Series ~ Ship Breaker #1
Author ~ Paolo Bacigalupi
Release Date ~ May 1, 2010
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source ~ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Set initially in a future shanty town in America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being dissembled for parts by a rag tag group of workers, we meet Nailer, a teenage boy working the light crew, searching for copper wiring to make quota and live another day. The harsh realities of this life, from his abusive father, to his hand to mouth existence, echo the worst poverty in the present day third world. When an accident leads Nailer to discover an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, and the lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl, Nailer finds himself at a crossroads. Should he strip the ship and live a life of relative wealth, or rescue the girl, Nita, at great risk to himself and hope she'll lead him to a better life.
This is a novel that illuminates a world where oil has been replaced by necessity, and where the gap between the haves and have-nots is now an abyss. Yet amidst the shadows of degradation, hope lies ahead.
I convinced myself that Ship Breaker was going to be a boy book. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it or not. The graffiti-looking cover, the summary focusing on Nailer’s harsh life, and a male author did it to me. It turns out that I was sort of right. Boys are going to go crazy for this boy-power book. But, if they give it a chance, girls may find that they enjoy it too.
The world in Ship Breaker has drowned cities, a starving population, and mass poverty. The fortunate children are sent to wrecked ships to look for oil, copper, and other valuables. Nailer is one of these fortunate children. He has a chance to actually find wealth and leave his life of poverty behind. It’s a good thing, because his home life is ruled by an abusive father. What makes Nailer so cool is that, despite the hand he has been dealt, he is positive and strong. Man, I just love Nailer’s attitude so much.
Nailer faces a dilemma when he comes upon a wealthy girl named Nita living in a stranded ship. He could kill her and steal the riches or he could save her and hope he is rewarded. This is where Nailer’s moral strength comes into direct conflict with his struggles. Nailer is convinced that Nita is a spoiled rich girl. Nita is certain that Nailer is a yucky boy who is not very smart. There is so much tension and strain as Nailer makes his decision. Paolo Bacigalupi makes no effort to hide the distrust between Nailer and Nita. It's so well done! So different from what it typical in young adult novels.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Ship Breaker. Now I understand why it has won so many awards. Boyish book or not, Ship Breaker is a fantastic novel with a strong main character facing intense struggles and choices.
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