Scott Westerfeld. Peeps: a Novel. London: Razorbill/Penguin Group, 2005.

Laurel Petrulionis, Reviewer

Peeps, by Scott Westerfeld, brings forth a new era of science fiction for all ages, not only the intended young adult audience. The story focuses on the life of a young man, Cal, whose life has been irreversibly changed by an sexually transmitted disease, but not an std you’ll ever read about in a health magazine. In fact, this infection of sorts chemically modifies the brain of its host, turning it into a savage cannibal, more animal-like than human. Cal has been infected with the disease, but is only a carrier, not a “peep” or parasite positive. It is his job—since he is already infected—to fight these peeps and take them to a hospital where they will be kept for the rest of their lives. Along with the fictional aspects of the plot, Westerfeld presents us with a myriad of real-life parasites, some so unbelievable that the reader is tempted to confuse the fiction with the science. The book’s premise helps to explain some historical events that have remained unexplained. These historical escapades are so logically presented that the reader begins to wonder which are fictional and which are accurate. Westerfeld has written a marvelous story that will keep readers up until the wee hours of the night just to read it, and many more hours pondering the plot and facts within the book. It is a must read for any person over 12 who has the slightest interest in science, history, or just wants a good, fast-paced read.