Billy and the Cloneasaurus by Stephen Kozeniewski

By Daena

Six billion identical clones make up the entire population of Earth, and William 7906 (57th iteration)  is exactly like everybody else.  In his one year of life he will toil in suburban mediocrity and spend as much cash as possible in order to please his corporate masters.  When 790's first birthday (and scheduled execution) finally rolls around, a freak accident spares his life.

Living past his expiration date changes 790 profoundly.  Unlike other clones he becomes capable of questioning the futility of his own existence.  Seeking answers in the wilderness, he discovers a windmill with some very strange occupants, including a freakish, dinosaur-like monstrosity.  Which is especially strange since every animal on earth is supposed to be extinct. (taken from Amazon descriptions)

Billy, the hero of the book, found himself in the middle of a fantastic and mysterious mistake.  Unlike each and every other clone before him, Billy was not slurried on his first birthday.  Since he is the first clone to ever survive 366 days and beyond, he has the unique opportunity of realizing a lot more than humans were being cloned.  From news stories to announcements from The Corporation, it seemed the same stories were being repeated year after year. After a friend informed him of a huge windmill found outside of town, Billy desires answers.

With his new role, as a conspiracy theorist of sorts, Billy sets out on a journey that is sure to change his life and the lives of those he trusts as his friends.  He becomes enlightened, in a way no clone had before,regarding the world he lives in (including parts he had never been courageous enough to visit). However, an unforeseeable fate awaits Billy and his new found friends.

This book gripped me on the very first page and it never let loose.  I was constantly looking forward to the few moments I could steal away to read more about Billy's adventures and see where his curiosity would lead him.  In a world of capitalism, greed and bred consumerism, I had to wonder if a fresh idea could survive.  I wondered if these ideas would be able to survive the ramifications of what he was discovering.  The Corporation was sure to want to squash any unique thoughts that may be troubling to their profits.  Billy's adventures led him to unique discoveries and an unlikely ally.  He believed he had embarked on a new type of world, one that returned to many of the ways of old.

This novel reminded me of America and what can happen when a corporation's concern of money takes over.  People become merely a means to an end and are viewed as revenue.  I thoroughly enjoyed the author's ability to create suspense throughout the book.  I couldn't wait to find out what Billy would discover next and how he would react to it.  This book is wonderful for anyone who appreciates a little nostalgia and enjoys an adventure in rediscovery.