Wow! I had no expectations going in, and I was completely hooked by page 2. It’s difficult to classify Feed–a satire of American life today, and a look into what the future might very probably bring if we don’t curb our habits. It’s the story of teen romance and friendship, with hilarious insights into the way kids think and act–especially when they’re overstimulated or bored. 

M.T. Anderson is spot on with his observations, and his writing style is wonderful–just enough references to pop culture and current slang to keep the reader grounded, while incorporating new terminology that’s futuristic but easy to figure out. Yes, this book is raw, but the style fits the story so well that it’s hard to find fault with the author’s choices. 

Feed made me laugh and cry. It scared me and gave me hope. A powerful, intense, cautionary tale that needs to be read by anyone who struggles to disconnect from electronics, Feed will be on my mind for days and weeks to come.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  34 religious exclamations; 12 mild obscenities; 4 religious obscenities; 10 derogatory names; 81 scatological words; 20 anatomical terms; 61 f-word derivatives.

Violence/Gore:  A character is beaten by police with little detail–later it is revealed that the victim died as a result; in an extended scene (2 pgs), a character has a violent nightmare in which people sustain minor injuries and property is damaged.

Sex/Nudity:  Vague thoughts about the opposite sex’s bodies; characters flirt (3 times); a popular song about sex is mentioned; characters kiss (6 times); characters hold hands (4 times); characters discuss another character’s alleged sexual activities with no detail; a prostitute is mentioned as a character in a movie; a character refers to being sexually aroused (3 times); a character notices another character’s breasts; a picture is viewed in which people are seen engaging in sexual activity while fully clothed; sexual innuendo; an ad is seen offering sex tips; in an extended scene (3 pgs), characters play “Spin the Bottle,” and several characters kiss; a character attempts to arouse another character by touching through clothing.

Mature Subject Matter:

Loss of loved ones, unwed parents, abandonment, threat of war.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Minors drink alcohol; no illicit drugs are used, however, characters participate in mind-altering activities through the “feed” that have similar effects to drugs and are referred to as “being under the influence.”