When I saw this on the library shelf, I almost screamed. So ridiculously excited to read this novel- and I was surprised that no one had borrowed it! So lucky me went home with a pretty novel to read. 8D 
 Across the Universe starts with Amy witnessing her parents being frozen for life on a new planet, after 300 years of travel. Amy decides to join them, yet she is unfrozen early before the ship's planned destination. From there on, she sees the Godspeed (the ship) for all it is - overrun with the simple Feeders, and led by the Eldest, and successor Elder. Across the Universe is an investigation into the world we live in, psychologically and emotionally on what it means to live, and be human in an ever changing and perhaps bleak world. 
 The best point about Across the Universe is its attack on the world today. Elder and Amy's world is one of set rules and controlled individuality - no real freedom, and manipulated ideals. Elder is being groomed to succeed Eldest, thus questions of leadership, role model, and conformity are important themes in the novel. The hidden truths, and tumultuous secrets of Godspeed are slowly unraveled to emphasize the role of society. Amy and Elder's world, may prove to mock our own, and draw comparisons to censorship or personal freedom. For a Young Adult book, I was thoroughly impressed by Revis's forethought in such topics, and the questioning it brings up. 
 Also, Across the Universe, with its important social commentary, creates a young adult novel quite unlike any other. By pushing on repeated near "accidents", mysterious suspects, and thoughts that just don't match up, Across the Universe creates a psychological tension and mystery element to the book. Who did it, who unplugged Amy, and who is out to unplug everyone else, are questions that keep the reader engrossed in the novel. Between even just these two topics, I was definitely hooked by Across the Universe. 
 Yet, Across the Universe also emphasizes on several other thoughtful topics. The price for personal salvation, the right of the people, the importance of honesty, are all symbolic elements to Across the Universe - as poignant as any classic. Despite my overbearing words, Across the Universe is absolutely readable and understandable to any teenager; the way it conveys such profound ideals in simple language is amazing. 
 Some little things, like big secrets and the ending, annoyed me a bit, and led me to take away a star from the rating. But Across the Universe is still irregardless of small mistakes, one of the best debut novels I have ever read. Kudos to Revis for crafting such a spellbinding novel- and I greatly anticipate any of her future works. Definitely a recommended read!