U.S.S.A., Book 1

U.S.S.A. #1

by Tom De Haven

It happened without warning. A media blackout, a military coup, and suddenly the U.S.A. became the U.S.S.A. — the United Secure States of America. Whatever they called it, it was still a police state. Overnight, rock music was banned, movies were censored, and outspoken teachers began to vanish. Soon, any person who dared question the new authorities was in danger as well.

Eddie Ludlow was just a regular high school student in a small Ohio town, but he know that somebody had to stand up to the new government before America was lost. He also knew there had to be others like him. A small, secret band of rebels was born. They took the same name the new authorities had given America and made it their own.

A brave new series of America's freedom fighters of tomorrow!

Genres: Science Fiction

185 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1987

About the author

Tom De Haven is the author of five novels: Freaks' Amour, Jersey Luck, Funny Papers, Derby Dugan's Depression Funnies, and Dugan Under Ground; a collection of three related novellas, Sunburn Lake; and a three-novel series, Chronicle of the King's Tramp, which includes Walker of Worlds, The End-of-Everything Man, and The Last Human. His latest novel for young adults, The Orphan's Tent, was published in 1996, and his latest graphic novel, Green Candles, in 1997. He has previously published two young adult novels, two graphic novels, and various other innovative fiction projects.

De Haven has a richly varied experience as a writer, having worked as a freelance journalist, an editor, and a film and television scriptwriter. His book reviews appear regularly in Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times Book Review. His awards include a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and he has twice won fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Before joining VCU's faculty, De Haven taught at Rutgers and Hofstra University.

Reviews

[Grady Hendrix · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want to get an idea of how corny and out-of-date something like Cory Doctorow’s super-hip young adult novel, Little Brother, is going to feel in 23 years, just read Tom De Haven’s USSA. A tiny howl of teen rage against adults who don’t dig stuff like awesome concerts by cool rock bands and peace, it takes place in a bombdigity version of 1996 where everyone dresses like it’s 1985 and happening teachers say things like, “Let’s finish up our discussion of All Quiet on the Western Front, shall we?”

But what this book lacks in fashion sense it makes up for in tension. And I don’t mean suspense, I mean actual stress. Eddie, the main character, narrates the story and it reads less like the diary of an American hero and more like the first person monologue of a school shooter. He gets stomach cramps when people talk to him, his head is always aching or pounding, his gut twists and squirms and he constantly speculates that everyone around him is a spy or an informer.

Read my full review at:
http://www.gradyhendrix.com/ussa/

[Jennifer Kronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this when it came out in 1987. I think it has aged pretty well & would have been hugely successful if it were updated & released in the last ten years.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much better than I expected based on the uber-cheesy cover. (Yes, yes, I know…) While it’s not high literature by any means it is still an engaging read that actually leaves you wanting more. A fun, light read that’s just deep enough to keep you interested with characters that are actually likable.