Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

    Hands down I have to say that this book should be required reading for school, my son read it, he's 11, and he in no way felt that it was too old for him. My reason for this book being required reading isn't because I feel that it is the most well written book to date and should be on all literary lists, it is the plot.
    It is the year 2026 and everyone has them, when you turn 17 it's time for you to get yours: the barcode tattoo. What does it hold? Everything to make life as simple as possible: your medical, financial etc is all contained within the barcode tattoo. Want to buy a cup of coffee or yes even a house? Scan your tattoo please. Going to the doctor? It's all there for them right on your tattoo. Sounds amazing doesn't it? What if you say no? Kayla has a big decision to make, one that makes her an outcast, and to many an outlaw. If she wants to survive in the world without the tattoo, she will have to do so on the run.
   The plot line itself at first glance sounds far-fetched and crazy conspiracy right? I want you to stop and think for a second, is it really that far-fetched? Are we really that that far away from having something like this happen in our lifetime? I don't think we are. I have lost count of the times that I have been standing in line (or ringing up a guest at the register) and have heard someone comment about how much easier life would be if we all just had a chip implanted in us with our banking info (credit cards etc) so we could just scan that and be done with it all. Wouldn't everything move faster, and be easier to keep track of? Sure would, especially for the government. Without fail my mouth drops open and I think to myself to these people really think about the consequences of what they are saying? Seriously let's face it, well all know that you give any government an inch in something like this and they'll take a mile (hell they'll run right over us). She's paranoid, you're muttering to yourselves. I prefer cautious. I like to think before I jump headlong into something and that is what this book makes you do: think.
   Due to the controversial nature of the plot of the book it would make for a great discussion. Yeah, yeah I know when we go to our book clubs we want to look all sophisticated; it's much better to be discussing books on the NY Times Best Seller's List. Truly you'll get a better discussion going with this book then you will from Gone Girl or any other new "it" book. Yes, it's Young Adult but don't let that stop you from reading this book. Bar Code Tattoo is the first in a series but can be read alone. I have not read the rest of the series but the two that follow are on my list of books that I want (The Bar Code Rebellion and Bar Code Prophecy).