The Innocence Treatment
by Ari Goelman
Dystopian
Mystery
Science Fiction
Suspense
Thriller
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Lauren Fielding has always been extremely trusting, generous, good natured, and friendly – so much so that her condition is viewed as a disability, because she can’t tell when people are trying to take advantage of her. She has to be supervised outside of her home and at school and has aides assigned to her to keep her safe. She is given the opportunity to undergo a surgery that is supposed to correct the problem and make her more discerning. It works better than anyone could have suspected, but has some unfortunate side effects – paranoia, rage, and a propensity for violence. But the researcher that cured her is delighted, and there are plans to use her findings to make other people more pliable. Lauren’s story is told through her journal entries as well as notes from sessions with her therapist as they attempt to protect themselves in a dangerously restrictive future where everyone is under surveillance. A suspenseful science fiction thriller that provides a fast and mostly satisfying reading experience. For high school teens.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
