I wish Goodreads allowed for half star ratings as I'd give I am Currency a 4.5. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I'd say it would be most enjoyed by kids starting at age 11 or 12 which is great as I have a 12 year old girl and 15 year old boy. Finding something I think they'd both like is hard. I am Currency could fill that job!

The main character Nevel has a photographic memory and his mind is filled with books that his parents 'fed' him since childhood. Since the mega crash, there are no books for public use anymore, except on Brary day where you can look at a book for 10 mins...seriously? Horrifying! While the story does center on Nevel and Quinn, the female lead, the most important part of this book is that it's about a world without books. Can you imagine? People use the knowledge they do have as currency and there is the Underground Book Movement and...well you'll have to read to learn more.

I will not give any spoilers but will say it is pretty fast paced. For the boys, there is the adventuring in the outback of Australia, outlaws, and chases. For the girls there is a little romance, adventure, and a strong female character to follow. Like I said earlier, it is good for a variety of ages and moms don't have to worry about anything being to risque or over-complicated. ( )

An interesting premise let down by patchy characterisation and dialogue which is often seems forced. ( )

Knowledge is power and provides value to those who possess it. ( )

Very intriguing premise, well written and engaging. Some of the details of Australia were incorrect however most of them were right giving a good set up for the story. A great read!

I really enjoy Young Adult dystopian novels. This book is an excellent first book and the author has a lot of potential. That being said, I think it needs a lot of work before a second book is produced. It is an easy and light read for those who are interested in this genre.

Ok Spoilers may be contained below:

Things I like about the book:
1. I really like the premise. I think that it is an interesting thought to have knowledge as a form of currency. It isn't particularly realistic, and I really like that because it reduces expectations for it to be realistic.
2. I like that it is light hearted and appropriate for all ages. It can be tricky to have a love story that younger kids can read, but I would feel comfortable with my kids reading this book.
3. I really like that the story is self contained. It leaves room for a sequel, but it is also good as a stand alone book.
4. I think Ms. Grady did an excellent first job. It can be hard to world build and create characters and she did a stellar job. I would really want to encourage her to keep at it. I think she will only improve with time. She has a lovely writing style, and I think with the right mentor and editor, she could be stellar.

Things I didn't like about the book:
1. It is all just a little too forced for me. It feels forced. The romance is forced. Nevel's sudden concern for Quinn is forced. The sureness with which they think they will be rescued is forced. She spent a lot of time describing bad guys that turned out not to be that bad. I didn't feel particularly attached to any characters or any relationships.
2. Nevel has a photographic memory or something akin to that. But the book makes it seem like there are many people with this ability. That simply isn't true in the real world, so how did it happen that there are so many people with this ability. I think this area could have used some further explanation.
3. I think that by reading other novels with this dystopic theme, the author could learn about romance building. (Red Blood Road for example). I just didn't feel like the characters were genuine enough. There could definitely have been some more character development.

Overall, this book was an easy read (It took me about 4 hours). And was interesting. I would read a sequel if there is one if only to give Ms. Grady a chance because I think she shows promise.

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A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher free of charge for early review. It has in no way influenced my review of this book. ( )