Ship Breaker

Bacigualupi, Paolo. Ship Breaker. 2010, 326p. ISBN 978-0-316-05621-2. Available at FIC BAC on the library shelves.

In this dystopia, the Gulf Coast is where oil tankers went to die. Large crews work day and night removing oil, metals, and anything else that can be salvaged off these once proud ships just to earn enough for another day of hard labor. Teens are in high demand for hard of access spaces. Nailer works on a copper removal crew, eking out a harsh living with an angry father. When he discovers a richly equipped clipper crashed against the shore, Nailer is faced with a dilemma. Should he dismantle the ship in secret and become rich, or should he rescue the lone survivor, a wealthy girl who may lead him to a better life?

As Nailer decides to save the girl, many questions arise. Who is she? And why was she on board the ship? When armed assailants begin chasing them, Nailer is in the race of his life to save Nita and prevent her from falling into the wrong hands, either his father and his crew of low-life, or the criminals who are pursuing her.


A page turner from beginning to end, Ship Breaker will keep you on the edge as you run with Nailer and Nita. 

Fans of the dystopian novel will like this book, and might also enjoy the following: Arena 1, Starters, Maze Runner, Reboot, Not a Drop to Drink, Birthmarked and Divergent.