MINDERS

This highly original science-fiction thriller sends a privileged, overachieving girl directly into the mind of an angry, poor boy who seems to be her polar opposite.

Sadie comes from a wealthy family in the suburbs of Detroit in a nebulous near future. She wins a coveted spot as a Minder in an experimental program that connects her mind with that of an unsuspecting subject. As she rests in stasis for six weeks, she literally lives inside the mind of Ford, a boy from inner-city Detroit, seeing through his eyes and watching his thoughts and emotions. Ford has a job tearing down Detroit’s old buildings, but he tries to save what he can of beautiful architectural elements. However, he’s also trying to learn who killed his brother—a dangerous proposition. As Sadie watches from within, she begins to fall for Ford. She becomes so involved that she begins to make connections with him that have never before been achieved by Minders and in fact cannot tear herself away. Jaffe creates an absorbing experience not only for Sadie, but also for readers, as they immerse themselves in her thoughts. Her worldbuilding includes timely, topical dystopic elements: In place of police, Detroit has the Serenity Services, and the streets have been named after corporations and their products.

The thriller plot combines with contemporary class concerns for a thought-provoking and suspenseful read.