I've read Battle Royale, as well. It wasn't that different that the real world, only less blatant. One thing that has always stayed with me is the dedication of that novel., which is spot on. Truthfully, I've just read two wonderful series (Jaspar Fforde's Thursday Next novels and Bernard Cornwall's Saxon novels, where I happily cheered against Alfred and for the Danes).

Shine seems interesting because it is such a contrast to so much SF right now. I guess I'd like to hear something to cheer me from my ocaisional bouts of depression and cynicism.

So go for that.