REVIEW: Q (Christina Dalcher)

Book: Q

Author: Christina Dalcher

My rating: 3/5.

Premise: In a near future, the population of America is ranked by intelligence. It began as a way to make things fairer. An education system that will benefit everyone. This is what Elena Fairchild believes. As a teacher in one of the government's elite schools for children with high 'Q' scores, she witnesses the advantages first-hand. But when her own daughter scores lower than expected and is taken away, Elena starts to question everything. Because this world is about perfection - and that comes at a terrible price.

I loved the concept of this book and I love a good dystopian. When I finished it, I was left thinking "wow, some men are trash". Elena is married to a horrible, cold man who works in the government. Quite quickly, we see how manipulative he is, giving us an idea of how trapped women are in this society. There was a strong theme of motherhood throughout as Elena risks all to protect her daughter. We also see what happens when people try to control women's bodies. Even more scary is how it's done under the guise of giving women a choice when really there's only one viable option. I have mixed feelings about teenage Elena. I could relate as I was one of the nerds at school trying to fit in wherever I could. Also, there are judgemental things I did/said/thought as a teenager that I regret. Saying that, Elena and her crowd did have some very questionable views. I was saddened to read about the historical events that inspired this book. It's was surprising to read about how these ideas were being banded around by US and European scientists a century ago. A very interesting read!