In the House of the Scorpion (Nancy Farmer)

Wow. Never in my life have I read such an original, creative book. This book probably has the coolest sci fi concept ever, and it's very well executed as well.

It takes place many years in the future, after the USA and Mexico have created a new country to try and stop the drug industry-by forming a country that does nothing but create drugs. I know it sounds strange, and to be honest it doesn't make a ton of sense unless you read the sequel, The Lord of Opium. However, going back to the storyline. In this new country, eejits (zombie workers who do nothing but the one task they are programmed to do) are the workforce. And one man oversees them: El Patron. The story follows Matt, one of El Patron's many clones. (Yes, this book includes clones too!) as he navigates the world as the heir of an infamous drug lord, along with the stigma that comes with being a clone.

This book is so. Cool. It does have a lot about drugs, which made me slightly uncomfortable, but the story and writing totally make up for that. Great for sci fi and YA lovers alike.