By the year 2047, people have changed. A virus is turning us all into animals, and there’s no cure, only a drug that slows the effects and allows the taker to “stay human.” But humans have never been good at accepting those who are different, so the question arises, at what point is it no longer worth trying to fit in where you’re not welcome.
Adam Bolander’s novella creates a very convincing, almost-human protagonist, describing the balance of tail and claw with evocative conviction. Eve hunts for her tribe and feeds them well. But the tribe doesn’t care for Eve. And surely, there must be more to life.
When pantherish Eve meets wolfish Bastion, all her human assumptions begin to fall apart. It is essential, or even right, to resist change? Or could there be something more than human underlying her wounded nature?
A fascinating exploration of human nature, identity, and the power of love, Staying Human is a beautifully written and very appealing novella for middle grade and up.
Disclosure: I found a free ecopy and enjoyed it. ( )