Downsiders - Softcover

Shusterman, Neal

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0689839693 ISBN 13: 9780689839696

Publisher: Simon Pulse, 2001

Synopsis

Talon lives Downside, that is, underneath New York City. There is a strict code of secrecy among the Downsiders. However, when Talon accidentally meets a young woman named Lindsay, who is a Topsider (from above the ground), the two worlds inevitably collide. They become friends and love blossoms. The punishment for Talon's lack of discretion could be death. What will happen to them? Will the entire Downsider community be discovered?

About this title

From the Author:

My newest, and favorite novel!
When I first thought of writing a subterranean story, I realized that I wanted it to be more than just a fantasy -- I wanted it to say something -- I wanted it to be a powerful, and at times satirical commentary on "Topside" values. What would our society look like to a culture whose whole existence revolved around tunnel life? What sort of cultural problems would occur when the two disparate worlds came into contact. We've seen how an entire people can be crushed beneath the heel of a dominant culture -- even unintentionally. As Downsiders evolved, it became clear to me what this story had to be: A parable about cultural identity. I wanted to tell a story about the triumph of human dignity over poverty, and of a culture trying to maintain its identity in the face of assimilation. While on one level it's a fun, and humorous whimsical fantasy, on another level, it's very real. I think it's my best book.

About the Author:

Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including The Unwind Dystology, The Skinjacker trilogy, Downsiders, and Challenger Deep, which won the National Book Award. Scythe, the first book in his newest series Arc of a Scythe, is a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows. The father of four children, Neal lives in California. Visit him at Storyman.com and Facebook.com/NealShusterman.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon Pulse
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0689839693
• ISBN 13: 9780689839696
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 244