there?) She "passes the test" to get them by saying she wants them for herself and not for any guys. And then she goes home and masturbates and it's the BEST THING EVER.
So, to recap, the point of this girl's existence is either to give men sexual pleasure, or to give herself sexual pleasure. That is *all she is capable of*.
Aghhhh. What is this world I live in. :<
This is such a bad book.
Really. I mean, it wasn't terribly well-written, it didn't have much of an ending, and its attitude towards women was really, really troublesome. A bunch of girls are basically created (they're androids, I guess) to reform guys by only letting them progress in a romantic relationship very slowly. But that's *all* these girls are for--they're basically sex dolls. And, hah, without any sexual organs. Surprise! The worst part for me was when the main-character-android went to some underground android-modifier and ends up taking home some brand new girl parts! (See what I did there?) She "passes the test" to get them by saying she wants them for herself and not for any guys. And then she goes home and masturbates and it's the BEST THING EVER.
So, to recap, the point of this girl's existence is either to give men sexual pleasure, or to give herself sexual pleasure. That is *all she is capable of*.
Aghhhh. What is this world I live in. :<
December 31, 2010
I went into this knowing that it was a little strange but thinking that I would like it. Definitely an interesting read but I feel unsatisfied with how things played out.
Quick Overview: David is rich, good looking, and a total jerk. After seeing a girl commit suicide online and doing nothing to stop it his parents and new school counselor are worried that he is "disassociated". They suggest a "Companion" that is meant to show him how to form a healthy human relationship. Enter Rose, the companion built specifically to want and love David. By a process of reward (touching, hugging, etc.) and punishment (any funny business and David gets shocked) David is reluctantly willing to wait until he can..ahem, get to "know" her. After finding out something about Rose though (can't say, would be a spoiler) he angrily runs off and leaves Rose alone and confused. Now enter Charlie the outcast that, with the exception of also being "disassociated", is the exact opposite of David. He's into botany and smart but has no friends and is awkward talking to girls. But since Rose isn't "real" he finds it easier to talk with her. In the end Rose ends up teaching both boys what it means to have a human connection.
It's going to be hard to write a review without giving out spoilers since those are the reasons why I didn't like it. I've never been a fan of ambiguous endings and I think that's a big part of why I didn't really enjoy this book. I only feel that one of the characters (maybe) had any real resolution. One I think is mostly up to personal opinion and the other is...(Ugghh!)ambiguous and sudden. The ending though is not the only reason I didn't like this book. As is usual with "guy books" there’s quite a bit of sex. Now I understand that it was put in as a way of showing human connection, but really I could’ve done without. Not to mention that I don’t think it was fair to one particular character (and to the characters it affected) when supposedly they wanted to feel complete, but didn’t think that having sex was what would make them feel that way and then goes right around and sleeps with…someone anyways. As if having sex was what made them complete. (I understand that in trying to be spoiler free I make no sense). So like I said, I don't think the sex was even necessary seeing as it just seemed to contradict itself.
But with all that I really like what the author was trying to say and I sometimes I got that message in the book. The irony in how people would use robots to teach you how have a human connection. It wasn’t preachy which I appreciate. The characters felt real. Like David being a total douche, who in the end did have a sort of caring reltionship with Rose, and in reality is just lost. I think Charlie could’ve been developed more, but I still liked him. Rose proved to have more human emotion than some of the actual people. The book was interesting but I felt dissatisfied with how things went down between the characters and what I think is an unfair (for the character) ending.
Quick Overview: David is rich, good looking, and a total jerk. After seeing a girl commit suicide online and doing nothing to stop it his parents and new school counselor are worried that he is "disassociated". They suggest a "Companion" that is meant to show him how to form a healthy human relationship. Enter Rose, the companion built specifically to want and love David. By a process of reward (touching, hugging, etc.) and punishment (any funny business and David gets shocked) David is reluctantly willing to wait until he can..ahem, get to "know" her. After finding out something about Rose though (can't say, would be a spoiler) he angrily runs off and leaves Rose alone and confused. Now enter Charlie the outcast that, with the exception of also being "disassociated", is the exact opposite of David. He's into botany and smart but has no friends and is awkward talking to girls. But since Rose isn't "real" he finds it easier to talk with her. In the end Rose ends up teaching both boys what it means to have a human connection.
It's going to be hard to write a review without giving out spoilers since those are the reasons why I didn't like it. I've never been a fan of ambiguous endings and I think that's a big part of why I didn't really enjoy this book. I only feel that one of the characters (maybe) had any real resolution. One I think is mostly up to personal opinion and the other is...(Ugghh!)ambiguous and sudden. The ending though is not the only reason I didn't like this book. As is usual with "guy books" there’s quite a bit of sex. Now I understand that it was put in as a way of showing human connection, but really I could’ve done without. Not to mention that I don’t think it was fair to one particular character (and to the characters it affected) when supposedly they wanted to feel complete, but didn’t think that having sex was what would make them feel that way and then goes right around and sleeps with…someone anyways. As if having sex was what made them complete. (I understand that in trying to be spoiler free I make no sense). So like I said, I don't think the sex was even necessary seeing as it just seemed to contradict itself.
But with all that I really like what the author was trying to say and I sometimes I got that message in the book. The irony in how people would use robots to teach you how have a human connection. It wasn’t preachy which I appreciate. The characters felt real. Like David being a total douche, who in the end did have a sort of caring reltionship with Rose, and in reality is just lost. I think Charlie could’ve been developed more, but I still liked him. Rose proved to have more human emotion than some of the actual people. The book was interesting but I felt dissatisfied with how things went down between the characters and what I think is an unfair (for the character) ending.
January 20, 2011
The book did not start out how I thought it would. I was imagining this to be some kind of cute romance-y type of book, but it began with something very morbid: a suicide broadcasted on an internet blog. I was intrigued. I personally like reading morbid things and I enjoy things that do not shy away from the more dark sides of real life. The book was very good, but one thing that bothered me was that this suicide never really had much of a purpose. It was written with such dramatic description that I thought it would become an important part of the story, but no. It was mentioned a few times, but for the most part it was just a random event. As I read on and I reached the part in the story where David asks his Companion doll, Rose, to strip and realized for the first time that she did not have 'girl parts' I have to admit I was excited. I thought when he ran out and left her simply because she could not have sex, that the theme of the story was going to be about how sex isn't everything. That you don't need sex to have a meaningful relationship, but once again, I was wrong. The whole rest of the novel is about Rose going to this illegal 'chop shop' for Companion dolls and getting 'girl parts' installed. I really hoped that when the 'mechanic' offered her the parts, that Rose would refuse, that she would stay the way she was instead of giving in and taking the part then immediately having sex with a guy she had only known a couple days. After that, the story was very poorly ended. Nothing at all was resolved. Rose was kidnapped, but you never know what happened to her. Charlie, the guy Rose slept with, goes off with this other girl and dates her. David is depressed for a while after having sex with an older woman, but at the end of the book he's happy again that he's talking with said older woman who isn't even dating JUST David. She had some guy on the side, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. To say that I was disappointed with the book would be a gross understatement. It could have been amazing. The writing was well done and the characters were great. But it was ruined by the fact that it ended with the girl changing herself in order to be like everyone else and to have sex. It seems to me that it just further supports societies belief that to have a meaningful relationship you MUST HAVE SEX, which is not true.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2023
2.9 YA sparks, rounded up to 3 because I say so -- but I'm not a YA, so read & judge for yourself. I'm also a sucker for any halfway decent book with robots/cyborgs/androids/gynoids/etc.
Although Mr. Cusick is not aware of this, one of the main characters in GIRL PARTS has agreed to an exclusive live interview. How awesome is that?
Readers and fans, please welcome the one and only, the exquisite... ROSE!
[Rose sweeps onto the stage, wearing a lovely white outfit and Converse sneakers. Her red hair bounces slightly as she shakes my hand firmly with both of hers. She's smiling softly, but seems a bit uncertain as we sit down facing each other. She glances briefly at the televised audience, at YOU.]
Me: Hi Rose, it's a pleasure to meet you. I understand you are a "Companion," a special sort of friend for troubled young men. Are all Companions as attractive as you? And what exactly do you do?
Rose: Thank you, I think. You and I just shook hands, which is important to a Companion. It is like a first step. I was created to look like a teenage girl, to make it easier to help disassociated human males adjust to societal norms. There are rules of course, and a special clock. But it may not be at all like you are thinking.
Me: No doubt. Rose, I'd really like to know this: How do you like being a character in a book?
ROSE: I only recently learned what "books" are. They are read sideways, instead of like a normal laptop computer, but they are a form of communication that does not require a power source.
ROSE: I don't have feelings one way or the other about being in a book. I'm only concerned with making David happy. Well, that is what I was designed for. But sometimes, things change.
Me: That sounds intriguing. What makes things change, if I may ask?
ROSE: You may ask. In fact, you just did. It would be more educational for you to simply read GIRL PARTS, since this is a five-minute interview.
Me: Fair enough, Miss Rose. I must say, you are an exquisitely designed, um, girl. What were your first few hours like, and how do humans react to you?
ROSE: [Shrugs in a very human manner]
At first, I was a bit awkward. I was happy to be activated, and to have a purpose. My programming and my were both helpful and confusing for a while. But I like to think I'm a quick learner.
[Rose pauses for a moment, stares at nothing, as if in thought]
As far as I know, humans do not realize at first that I'm not "real." But the family that ordered me knew, of course. They ordered me from a catalog.
Me: Well, I think they chose well. [holds up a hardcopy version of GIRL PARTS] This book you are in has some pretty nifty cover art. I couldn't help but notice--
ROSE: [nods] It is not quite how I was introduced in Mr. Cusick's book. But I think it is an attractive and clever cover. Do you think I have a nice smile there?
Me: Very much so. In fact, you seem quite real to me, Rose. I also see now that you breathe normally, and it's rumored that Companions can actually . You look and talk just like a 16-year old human girl -- a cute one, I must say. I'd have to be very close to notice any differences, right?
ROSE: [giggles once -- a bit oddly]
I do not experience pimples, if that is what you are inferring. But appearance is not very important to me. It is more important to have friends, or to be one. Human boys often tell me I am attractive, or say interesting things about my exterior. They seem quite focused on female bodies -- even Companion ones, which are different in many ways.
[Rose smiles at me strangely]
But it is nice to have a body, no matter what kind. I have recently had some new experiences.
Me: [raises eyebrow]
Different? Experiences? Oh my. Do you mean you don't have, um, everything a human girl-- or do you? Is that OK to ask?
ROSE: [taps left foot quickly]
Listen. I am still learning, but some things are none of your business. Unless you become my friend first. But here is a hint: read the name of the book OUT LOUD.
Me: Ok, great tip! Sorry if I offended you, Rose. I think that our readers are just curious to know how Companions are different from humans, and why the Sakora Corporation seems to think you can solve the personal problems of boys?
ROSE: Apology accepted, although I was not actually offended. I am mostly just a lot of executable files, and a 2-way satellite uplink. That is what my designers say.
[Rose's eye does something that might be a very sly wink]
Me: Ahhh, that's interesting. I guess you probably have GPS, too. Hey, did you purposely avoid my last question?
ROSE: [ long moment of silence, then rapid-fire speaks]:
Sort of. I do not have anything to say about the Sakora Corporation. Not all humans are friendly to me. I do not consider myself "human," but perhaps I am close enough in many ways. Some humans say that a person is more than a lot of parts put together. I feel like a person, to me. I am no expert on boys with problems. I am just a few weeks old. But my observations so far are that absent and inadequate parenting plays a large role.
[Rose takes a deep breath]
I do not have GPS. I once got lost in the woods. It was not fun.
Me: Oh no, that must have been awful. Were you afraid? I'm guessing you don't have super-human night vision or abilities?
Rose: It was a very confusing time for me. It was after I danced for -- oh wait, you are being clever!
[Rose's sudden smile lights up her perfect face. In fact, she appears to glow for a moment.]
I think you should just read the book, if you are so damn interested.
Me: Ha ha! Wow, you're pretty smart now, Rose, even though you were born a 16-year old.
ROSE: [smiles prettily and touches my knee with her finger; a tiny spark tickles me there] Thank you! I am surprised that you have not yet asked me why there are only "female" companions in GIRL PARTS. Many humans seem curious about this.
Me: Uh, I'm not that curious. I'm assuming a "boy" version exists, or at least has been planned by Sak-- um, by the clever Japanese?
ROSE: Mr. Cusick does not permit me to fully answer that question. But your answer seems logical to me. Perhaps -- let's wait together for a possible sequel to GIRL PARTS.
Me: We can hope! I'd like a sequel, since GIRL PARTS ended . Did you enjoy interacting with the teenagers in this first book?
ROSE: [nods once] Human teenagers are very interesting. I enjoy learning about them. They like to and do sneaky things. Some girls are nice to me, which I did not expect. David, Charlie, and other boys are each so different, yet the same. Does that make sense?
Me: That makes perfect sense, Rose. You probably understand teenagers better than I do. I am quite impressed with what you have accomplished! Now, what would parents think of this book you are in?
ROSE: I think that is not an easy question, since I am neither human, nor a parent. But humans say, "boys will be boys." And girls -- No, I have said too much. It puzzles me why you do not just read the book with your eyes, instead of asking me to explain it with sounds.
Me: [raises an eyebrow] A wise answer. I'm beginning to see that there are many Companions, but only one just like you, Rose. Uh oh, our time is almost up.... I have TWO quick questions from the Net, if you don't mind?
ROSE: I do not. This may be interesting. And you have been a pleasant human-person so far, in spite of your many inquiries.
Me: Thank you, Rose. Now: Joe-Z from Minneapolis says,
"Hi Rose! Who is your favorite TV character, and what is your favorite song?"
ROSE: I do not enjoy all human entertainment, since in this so-called future it is mostly commercials and spying and 3-way interactive marketing. I have not experienced lots of music yet, but I am fond of a 1980s Cyndi Lauper song. It is not "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." That is all I will say.
Me: [ clears throat] OK. Now Rose, pardon me if this touches on something you already said, but... Peggy-Ann from Florida e-messages:
"Rose, I lurve your hair! Do you consider yourself intelligent? Or are you just artificially intelligent? Maybe you are just a very clever mechanism that thinks it is alive, or pretends to be alive?
[ROSE looks down, then turns her head to stare directly at the audience, at YOU. A tiny frown -- or is it a smile? -- is on her perfect lips...]
ROSE: Ask yourself those same questions.
[Rose turns back towards me, and rolls her eyes exactly like an exasperated teen girl]
ROSE: Artificial Intelligence, indeed. That is an oxymoron! Do you agree?
Me: I do. You're certainly a lot smarter than David in the book, or even Charlie. Thank you for a fascinating interview. You're a lovely young lady, in every way.
[We stand. I take Rose's perfectly manicured hand and kiss the back of it]
[The viewscreens go dark. The interview is over.]
ROSE: That sort of... tickles. I like it. Charlie was OK, mostly. Maybe a bit slow. Hey, do you have any of those around here?
~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~
Similar tales:
"Hey, wait! This is not what I had in mind!"
????
"I WILL hurt you!"
"YES! Close enough :)"
December 23, 2010
I was pretty excited about this book because I thought it would be neat to see a Weird Science updated with feminist ideals and yet still written for boys. What I got, though, was strange. Disconnected, rather rushed plot-wise, too short and yet too long, and surprisingly sexist were my major reactions to this book.[return][return][return][return]The book was written mainly from the perspective of the boys. There's a little bit of the android's perspective when David abandons her, but it's mostly about her child-like confusion with the world around her. The book never really develops her as a character, with her only growth being her decision that there can be life without the boy she is programmed to love and her assertion that she wants female reproductive parts "for herself". Frankly, I thought this was an incredibly patriarchal overlay on the book. It seemed to be saying "and then Rose realized that no woman could be complete without sexual organs to use with men", even though it's ok that she doesn't want them to have sex with a specific man, and yet the first thing she does after getting said sexual organs is to have universe-changing sex with Charlie (that is, after masturbating herself to orgasm). And after the sex Rose is taken by the authorities to be "reprogrammed", since she is obviously "defective". This leaves her as a tool passing through the lives of Charlie and David, little more than "My First Car" or "My First Apartment": something to be learned from but not really emotionally attached to.
June 14, 2010
Interesting idea- but an ultimately unsatisfactory ending for me. I /think/ it left off with a hopefulness for the boys... but I'm not entirely sure. The poor fembot? Future unknown. Maybe I missed something, but I just didn't feel like things were properly resolved.
full review here- http://literatisliterarylibrary.blogs...
full review here- http://literatisliterarylibrary.blogs...
February 10, 2019
Found in a sale of sci-fi stuff! Nabbed a whole bunch of different books just to try them out :)
This one had some amusing scenes and a decent balance of lightness/darkness in its thematic exploration, but didn't go far enough with the concept for me.
I see some people taking issue with the concept of female androids made to educate young men. No one, not even the author, is necessarily saying it's a good thing. But if possible one day, it definitely will be a thing. So let's explore it in the safe domain of fiction?
What is with you people?
This one had some amusing scenes and a decent balance of lightness/darkness in its thematic exploration, but didn't go far enough with the concept for me.
I see some people taking issue with the concept of female androids made to educate young men. No one, not even the author, is necessarily saying it's a good thing. But if possible one day, it definitely will be a thing. So let's explore it in the safe domain of fiction?
What is with you people?
November 10, 2015
Das Buch kommt mir vor wie die Fantasie eines pubertierenden Jungen. Das Frauenbild ist einfach katastrophal. Unser weiblicher Roboter möchte „vollständig“ sein, was sich aber nicht in Emotionen oder Wissen zeigt sondern einzig allein in den „Girl Parts“, die ihr bewusst nicht eingebaut worden waren.
Die Charaktere sind absolut eindimensional und nicht liebenswert. Die Idee an sich hatte Potenzial, wurde aber komplett vor die Wand gefahren.
Das Ende war mir zu offen, mit zu vielen losen Enden.
Die Charaktere sind absolut eindimensional und nicht liebenswert. Die Idee an sich hatte Potenzial, wurde aber komplett vor die Wand gefahren.
Das Ende war mir zu offen, mit zu vielen losen Enden.
June 12, 2017
When David is presented with robot girl Rose by his parents request to treat his dissociative disorder due to him spending all his time interacting and not bonding with people, he doesn't expect her to literally shock him thus making her separated from him after harming him when they're supposed to become friends or more not just have sex like David wants while Rose's programme disallows that to happen before a certain amount of time.
Rose is also a trial robot girl, so when David's parents don't like the changes or lack of in their son, Rose finds herself running into the arms of Charlie, a boy she met after running him off the road when David was driving them home one night after a party.
Rose continues to hide away at Charlie's until a nightmare makes her believe her design company Sakura are after her which leads her to finding Lily, another version of her only a Barbie type version unlike her.
It was a great concept for a book! I love the idea of how robot partners can be developed but how creepy it can be too at the same time knowing you could pick aspects of their personality or design even. I like the aspect of typical sexual norms with girls being Barbie's and males all sex driven as it is quite often true but could've been challenged in the book more as times are ever changing surrounding sexuality.
Rose is also a trial robot girl, so when David's parents don't like the changes or lack of in their son, Rose finds herself running into the arms of Charlie, a boy she met after running him off the road when David was driving them home one night after a party.
Rose continues to hide away at Charlie's until a nightmare makes her believe her design company Sakura are after her which leads her to finding Lily, another version of her only a Barbie type version unlike her.
It was a great concept for a book! I love the idea of how robot partners can be developed but how creepy it can be too at the same time knowing you could pick aspects of their personality or design even. I like the aspect of typical sexual norms with girls being Barbie's and males all sex driven as it is quite often true but could've been challenged in the book more as times are ever changing surrounding sexuality.
February 15, 2011
Forget about love at first site. Girl Parts by John M. Cusick is all about love at first gigabyte. (Haha. I couldn’t resist.)
I’m actually sort of obsessed with the whole concept of this book — and after reading it, I can only hope there is more to come.
Girl Parts tells the story of two boys who couldn’t be more different — rich, popular David … and Charlie, the contented outsider. Their lives become suddenly connected through Rose — the Companion built just for David, to help him with his supposed “dissociative disorder.” In short, Rose is a robot — built to love David. When circumstances find Rose on her own, separated from the boy she was built to love, she finds herself turning to Charlie for help. And Charlie, knowing she isn’t a real girl, finds himself opening up to her in ways he never could with other teens.
At the very root of Girl Parts is an exploration of how technology and communication have changed the way we interact with people — and questions both the pros and cons of those connections. Cusick does so successfully without once sounding preachy, and he never pushes an agenda. He simply presents a situation and asks you to think a little more consciously about how you interact with the people in your life.
Girl Parts has a lot going for it — from an explosively dramatic opening scene (it’s shock value with a purpose) to a twisted sense of humor running throughout the entire novel.
The characters in Girl Parts are all delightfully multidimensional and deftly avoid the trappings of stereotypes. There are various facets to each character, which makes them all the more intriguing. You might want to hate David because he’s the spoiled, popular rich kid with a definite attitude — but there are other layers to his personality that make it impossible to blanket him with that characterization. There are reasons to root for him, too. Likewise, Charlie’s preference for solitude doesn’t make him the strange loner to be mocked or pitied. He has his own issues and struggles, and he truly shines as an unlikely hero.
And then there’s Rose — the robot built for love, but built incompletely. She’s incredibly sympathetic as a character — and she is the primary reason I hope Cusick is planning a sequel. I didn’t get enough time with Rose. I loved watching her grow and develop into a strong character — which sounds strange knowing she’s a robot, but she’s a really incredible robot and she has a lot going for her.
So while I loved Girl Parts, I want more. I want more Rose. I want to know more about Sakora, the mysterious company behind the robots. I want to know more about David and Charlie and what will happen to them next.
But I guess being left wanting more is a good thing, too.
I’m actually sort of obsessed with the whole concept of this book — and after reading it, I can only hope there is more to come.
Girl Parts tells the story of two boys who couldn’t be more different — rich, popular David … and Charlie, the contented outsider. Their lives become suddenly connected through Rose — the Companion built just for David, to help him with his supposed “dissociative disorder.” In short, Rose is a robot — built to love David. When circumstances find Rose on her own, separated from the boy she was built to love, she finds herself turning to Charlie for help. And Charlie, knowing she isn’t a real girl, finds himself opening up to her in ways he never could with other teens.
At the very root of Girl Parts is an exploration of how technology and communication have changed the way we interact with people — and questions both the pros and cons of those connections. Cusick does so successfully without once sounding preachy, and he never pushes an agenda. He simply presents a situation and asks you to think a little more consciously about how you interact with the people in your life.
Girl Parts has a lot going for it — from an explosively dramatic opening scene (it’s shock value with a purpose) to a twisted sense of humor running throughout the entire novel.
The characters in Girl Parts are all delightfully multidimensional and deftly avoid the trappings of stereotypes. There are various facets to each character, which makes them all the more intriguing. You might want to hate David because he’s the spoiled, popular rich kid with a definite attitude — but there are other layers to his personality that make it impossible to blanket him with that characterization. There are reasons to root for him, too. Likewise, Charlie’s preference for solitude doesn’t make him the strange loner to be mocked or pitied. He has his own issues and struggles, and he truly shines as an unlikely hero.
And then there’s Rose — the robot built for love, but built incompletely. She’s incredibly sympathetic as a character — and she is the primary reason I hope Cusick is planning a sequel. I didn’t get enough time with Rose. I loved watching her grow and develop into a strong character — which sounds strange knowing she’s a robot, but she’s a really incredible robot and she has a lot going for her.
So while I loved Girl Parts, I want more. I want more Rose. I want to know more about Sakora, the mysterious company behind the robots. I want to know more about David and Charlie and what will happen to them next.
But I guess being left wanting more is a good thing, too.
May 13, 2012
John M. Cusick is a friend of a friend, and this book has been on my radar for a good while. I was able to snag a copy from my local library, and I read it in two stints. It’s quick and reads easily, and makes a few statements without sounding preachy, which I really applaud.
The world in which GIRL PARTS takes place is so centered on technology that even “school” is a set of computers that play lessons for students to watch on a daily basis. Computers are synced to feed off of one another, so on one monitor you might be writing a paper about the proliferation of coffee shops in your town, and as a result, your second monitor could be pulling up Starbucks coupons, while the third monitor is maybe linking you to a dating website for people who love coffee.
In short: Maybe it wasn’t all that far into the future.
The world in which GIRL PARTS takes place is so centered on technology that even “school” is a set of computers that play lessons for students to watch on a daily basis. Computers are synced to feed off of one another, so on one monitor you might be writing a paper about the proliferation of coffee shops in your town, and as a result, your second monitor could be pulling up Starbucks coupons, while the third monitor is maybe linking you to a dating website for people who love coffee.
In short: Maybe it wasn’t all that far into the future.
October 3, 2014
Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews
This was a really interesting read but not really what the blurb leads you to believe. I did not find it to be stunning or hilarious. There are a a few funny moments but mostly it is angsty and though provoking.
The key element of the kids dis-associative disorder is very relevant to today's teens. The start of the book is really jarring with the teen suicide. It would have been nice to get more of the background situation of that event.
The narrative alternates between three POVs, Charlie the quiet loner, David the rich self absorbed kid and Rose the companion robot. Charlie and Rose both had substance and growth throughout the book. David seemed like he was going to grow but really stayed the same jerk from beginning to end. It makes you feel bad for Rose, she is programmed to love him no matter what, that might even be a commentary on teenage romances in general.
The end is rather vague for Rose, you are never really sure what becomes of her. Charlie has a clearer ending and it is well deserved. David is kind of in the same place he was at the start of the book.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Chris Patton, he did a great job of getting me into the story. Each character has a distinct voice, it was really easy to tell who was speaking. His reading speed helps to make the book move along at a steady pace. He did a great job with the ladies voices as well.
I liked the book but it was not a love connection. There seemed to be so much potential for the characters, sadly the ball was dropped. In the end it was entertaining and thought provoking but never really became deep. It was more of a snack than a full meal, definitely leaves you wanting more.
This was a really interesting read but not really what the blurb leads you to believe. I did not find it to be stunning or hilarious. There are a a few funny moments but mostly it is angsty and though provoking.
The key element of the kids dis-associative disorder is very relevant to today's teens. The start of the book is really jarring with the teen suicide. It would have been nice to get more of the background situation of that event.
The narrative alternates between three POVs, Charlie the quiet loner, David the rich self absorbed kid and Rose the companion robot. Charlie and Rose both had substance and growth throughout the book. David seemed like he was going to grow but really stayed the same jerk from beginning to end. It makes you feel bad for Rose, she is programmed to love him no matter what, that might even be a commentary on teenage romances in general.
The end is rather vague for Rose, you are never really sure what becomes of her. Charlie has a clearer ending and it is well deserved. David is kind of in the same place he was at the start of the book.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Chris Patton, he did a great job of getting me into the story. Each character has a distinct voice, it was really easy to tell who was speaking. His reading speed helps to make the book move along at a steady pace. He did a great job with the ladies voices as well.
I liked the book but it was not a love connection. There seemed to be so much potential for the characters, sadly the ball was dropped. In the end it was entertaining and thought provoking but never really became deep. It was more of a snack than a full meal, definitely leaves you wanting more.
October 28, 2010
I was instantly attracted to the cover of this book and it's striking resemblance to the anime/manga series Chobits, so I decided to read it and use it for my Young Adult Lit book review assignment:
In the near present, the Japanese artificial intelligence company Sakora has succeeded in building prototype ‘companions’ to treat “dissociative disorders” in males around the world. Beautiful, red-headed Rose is custom made for 17 year-old David Sun. Her intimacy clock is specifically designed to keep David in line and train him to form proper connections with females. David and his lonely classmate Charlie both become emotionally involved with this life-like fem-bot, while Rose slowly learns what it’s like to truly be human.
From the very first page, which begins with a young girl killing herself on a broadcasted web-feed, to its disconcerting ending, Girl Parts addresses our growing reliance on technology and the importance of feeling connected to others. In his debut novel, Cusick uniquely explores themes of humanity, artificial intelligence, relationships, and youth culture. Fans of Japanese anime will recognize these themes from numerous popular series. Though it takes a while to build up, and tends to drag in certain places, Girl Parts is a fun, quick read. Other than Rose, whose character is more deeply explored, this book is plot-driven. The concept is intriguing, combining science fiction with the real world. This book would be especially great for reluctant, older boy readers.
In the near present, the Japanese artificial intelligence company Sakora has succeeded in building prototype ‘companions’ to treat “dissociative disorders” in males around the world. Beautiful, red-headed Rose is custom made for 17 year-old David Sun. Her intimacy clock is specifically designed to keep David in line and train him to form proper connections with females. David and his lonely classmate Charlie both become emotionally involved with this life-like fem-bot, while Rose slowly learns what it’s like to truly be human.
From the very first page, which begins with a young girl killing herself on a broadcasted web-feed, to its disconcerting ending, Girl Parts addresses our growing reliance on technology and the importance of feeling connected to others. In his debut novel, Cusick uniquely explores themes of humanity, artificial intelligence, relationships, and youth culture. Fans of Japanese anime will recognize these themes from numerous popular series. Though it takes a while to build up, and tends to drag in certain places, Girl Parts is a fun, quick read. Other than Rose, whose character is more deeply explored, this book is plot-driven. The concept is intriguing, combining science fiction with the real world. This book would be especially great for reluctant, older boy readers.
June 20, 2010
I have found a boy YA I like! John M. Cusick takes a burgeoning concept in Japan - pseudo-human companionship - and translates it into American teenspeak. When David's parents and school discover that his technology addiction is so bad that he feels nothing after watching a girl commit suicide on the Web, the guidance counselor proposes a futuristic solution: a Companion. Companions are like the lifelike dolls real people dress up and pal around with, only Companions can speak, eat, touch, and more. Just not that much more. David, characterized deliciously as the tooliest of tools, abandons Rose when he learns she can't sexually satisfy him. Charlie, a classmate of David's, knows she's a Companion and yet together find a sense of humanity.
Cusick weaves in humor, ethos, and pathos in this treaty on how technology both hinders and widens the human experience. He carefully balances the novel to not make it just David's story, just Charlie's story, or even just Rose's story. The one element driving me batty is the lack of resolution of the side plot involving the guidance counselor's relationship with the company producing Companions and the business' back story. Rose tantalizes us with bytes of memory off her harddrive, but we never get to download the whole file. And despite the ambiguous ending, I felt satisfied .
Cusick weaves in humor, ethos, and pathos in this treaty on how technology both hinders and widens the human experience. He carefully balances the novel to not make it just David's story, just Charlie's story, or even just Rose's story. The one element driving me batty is the lack of resolution of the side plot involving the guidance counselor's relationship with the company producing Companions and the business' back story. Rose tantalizes us with bytes of memory off her harddrive, but we never get to download the whole file. And despite the ambiguous ending, I felt satisfied .
February 28, 2011
I couldn't wait to read this book! The cover was interesting and the premise sounded interesting. It also reminded me on an anime I like, Chobits *total anime nerd* xD
Well, I read it. And I have to say, it was kind of a waste of my time. It wasn't horrible or anything, but I had a ton of problems with this book. The first thing was David -- MAN I HATED HIM SO MUCH!! Talk about a self centered jerk. And throwing Rose away because she didn't gave girl parts was just cruel. He was only in it for the pleasure, that much was obvious. There were moments when I thought he actually cared about her, but I dont think so that much. He moved on pretty fast.
I also didn't like that everything was about sex. I mean, I get that the fact the Companions dont have girl parts is a key part of the plot, but really? It kind of seemed shoved randomly in there, like the author was trying to fit as much mature content as he could. Oh well, what would you expect from a pig like David?
There are a few other things, but the worst thing of all was the ending. WORST ENDING EVER! It totally ruined my opinion of everyone. Just wow.
This book had potential -- it has an interesting concept and is even good at parts, but in the end it disappointed me. ):
Well, I read it. And I have to say, it was kind of a waste of my time. It wasn't horrible or anything, but I had a ton of problems with this book. The first thing was David -- MAN I HATED HIM SO MUCH!! Talk about a self centered jerk. And throwing Rose away because she didn't gave girl parts was just cruel. He was only in it for the pleasure, that much was obvious. There were moments when I thought he actually cared about her, but I dont think so that much. He moved on pretty fast.
I also didn't like that everything was about sex. I mean, I get that the fact the Companions dont have girl parts is a key part of the plot, but really? It kind of seemed shoved randomly in there, like the author was trying to fit as much mature content as he could. Oh well, what would you expect from a pig like David?
There are a few other things, but the worst thing of all was the ending. WORST ENDING EVER! It totally ruined my opinion of everyone. Just wow.
This book had potential -- it has an interesting concept and is even good at parts, but in the end it disappointed me. ):
January 8, 2014
This book wasn't too bad, but it wasn't too good either.
Or at least that's what I thought until about three quarters of the way through. This felt so pointless and it's a wonder why I didn't just give this up!
The characters were undeveloped and the whole concept of boys having "sex dolls" to help them grow up (or some shit like that) was just plain weird. How come girls didn't have Companions? And what if the guy is gay?
I did like how Rose became her own person, but the bit where she gets those genitals implanted was I dunno weird! I didn't really understand the message or intention of this story. To me this was just about a robot who gets rejected by the guy she's programmed to be with (because she wasn't made with any "girl parts"), then she goes to this underground engineer who instals her "girl parts" so she can finally fuck. It appeared to be her all time goal. And I really expected more!
So while I enjoyed seeing Rose grow more independent, I found this book rather pointless. I expected something more epic somehow.
Or at least that's what I thought until about three quarters of the way through. This felt so pointless and it's a wonder why I didn't just give this up!
The characters were undeveloped and the whole concept of boys having "sex dolls" to help them grow up (or some shit like that) was just plain weird. How come girls didn't have Companions? And what if the guy is gay?
I did like how Rose became her own person, but the bit where she gets those genitals implanted was I dunno weird! I didn't really understand the message or intention of this story. To me this was just about a robot who gets rejected by the guy she's programmed to be with (because she wasn't made with any "girl parts"), then she goes to this underground engineer who instals her "girl parts" so she can finally fuck. It appeared to be her all time goal. And I really expected more!
So while I enjoyed seeing Rose grow more independent, I found this book rather pointless. I expected something more epic somehow.
August 12, 2010
If you've read Manga, watched Anime, or even caught a few 80s movies you're probably familiar with the basic story of this book - What teenage boys really want is a robogirl with human skin. Okay, that's a over simplification still when the boys in this book become "disassociated" parents and counselors decide that's how you fix them. Give them their own "girl" who will train them on how to make human connections.
David and Charlie are two very different boys who both have this form of therapy recommended to them. One gets it, one does not. Still the girl assigned to one crosses paths with both boys and that's really the heart of the story - how she interacts with the two, one she's programmed to be with and one she is not.
I'd like to give it the full 5 stars but it felt a little short and as though parts are missing - not in that it's an incomplete story. It's complete. Still it feels as though there was room for aspects of it to really be expanded upon and by not doing so it left it a little weaker of a book that it had to be. Still a good overall story, a fast read - just maybe too fast.
David and Charlie are two very different boys who both have this form of therapy recommended to them. One gets it, one does not. Still the girl assigned to one crosses paths with both boys and that's really the heart of the story - how she interacts with the two, one she's programmed to be with and one she is not.
I'd like to give it the full 5 stars but it felt a little short and as though parts are missing - not in that it's an incomplete story. It's complete. Still it feels as though there was room for aspects of it to really be expanded upon and by not doing so it left it a little weaker of a book that it had to be. Still a good overall story, a fast read - just maybe too fast.
November 28, 2012
4 stars
Girl Parts was strangely cute. I was not expecting that.
It is a very strange read if one took the time to think about exactly what one is reading.
An adolescent boy with a robot companion that aquires human feelings and makes yet another adolescent boy fall for her? Quite strange indeed.
I thought the writing was a little weird. It sounded to me like it was being read in the same voice as the guy that did The Twilight Zone. Ha. Just something about the third-person narrative was different. Not totally bad but I had to stop myself from doing "movie voice" a few times.
The characters were likeable enough. I liked both boys and of course Rose.
I have to say while the ending made me a little sad, I liked it. It was a real, plausible ending to the strangeness of the book.
All in all: A short, light read. I liked this.
Girl Parts was strangely cute. I was not expecting that.
It is a very strange read if one took the time to think about exactly what one is reading.
An adolescent boy with a robot companion that aquires human feelings and makes yet another adolescent boy fall for her? Quite strange indeed.
I thought the writing was a little weird. It sounded to me like it was being read in the same voice as the guy that did The Twilight Zone. Ha. Just something about the third-person narrative was different. Not totally bad but I had to stop myself from doing "movie voice" a few times.
The characters were likeable enough. I liked both boys and of course Rose.
I have to say while the ending made me a little sad, I liked it. It was a real, plausible ending to the strangeness of the book.
All in all: A short, light read. I liked this.
December 25, 2014
The book didn't have much of an ending and was confusing in many places. The perspective the book is written in makes the characters seem detached and harder to relate to. The plot also heads in a good direction but is ruined by the ending which leaves more questions than answers. There is much world building in the book yet not much happens. I think it would be much better if the book was longer and had a better ending as well as a sequel. I also hated the casualness of the boys' relationship with women and how they are objectified. Why aren't there any male companions?
Overall this was a book that could talk the talk but didn't deliver.
Overall this was a book that could talk the talk but didn't deliver.
May 31, 2011
Quick review: Great idea but failed execution, 1.5 stars
What starts with an emotional bang about what can happen when we distance ourselves by using technology quickly dissolves into a story about two boys, one a jerk and one not, and how sex or the lack of it makes them feel connected or unconnected to the rest of the world. The storyline could have been powerful but it wasn't, and most of the characters, namely David, were so unlikable that it was hard to keep reading. The world building behind the idea of Companion robots was also flawed and poorly constructed.
What starts with an emotional bang about what can happen when we distance ourselves by using technology quickly dissolves into a story about two boys, one a jerk and one not, and how sex or the lack of it makes them feel connected or unconnected to the rest of the world. The storyline could have been powerful but it wasn't, and most of the characters, namely David, were so unlikable that it was hard to keep reading. The world building behind the idea of Companion robots was also flawed and poorly constructed.
April 12, 2018
I think I can see what this novel was trying to say about how society views women and relationships with them, but it didn't quite make it, and I'm still struggling to decide whether this book could be a form of "satire" or if it's just terribly problematic. It was an amusing read, even if it wasn't especially well written.
April 5, 2018
The was definitely unique. It doesn’t really feel like it fits into any one category, however it feels most like a contemporary. It is interesting and fast-paced. It tries to take a look at personal connections and our struggle with the need to connect in such a connected world. I think it does a good job at highlighting this feeling of loneliness at a young age and how it can penetrate all levels of perceived social success, i.e. popularity. I would have enjoyed further commentary on what it means to engage in social vs anti-social behavior in the social media age. Overall, I found the topic interesting and thought provoking.
December 9, 2010
Girl Parts opens with a suicide of a teenage girl that is broadcast live on the web, watched by many. When David Sun – rich, privileged, popular, is found out by his parents as being one of the ones that watched, they are distressed. As is the school counselor. David can’t see the big deal, plenty of people watched, so what? But it isn’t that he watched that’s bothering them, it’s that he did nothing. They diagnose David with ‘disassociative disorder’ and the counselor proposes a rather radical treatment. A company makes ‘Companions’ which are basically robots that look exactly like humans. The ‘Companions’ come with a very strict code of what is appropriate at any given point of the friendship – for example, when they first meet someone, they judge that it is appropriate for a handshake at this particular time of their acquaintance. Try and push too far and do something that their Code isn’t comfortable with and you’ll receive a very nasty electric shock. David isn’t at all enthusiastic about this, but his parents decide that he will have one and Rose arrives. When he gets a look at Rose, David thinks this might not be so bad after all. Because Rose is hot. And she has been programmed to please David in (almost) every aspect. Unfortunately the aspect David seems most interested in, Rose can’t help him with.
So David is forced to get to know Rose slowly, the old fashioned way! He takes her to meet his friends but leaves out the fact that she is a Companion, allowing his friends to believe that she is some incredibly beautiful girl from out of town that he is dating. Rose herself has to learn to adjust to life as a teenager and although she is a little stilted, the more time she spends with humans, the more successful she is at mimicking them and becoming ‘real’. As their friendship progresses at the correct pace, David is ready to move things up a notch, only to get a nasty shock – and not the electric sort this time. He spurns Rose, who is devastated, and she flees.
Enter Charlie, a character we have touched on a few times in the book for seemingly no real purpose. Although also questioned by the Counselor and offered a Companion of his own, Charlie has refused any sort of treatment, thinking that just because he’s a bit of a loner and doesn’t have a girlfriend, that there doesn’t necessarily have to be anything wrong with him. When he rescues a distraught Rose, he doesn’t realise at first that she’s a Companion. Charlie is Rose’s saviour and they forge a friendship unrestricted by the Code of Propriety that the Companions are usually subject to.
I’d heard quite a few things about this novel so I was quite eager to pick it up and get into it. When I finally did get it from the Library, I started it almost right away but it took me about four days to finish it, which is very unusual for me. I struggled with really getting into the novel and forgetting everything else that was going on around me and actually, found distractions in almost anything when I was reading it. For starters, I didn’t particularly care for any of the characters – David is shallow and annoying, spending his days online and his nights drinking or getting stoned and driving home. He doesn’t want Rose until he sees her and realises that she’s very attractive. Then all he thinks about is sleeping with her, and when he finds out that he can’t just yet, most of his actions towards Rose seem to revolve around achieving his ultimate end goal. I didn’t think that his feelings for her were particularly genuine or related to how she acted, and that they were all about getting past the Code so that he could have sex with her. When he realises that he can’t, his reverts back to his regular self and although I do think he feels some loss at Rose, because she was the first ‘person’ he connected with (which he did because he had to, both by his parents and in his want to eventually have sex with her) I don’t think he feels the loss as keenly as he would if he had truly loved her.
Charlie was an average Joe in every way. Not rich yet not exactly poor, a loner at school, no girlfriend although we do get to see him go on one fairly disastrous date, living with his single father. He seems like a nice boy but there’s no real substance to him. I don’t understand anything about him and although he’s generous and kind to Rose, you get the feeling he’d be like that to anyone, beautiful or otherwise, or even a stray dog he might find on the street. He helps Rose and hides her when her creator’s come looking for her but ultimately he’s not skilled enough to do this forever.
The ending was also a bit wonky for me. It gives you no real particular closure on a couple of things and although it suggests that there is hope of a good future for Charlie (and perhaps less hope for David) so many things are unresolved, including the issue of Rose and I closed the book feeling a bit…let down and disappointed. Like someone had taken the book off me before the ending and I never got to find out how it really finished. But I have an issue with books that end like that! I love closure. Others might not be so bothered by this type of ending.
So David is forced to get to know Rose slowly, the old fashioned way! He takes her to meet his friends but leaves out the fact that she is a Companion, allowing his friends to believe that she is some incredibly beautiful girl from out of town that he is dating. Rose herself has to learn to adjust to life as a teenager and although she is a little stilted, the more time she spends with humans, the more successful she is at mimicking them and becoming ‘real’. As their friendship progresses at the correct pace, David is ready to move things up a notch, only to get a nasty shock – and not the electric sort this time. He spurns Rose, who is devastated, and she flees.
Enter Charlie, a character we have touched on a few times in the book for seemingly no real purpose. Although also questioned by the Counselor and offered a Companion of his own, Charlie has refused any sort of treatment, thinking that just because he’s a bit of a loner and doesn’t have a girlfriend, that there doesn’t necessarily have to be anything wrong with him. When he rescues a distraught Rose, he doesn’t realise at first that she’s a Companion. Charlie is Rose’s saviour and they forge a friendship unrestricted by the Code of Propriety that the Companions are usually subject to.
I’d heard quite a few things about this novel so I was quite eager to pick it up and get into it. When I finally did get it from the Library, I started it almost right away but it took me about four days to finish it, which is very unusual for me. I struggled with really getting into the novel and forgetting everything else that was going on around me and actually, found distractions in almost anything when I was reading it. For starters, I didn’t particularly care for any of the characters – David is shallow and annoying, spending his days online and his nights drinking or getting stoned and driving home. He doesn’t want Rose until he sees her and realises that she’s very attractive. Then all he thinks about is sleeping with her, and when he finds out that he can’t just yet, most of his actions towards Rose seem to revolve around achieving his ultimate end goal. I didn’t think that his feelings for her were particularly genuine or related to how she acted, and that they were all about getting past the Code so that he could have sex with her. When he realises that he can’t, his reverts back to his regular self and although I do think he feels some loss at Rose, because she was the first ‘person’ he connected with (which he did because he had to, both by his parents and in his want to eventually have sex with her) I don’t think he feels the loss as keenly as he would if he had truly loved her.
Charlie was an average Joe in every way. Not rich yet not exactly poor, a loner at school, no girlfriend although we do get to see him go on one fairly disastrous date, living with his single father. He seems like a nice boy but there’s no real substance to him. I don’t understand anything about him and although he’s generous and kind to Rose, you get the feeling he’d be like that to anyone, beautiful or otherwise, or even a stray dog he might find on the street. He helps Rose and hides her when her creator’s come looking for her but ultimately he’s not skilled enough to do this forever.
The ending was also a bit wonky for me. It gives you no real particular closure on a couple of things and although it suggests that there is hope of a good future for Charlie (and perhaps less hope for David) so many things are unresolved, including the issue of Rose and I closed the book feeling a bit…let down and disappointed. Like someone had taken the book off me before the ending and I never got to find out how it really finished. But I have an issue with books that end like that! I love closure. Others might not be so bothered by this type of ending.
December 17, 2023
i’ve read over 200 books as an adult and this is the worst book i’ve ever read
April 16, 2012
This review can also be found at Nicole's Library.
Girl Parts was definitely a strange and intriguing book for me. On one hand, I enjoyed the concept and the plot, but the world building was ultimately a little lacking for me which was really frustrating for me.
This novel is set in a near future- close enough that La-Z-Boys still exist and I think there’s even a reference to Blogspot somewhere, but the technology is somewhat advanced and many teenagers (boys only though, as it seems) are diagnosed with “dissociative disorder”, meaning they don’t socialise in real life and are unable to communicate with each other in real life. As a cure for this, a company invented “companions” (Doctor Who bells started ringing here with the red hair of the female protagonist) which helped them learn to treat it. David receives this treatment, and through a series of events, Charlie gets to know the “companion”, also known as Rose.
I was intrigued by this topic- after all, I’m pretty sure that I probably have a milder version of this ‘disorder’, thanks to tumblr and twitter, and I loved how the author took things that we had in today’s technology and expanded it to something that is entirely plausible. Not only that, I was just awestruck at the sheer irony of the situation- Cusick really impressed me here with how ironic he made it, and for some reason I found that incredibly hilarious. I’m a sucker for irony.
The protagonists were pretty interesting too, if a little cliched in their behaviour. There was Charlie, the nice, sensitive, smart guy, David, the very unlikable yet somehow sympathetic douchebag (to put it bluntly) and Rose, the robot girl. I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m a girl myself, but I enjoyed how Rose developed from a robot to something with more of a backbone, a bit more of a personality, though it was slightly unnerving to see that, even in a novel, thanks to me watching Artificial Intelligence as a child.
However, there were a few things I felt was lacking.
Firstly, there wasn’t all that much plot build up. After the initial explanation of how the world works and Sakura was introduced, it was just left like that. No further explanation, and even when it appeared something was up, it was never explained (‘it’ referring to something spoilerish I’m not spoiling). It’d be nice if there was a sequel or something to explain it and continue the mystery, but it doesn’t seem like that’s happening, so I’m left unsatisfied with a ton of questions here for now.
As well as that, David was a jerk at the beginning of the novel. Now, that’s fine with me- character development is awesome, right? Well, not when there isn’t any. David started out as a jerk. He ended as a jerk. End of story. That was something I was really disappointed with, because I had really hoped that there would have been more character development, as it was such a promising area. A bit of a low point for me here.
Finally, one last point for this novel. There’s a lot of discussion about intimacy and relationships here, so if you’re particularly uncomfortable with reading about them (and crude references towards them) I’d suggest you steer clear from this novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the concept and the irony of this novel, though I was slightly disappointed by it’s build up and world building throughout. 3.5 stars with a round up to 4.
★★★★
Four stars- I liked it!
Girl Parts was definitely a strange and intriguing book for me. On one hand, I enjoyed the concept and the plot, but the world building was ultimately a little lacking for me which was really frustrating for me.
This novel is set in a near future- close enough that La-Z-Boys still exist and I think there’s even a reference to Blogspot somewhere, but the technology is somewhat advanced and many teenagers (boys only though, as it seems) are diagnosed with “dissociative disorder”, meaning they don’t socialise in real life and are unable to communicate with each other in real life. As a cure for this, a company invented “companions” (Doctor Who bells started ringing here with the red hair of the female protagonist) which helped them learn to treat it. David receives this treatment, and through a series of events, Charlie gets to know the “companion”, also known as Rose.
I was intrigued by this topic- after all, I’m pretty sure that I probably have a milder version of this ‘disorder’, thanks to tumblr and twitter, and I loved how the author took things that we had in today’s technology and expanded it to something that is entirely plausible. Not only that, I was just awestruck at the sheer irony of the situation- Cusick really impressed me here with how ironic he made it, and for some reason I found that incredibly hilarious. I’m a sucker for irony.
The protagonists were pretty interesting too, if a little cliched in their behaviour. There was Charlie, the nice, sensitive, smart guy, David, the very unlikable yet somehow sympathetic douchebag (to put it bluntly) and Rose, the robot girl. I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m a girl myself, but I enjoyed how Rose developed from a robot to something with more of a backbone, a bit more of a personality, though it was slightly unnerving to see that, even in a novel, thanks to me watching Artificial Intelligence as a child.
However, there were a few things I felt was lacking.
Firstly, there wasn’t all that much plot build up. After the initial explanation of how the world works and Sakura was introduced, it was just left like that. No further explanation, and even when it appeared something was up, it was never explained (‘it’ referring to something spoilerish I’m not spoiling). It’d be nice if there was a sequel or something to explain it and continue the mystery, but it doesn’t seem like that’s happening, so I’m left unsatisfied with a ton of questions here for now.
As well as that, David was a jerk at the beginning of the novel. Now, that’s fine with me- character development is awesome, right? Well, not when there isn’t any. David started out as a jerk. He ended as a jerk. End of story. That was something I was really disappointed with, because I had really hoped that there would have been more character development, as it was such a promising area. A bit of a low point for me here.
Finally, one last point for this novel. There’s a lot of discussion about intimacy and relationships here, so if you’re particularly uncomfortable with reading about them (and crude references towards them) I’d suggest you steer clear from this novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the concept and the irony of this novel, though I was slightly disappointed by it’s build up and world building throughout. 3.5 stars with a round up to 4.
★★★★
Four stars- I liked it!
July 14, 2011
Rose isn't a real girl. She's a seriously life-like robot, specially calibrated as a "companion" for David, a teenage boy so disassociated from real life that his parents have decided a friendship with a Sakura Doll would be a good idea for him since it would help him become emotionally close to another person. Or in this case, a robot. The problem comes when David's more interested in a physical relationship than an emotional one and Rose finds herself separated from her Boy, saved by Charlie, an outsider who has some reservations about the whole "companion" thing. As much as the girl-is-a-robot idea is an awesome premise, the book's focus on the sexual aspect gives it a very, very weird vibe. And this is sad because underneath that this book - and Rose - has real heart as well as something to say.
David, the Boy that Rose is assigned to, is a hard character to like. He's callous, arrogant, spoiled, entitled, and gives us no reason to empathize with him or care about his situation. Rose though - she's programmed to love him. Even when he does things that frighten her or that she doesn't understand, he's still her main focus. Her everything. And when he's taken away from her, she finds herself lost and heartbroken, with no idea who or how to be without him. This, I think, is the real strength of Girl Parts. There's an exploration of love, heartbreak, companionship, and male-female roles that I absolutely loved. As Rose - with the help of loner-boy Charlie - tries to figure out who she is, who she has any possibility of being without David, she learns that she has interests and ideas outside of what David wanted her to think. She wonders how other girls - real ones - can "switch" boys and how she can ever get over the pain of loving and losing David. As much as David was an unlikable and unsympathetic character, the emotions that Rose exhibits are - regardless of the source - very real and very interesting to view through the scope of programming. Because it turns out a heartbroken Sakura Doll isn't very far off from a heartbroken human, as Rose learns.
I wish this, Rose's heartbreak and personal journey, had been the primary focus of the story, but it wasn't. To be honest I'm not even clear on whether Rose or David and Charlie were the main characters. Instead, there's a huge focus on sex; first with David
There were elements of this book that I absolutely loved, but then there were elements I didn't understand, didn't like, or just could not get on board with. Unfortunately it's these less-than-stellar elements that make up the majority of the novel and will probably make it difficult for many readers to enjoy. If you're into sci-fi, give it a try, but don't be surprised if it doesn't work for you.
David, the Boy that Rose is assigned to, is a hard character to like. He's callous, arrogant, spoiled, entitled, and gives us no reason to empathize with him or care about his situation. Rose though - she's programmed to love him. Even when he does things that frighten her or that she doesn't understand, he's still her main focus. Her everything. And when he's taken away from her, she finds herself lost and heartbroken, with no idea who or how to be without him. This, I think, is the real strength of Girl Parts. There's an exploration of love, heartbreak, companionship, and male-female roles that I absolutely loved. As Rose - with the help of loner-boy Charlie - tries to figure out who she is, who she has any possibility of being without David, she learns that she has interests and ideas outside of what David wanted her to think. She wonders how other girls - real ones - can "switch" boys and how she can ever get over the pain of loving and losing David. As much as David was an unlikable and unsympathetic character, the emotions that Rose exhibits are - regardless of the source - very real and very interesting to view through the scope of programming. Because it turns out a heartbroken Sakura Doll isn't very far off from a heartbroken human, as Rose learns.
I wish this, Rose's heartbreak and personal journey, had been the primary focus of the story, but it wasn't. To be honest I'm not even clear on whether Rose or David and Charlie were the main characters. Instead, there's a huge focus on sex; first with David
There were elements of this book that I absolutely loved, but then there were elements I didn't understand, didn't like, or just could not get on board with. Unfortunately it's these less-than-stellar elements that make up the majority of the novel and will probably make it difficult for many readers to enjoy. If you're into sci-fi, give it a try, but don't be surprised if it doesn't work for you.
April 7, 2012
Girl Parts has such an original, strong and fascinating premise! I loved the idea of reading about extremely life-like robots (known as Companions) living and interacting with humans. The plot wasn't all that bad either - a Companion named Rose is given to a boy named David to treat a so-called 'dissociative disorder' that his school counsellor has diagnosed him with. When David rejects his Companion, Rose seeks solace in an outsider, named Charlie.
Rose is a David's companion which means that she has been programmed to be his ideal partner - there is only one problem and that is that she doesn't have 'Girl Parts'. These Companions have not been built as sex toys - if their partners try to touch them too soon, they'll receive a nasty electric shock. For David, this is a huge problem as he is desperate to have sex. As you can imagine, because of this, there's quite a lot of sex talk (though not explicit) in this book. It's not completely unnecessary but a lot of the actions in regard to sex are irresponsible and frankly, a bit stupid, and so may not sit well with a lot of readers.
The characters were well formed. I really disliked David (as a lot of people will), but he definitely earned that dislike - his actions didn't seem unrealistic, but they suited his self-centred personality. Charlie, the kind outsider, was lovely. He wasn't confident in himself, but he did what he thought was right and had what seemed to be a nice personality. I thought that the introduction of another girl, Becca, was interesting and I would've liked to hear more about her - she seemed like a complex character, but we didn't get to hear enough about her. Rose was the star of the book though and I really felt for her. She may have been a robot, but she was able to think for herself and had human emotions. Naturally, it was difficult for her to understand everything that was going on around her and even though it's what she was built for, it was particularly hard for her to understand relationships. I found the time that Rose spent with Charlie the most interesting, especially when she went to the chop shop in order to attempt to get herself modified.
The main reason why I have rated this book quite low is the ending. Nothing at all seemed to have been resolved. Throughout the book there were mentions of several things that could've been sub-plots or catalysts for other events, but I was left with nothing from them. There is mention of a suicide throughout the book, but we're told practically nothing about it. Something is revealed about the school counsellor in the book, but we don't know what happens about it. Most frustratingly, we have almost no idea what happens to any of our main characters. I believe there's some hopeful ending for the boys - or at least thats what I gathered, but I have no idea of Rose's fate. Unfortunately, this poor ending really tarnished the book for me.
Overall, it was a fantastic idea and a decent enough plot. I felt as though the author did try to include too many things in at some points, without resolution, and so the story felt a little jumbled and cluttered. The problem for me was the very inconclusive ending. I do think Cusick has some good ideas, but this book didn't overly impress me.
Rose is a David's companion which means that she has been programmed to be his ideal partner - there is only one problem and that is that she doesn't have 'Girl Parts'. These Companions have not been built as sex toys - if their partners try to touch them too soon, they'll receive a nasty electric shock. For David, this is a huge problem as he is desperate to have sex. As you can imagine, because of this, there's quite a lot of sex talk (though not explicit) in this book. It's not completely unnecessary but a lot of the actions in regard to sex are irresponsible and frankly, a bit stupid, and so may not sit well with a lot of readers.
The characters were well formed. I really disliked David (as a lot of people will), but he definitely earned that dislike - his actions didn't seem unrealistic, but they suited his self-centred personality. Charlie, the kind outsider, was lovely. He wasn't confident in himself, but he did what he thought was right and had what seemed to be a nice personality. I thought that the introduction of another girl, Becca, was interesting and I would've liked to hear more about her - she seemed like a complex character, but we didn't get to hear enough about her. Rose was the star of the book though and I really felt for her. She may have been a robot, but she was able to think for herself and had human emotions. Naturally, it was difficult for her to understand everything that was going on around her and even though it's what she was built for, it was particularly hard for her to understand relationships. I found the time that Rose spent with Charlie the most interesting, especially when she went to the chop shop in order to attempt to get herself modified.
The main reason why I have rated this book quite low is the ending. Nothing at all seemed to have been resolved. Throughout the book there were mentions of several things that could've been sub-plots or catalysts for other events, but I was left with nothing from them. There is mention of a suicide throughout the book, but we're told practically nothing about it. Something is revealed about the school counsellor in the book, but we don't know what happens about it. Most frustratingly, we have almost no idea what happens to any of our main characters. I believe there's some hopeful ending for the boys - or at least thats what I gathered, but I have no idea of Rose's fate. Unfortunately, this poor ending really tarnished the book for me.
Overall, it was a fantastic idea and a decent enough plot. I felt as though the author did try to include too many things in at some points, without resolution, and so the story felt a little jumbled and cluttered. The problem for me was the very inconclusive ending. I do think Cusick has some good ideas, but this book didn't overly impress me.
March 4, 2017
This book was ... strange. In a way. I didn´t find a real reason behind the story and not really any character development, except with Rose, the robotic girl. The end is very open and you´d expect a second part, but there is none.
August 6, 2010
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A Life Bound By Books
Girl Parts was an intriguing idea that was good in parts (no pun intended) and had me questioning things in others. With some characters I thoroughly enjoyed and others that I just didn’t care for, I finished reading this one because of just how different the whole concept was.
I really wanted to love this and for me it was just okay. There were highlights here and there – like Rose – the robot companion who’s one of the main characters in the book. When David’s parents question things about their son after he witnesses something horrible on the internet and feels nothing, his guidance counselor at school and his parents decide to take matters in their own hands and, well, send him Rose. She’s part of a new technology that is geared to help teenage boys become less dissociated with the world via the help from these said companions.
While David has friends and is part of the popular circle at school, he does seem lost in a way that’s totally different to our other main character, Charlie. Quiet, distant, with no friends and enjoying sticking to himself, Charlie might be very different, but each is the same in how they feel when alone. I did enjoy reading Charlie’s parts and found myself wishing that this was more about him and Rose, then about David and Rose.
One thing I just didn’t get was how one sided things were – how black and white things are here. Why parents would resort to Robot companions to help their sons. And why was this company so focused on males? I understand that this might be geared more for the male YA readers out there, however girls have problems growing up too, right?
However Rose was the key ingredient for me. Watching her grow and learn that the world is bigger then just what she was originally programmed for was another highlight in the story.
Rose, Charlie and just how different the idea for this book is, was what made me rate it how I did .The whole idea about Companion robots was creepy, to say the least; however it’s one of those things you just can’t look away from. All in all the storyline was interesting and creative. The writing flowed and the characters had their hit and miss moments. I had high hopes for this one, and even with it falling a little flat, I’m glad that I gave it a read.
Girl Parts was an intriguing idea that was good in parts (no pun intended) and had me questioning things in others. With some characters I thoroughly enjoyed and others that I just didn’t care for, I finished reading this one because of just how different the whole concept was.
I really wanted to love this and for me it was just okay. There were highlights here and there – like Rose – the robot companion who’s one of the main characters in the book. When David’s parents question things about their son after he witnesses something horrible on the internet and feels nothing, his guidance counselor at school and his parents decide to take matters in their own hands and, well, send him Rose. She’s part of a new technology that is geared to help teenage boys become less dissociated with the world via the help from these said companions.
While David has friends and is part of the popular circle at school, he does seem lost in a way that’s totally different to our other main character, Charlie. Quiet, distant, with no friends and enjoying sticking to himself, Charlie might be very different, but each is the same in how they feel when alone. I did enjoy reading Charlie’s parts and found myself wishing that this was more about him and Rose, then about David and Rose.
One thing I just didn’t get was how one sided things were – how black and white things are here. Why parents would resort to Robot companions to help their sons. And why was this company so focused on males? I understand that this might be geared more for the male YA readers out there, however girls have problems growing up too, right?
However Rose was the key ingredient for me. Watching her grow and learn that the world is bigger then just what she was originally programmed for was another highlight in the story.
Rose, Charlie and just how different the idea for this book is, was what made me rate it how I did .The whole idea about Companion robots was creepy, to say the least; however it’s one of those things you just can’t look away from. All in all the storyline was interesting and creative. The writing flowed and the characters had their hit and miss moments. I had high hopes for this one, and even with it falling a little flat, I’m glad that I gave it a read.
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