Girl Parts by John M. Cusick

Walker Books 2010. ISBN 9781406334340.
(Age: 15+) David Sun and Charlie Nuvola live on opposite sides of the lake but attend the same school. Outwardly they appear to lead very different lives. David is wealthy and indulged, living comfortably with his parents whilst Charlie lives a simple life with his father, a preoccupied academic. However the new school counsellor thinks that both David and Charlie display symptoms of "disassociation" and he has just the cure. Enter Rose, part girl, part robot, purpose built to help people like Charlie and David to reconnect and forge strong human relationships.
This book brings a novel approach to teenage relationships. Rose is a prototype and therefore still experimental. She has a lot to learn before she can resolve the task at hand.  The reader is challenged to consider whether David and Charlie really are "disassociated" or products of a society with a propensity to pathologise every developmental phase.  Is the counsellor genuinely concerned for the welfare of his charges or is there an ulterior motive? This book is an entertaining read for teenagers and perhaps a glimpse of the world to come!
Tina Cain