Feed by M.T. Anderson

Summary

Feed is a novel set in a dystopian future in which the feednet, a huge computer network, is directl connected to the brains of about 73% of American citizens.  They are connected by an implanted deice called a feed.  The feed allows people to mentally access large digital databases to experience virtual -reality phenomena, to continually interact with corporations in a personal preference based way, and to communicate telepathically on closed channels. 

The story starts off, while spending time on the Moon during spring break,  Titus and his friends meet Violet Durn, whose attitude of questioning everything is new to them.  While at the club, a mand hacks all their feeds; which causes them to wake up the next morning in the hospital.  For the first time in most of their lives, their feeds are not working while they are being fixed.   During this time, Violet and Titus have a romantic relationship; but soon after their feeds are fixed and they are able to return back to Earth.  But, Violet’s feed is not completely fixed.  With her feed not completely fixed, Violet begins to resist the feed and brings Titus along with her.  The rest of the story chronicles Violet’s resistance and FeedTech trying to bring her back under their control.  The story ends tragically with Violet’s life system becoming progressively weaker; with the feed repeating the slogan “Everything Must Go” in progressively smaller font.  

Commentary on the Strengths

This book is a science fiction dystopian novel. It is a great young adult book that most kids will find intriguing with the futuristic downfall of America.  He uses heavy satire regarding corporate America.  There is not much details given regarding the main character; which creates a sense of apathy and hopelessness in the character’s actions and thoughts.   The book is written in a first-person point of view.  It was interesting to see that commercials for consumer products would interrupt the narrative of the story.  It is said that we share literature with young kids because it helps them develop empathy; but this book create an apathetic feeling towards the teens in the novel.  

Readers also enjoyed Rash by Pete Hautman; Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi; Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes; The Bridge by Jane Higgins; and  The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

Additional books written by M.T. Anderson include Thirsty; Whales on Stilts; Burger Wuss; The Game of Sunken Places; and Yvain: The Knight of the Lion

Teachers can find ways to incorporate this book into their Lesson Plans at the following website:  https://sites.google.com/site/bchvilicek/

      Anderson, M. T. (2013). Feed. London: Walker Books. 

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