Review of the Gryphon Project

Yesterday I read the entire book the Gryphon Project by Carrie Mac. It was fantastic! Here is what I loved about the Canadian book for teens.

• Class struggle and social hierarchies are always compelling themes but Mac dealt with them in a fresh way. Normally we see the class struggle from the person in the lower class who is struggling to gain rights, but this is mostly from the perspective of the upper class, who develop awareness of the rest of the world. I think this is a good perspective for Canadian teens because even if we aren’t rich Canadians have a standard of living that they often forget does not exist in some areas of the world.
• Science vs. Religion battle it out, through the view points of Phee’s parents the doctor and the minister. If you liked to listen to Matt and Harry battle it out on Studio 60 you will enjoy this book.
• Family dynamics, and the troubles of siblings who grow up and apart, estranged parents and grandparents with dementia are all dealt with beautifully
• Friendship and young love, with all their complications ground the story, making it feel real despite all the science fiction elements
• There is a lot of social commentary and interesting thoughts brought to our attention

It is an enticing novel, that leaves me wanting to read more by the author.