Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - Taken

Taken
Taken
Author: Edward Bloor
BY 2035 THE RICH have gotten richer, the poor have gotten poorer, and kidnapping has become a major growth industry in the United States. The children of privilege live in secure, gated communities and are escorted to and from school by armed guards. — But the security around Charity Meyers has broken down. On New Year's morning, she wakes and fi...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780375836367
ISBN-10: 0375836365
Pages: 256
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 4

3.9 stars, based on 4 ratings
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

GeniusJen avatar reviewed Taken on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com

Ever since her dad invented a super-effective bronzing treatment, Charity's been living the life of the coddled rich, in a guarded estate of a select 120 homes, with servants to see to all of her family's needs. But being rich has its downsides, too -- she can rarely go beyond the walls of the estate, her father and ex-stepmother are too busy with their own lives to concern themselves with hers, and being a rich kid makes her the target of the growing kidnapping industry.

When Charity finds herself taken by mysterious men in an ambulance, she decides to follow the rules to the letter to ensure that she'll be delivered safely home as soon as the ransom is paid. But the longer she spends with the kidnappers, the more clear it becomes that their plans are more complicated than she could have imagined.

TAKEN puts readers right inside Charity's head, making every moment of the kidnapping as vivid as if they were experiencing it themselves. Charity's reactions are believable and poignant. With every frightening development and shocking twist, readers will find themselves right there with her, quickly turning the pages to learn what will happen next. Charity herself is a strong heroine, practical, scared, yet not afraid to put up a fight when she has to.

Readers may have a hard time relating to the world the novel portrays and the isolation in which Charity now lives with her family's newfound wealth. The society seems very strongly divided between the rich and poor, with little room in between. Nonetheless, it provides a pointed commentary on many of the advantages the privileged in today's world take for granted, and the struggles of those who do not have those advantages. TAKEN is sure to provoke thoughtful discussion among its readers.

For both its tense and unpredictable story and its social commentary, TAKEN is a great read. Be forewarned -- with so many twists, at least one is guaranteed to take you completely (and pleasantly) by surprise!
Read All 2 Book Reviews of "Taken"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

VivaLaVole avatar reviewed Taken on + 119 more book reviews
Absolutely terrific, and a great read for a teen, or an adult (I'm in the latter category). Charity is a smart, complex, resourceful, and, thank goodness, likable character, and the plot moves along swiftly. Edward Bloor makes his points, but the man is subtle; I appreciate this talent in a writer since I detest being preached at. Definitely a recommended read!


Genres: