Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

David and Charlie are teens struggling with isolation and alienation in a futuristic technophilic world that is designed to keep you connected at all times. Charlie, at least, has various legitimate reasons for his ennui, but David is mostly a spoiled brat looking for the next interesting thing. In comes Rose, a companion bot programmed to love him unconditionally. Unlike other robot girlfriend options, Rose is a prototype whose more nuanced and sophisticated programming allows her to develop an independent identity to go along with her stunning body and slavish adoration of David. Unfortunately, this leaves Rose far worse off than other bots, as she can see that her mate is a creep but can't change her own programming. Charlie, freed from his usual nerves around girls by knowing Rose isn't "real," is an excellent sounding board for her frustrations; both Rose and Charlie are stunned by their eventual romantic connection that is both forbidden and deemed impossible. Rose, programmed to be naïve, hopelessly romantic, and cheerful, is achingly endearing as she struggles to find her own self under all of the assigned cues. Unfortunately, David and Charlie are, ironically, much flatter characters than the robot, facing the world their own individual but nonetheless predictable ways. In addition, the abrupt and chilling fate of Rose, while perhaps a commentary on the ethics of technology, will likely just feel deeply unsatisfying for readers who will think she deserves at least as much wrap-up as the boys. Nevertheless, although Anderson's Feed (BCCB 11/02) still remains the go-to book for über-connected teens struggling with identity, there are moments of absolute raw examination of what it means to feel alone while networked with millions that may shock readers into considering the depth of their own connections.