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Replica by Lauren Oliver






Replica is a YA fiction novel by well-known author Lauren Oliver. Published in 2016, this is her newest book. Told from both perspectives, Replica is about Lyra and Gemma, two girls affected by the Haven Institute, where scientists are secretly cloning humans.

Sex: It's mentioned that one of the clones got pregnant from a drunken doctor. Lyra thinks about how the opposite sex looks different from her. She develops feelings for Caelum, but no one ever does more than kiss.

Language: Moderate. It's not used as much as some of Oliver's other books, but what is used is very strong.

Alcohol/Drug Abuse: There are mentions of people who are drug abusers. Doctors are said to have gotten drunk at a Christmas party.

Violence/Gore/Death/Frightening Scenes: The replicas, or clones, are disturbingly mistreated. A replica commits suicide. During an explosion, lots of people are killed. Two different people are killed and made to look like they committed suicide. Two characters are kidnapped at gunpoint. There are several scenes that are frightening and graphic.

Final Note: This book reminded me a lot of The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer, another book about clones. The real question posed by Replica is this: Are clones real people? It's an interesting idea and was a pretty quick read, even though it's around 500 pages. 

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