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Shusterman, Neal - Unwind - REVISITED - Start Date: Dec 14,2014
@Karen8: almost makes you want to make your house look bad on the outside so you won't get storked. If you don't look like a good family people won't want to leave their kids with you.
10: I didn't understand why they weren't in there either. We know that Lev's parents didn't report him missing...maybe they paid off the police so they wouldn't search for the other two and Lev could get away? Can only speculate really.
17: I was worried about that too! That maybe she was selling them back to the harvest camps for a finders fee. Until I saw the box of letters that is.
Questions for Chapters 20-25:20. The kids are picked up by the Ice Cream Man, literally, and are off to the Graveyard? Any predictions on what the graveyard is? Do you think the warehouse they are at the end of the section is the graveyard?
I have no idea. I hope the graveyard is in a different country where they can live safely. I really hope the warehouse isn't a part of the graveyard. The warehouse would be a hard place for me to live. There is way too much tension there right now.
21. Did you read the short news article at the beginning of Part 3? Do you think it describes the start of unwinding? The first events?
Possibly, that is just crazy- stealing babies for their organs. I would like more background though. Right now I am having trouble following the logic of the stealing the baby organs. Storking I understand, but not taking the babies for organs.
22. Lev finds a new travelling companion, Cyfi. What do you think of him?
I like CyFi. I can't imagine how weird it would be to have part of your brain from someone else and then to have that brain influencing what you are doing. Weird
23. This is the 2nd time we've heard that a part of the body that comes from an unwind seems to have a mind of it's own. The first time was with the truck driver with the hand that had muscle memory from before and now the frontal lobe that has actual memories from the kid. Creeped out yet? Maybe the kids really are living on in some strange and demented way? Would you want to take a piece of someone knowing that this could happen?
Not a part of their brain. Arms, other organs, I am not too worried about. But I don't want anyone else in my head. That would just be to weird.
24. Risa's experience in the StaHo seems to have taught her a lot as she can read Roland like a book. Do you think her smarts will get her into trouble or be more helpful to them?
Definitely helpful. It is always useful to understand what people are doing and what they want. Then you can prepare and get what you need out of a situation.
25. Connor can't help worrying about Lev which shows a lot about his character. Do you think the 3 of them will ever meet up again? If so, will Connor beat the pulp out of him?
I hope they all meet again. I don't think that Connor will hurt Lev. He understands that Lev was brainwashed.
26. Roland strikes! Did you guess that he was making a move at Connor and not Risa? And Risa completely melted down! Reactions? Do you think they'll have a lot more problems with Roland before this is all over?
I did not see that coming. I did not even understand til Connor explained it. I totally understand where Risa is coming from. She was in a very precarious situation, so afraid. Of course she is going to lose it. Especially because she keeps her emotions so closed up most of the time.
Parvathy1: I get the feeling that parents don't get as attached to their kids in this culture because of the option of giving up is so easy. And it seems to option of getting a new model is just as easy.
2: It's true. Very cold hearted and eerie. I've got a creepy vibe about a lot of things in this book.
5: I think it has to do with the brainwashing of "they aren't dying they are living on in pieces". Maybe the the pro choice/life wars were so bad that this compromise was really the better option (scary thought).
@Parvathy8: I think Lev was decided as a tithe before he was born, kind of "no matter the outcome, you will be unwound for God" type scenario. The ultimate sacrifice one could give. It remind of of all the fairytales where one has to give up their first born child for some ultimate magical ability or something.
15: Interesting thought. Maybe those against unwinding are using their children as clappers to "fight the man".
@Kristin8: You'd think there would be a better regulation system for storking then simply leaving a baby on a doorstep. *shakes head in sadness*
@Sheila21: I'm hoping we'll get more background too. I always want all the details!
Questions for Chapter 9-19:This section had tons of stuff going on!
8. Storking: to leave an unwanted baby on a porch for new owners. Whatever happened to adoption? Could you imagine just randomly receiving a baby on your porch and being responsible for it? Do you think this helps justify unwinding?
I think this is horrible. Why wouldn't you have adoption? Are there just more babies than there are parents who want them? This is another thing that has me wondering. My first thought is storking is a way for young teens to get rid of their babies easily. Its almost like it in a way it makes them not care about the consequences of getting pregnant at a young age because they can just stork the baby.
9. What did you think of Risa's plan to be Didi and get clothes?
She is very resourceful. It makes me wonder why the state home thought she had reached her full potential. Its obvious that she would be able to do well for herself.
10. Their pictures aren't in the paper. Do you think the cops are hiding it? Why wouldn't they say unwinds are on the loose like usual? Is it because of the accident?
I am not sure on this one. The only thing I can think of is that they are trying to cover up the fact that they couldn't hold on to a teenager and in the process lost two more.
11. Another new term: Uploaded: to get pregnant. Gotta love the terminology in this book.
Yeah, this gave me a little chuckle. He is definitely clever with the phrases.
12. Lev shows a human side when he says he doesn't want Risa and Connor killed (well other then being unwound, which is apparently not dying to him). Does this change how you see him at all?
He doesn't think its dying because he has been brainwashed his entire life to believe otherwise. He also thinks it is what God wants for them. I do feel sorry for him because he is the product of his raising. If he had been raised differently he wouldn't feel the way he does.
13. What a horrible story about the storked baby in the neighborhood! I wonder if that's a common occurance?
I sure hope not! It is a terrible story.
14. Lev finally runs. Turns out, his parents never reported him lost! He's free to do whatever he wants with life! Although now he's more lost then ever before. Totally different then the other unwinds. Thoughts?
I think he is going to discover things that will change his mind about everything. I feel for him, but at the same time think this is the best thing that could have happened in light of what his other future was going to be.
15. Clappers: explosive blood? Terrorist attacks? Thoughts on what these are?
I want to read more about the clappers. They sound interesting. How creepy to be able to ignite something in your blood to create a bomb. What if you changed your mind about it and then clapped loudly later in life, would you still die? I am assuming the terrorist attacks happened during or after the second civil war.
16. So we get a bit of a timeline here. Apparently they are 2 generations in the future where ipods and plasma screens are just showing up in antique shops. So imagine these children as your grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
It seems weird. We haven't really gotten any information on what the world looks like or what types of things they have now.
17. New people. Hannah, Sonia, and now more unwinds. Do you trust them? What do you think of the other unwinds?
They have all had it pretty rough. I am sure they will end up banding together and helping each other in the end. I am not sure how though.
18. Humphrey Dunfee. Do you think it's true or just a ghost story?
I could see where something like this could happen. I wouldn't be surprised if it was. I would go crazy too if my child was unwound by me and then I realized it was a mistake (of course I wouldn't unwind my child in the first place).
19. And finally...the letter. How hard that must be to write! I couldn't imagine. Looks like we might get Risa's letter next chapter. Any predictions on who she will write to?
I am not sure if we will know about her letter. If we do, I am betting she will write to her teacher. I can't remember his name.
@ Sheila#8- I bet they did too.
#10- I must have missed it. I am going to have to go back and reread. I thought they just answered about Lev, not about why the police didn't report about the others.
Questions for Chapter 9-19:This section had tons of stuff going on!
8. Storking: to leave an unwanted baby on a porch for new owners. Whatever happened to adoption? Could you imagine just randomly receiving a baby on your porch and being responsible for it? Do you think this helps justify unwinding?
I do not think that this justifies unwinding since you have to raise the baby until it's 13 anyway. But at the same time, I think it's crazy to think you can open your door one day and find a baby sitting outside it!
9. What did you think of Risa's plan to be Didi and get clothes?
I thought it was a pretty good plan considering their situation. Quick thinking!
10. Their pictures aren't in the paper. Do you think the cops are hiding it? Why wouldn't they say unwinds are on the loose like usual? Is it because of the accident?
I thought part of it might have been Lev's parents, who were convinced by the pastor not to notify the police.
11. Another new term: Uploaded: to get pregnant. Gotta love the terminology in this book.
Yes, lots of new terminology being learned in this book!
12. Lev shows a human side when he says he doesn't want Risa and Connor killed (well other then being unwound, which is apparently not dying to him). Does this change how you see him at all?
Not really. He hasn't been one of my favorite characters.
13. What a horrible story about the storked baby in the neighborhood! I wonder if that's a common occurance?
I just could't believe Connor took the baby. All I could think about was that they were on the run and now they have a baby???!!! Really??!!! After hearing why he did it I had a little more sympathy and understanding, but it seemed like a quick way for them to get captured. Very difficult to hide out w/a baby!
14. Lev finally runs. Turns out, his parents never reported him lost! He's free to do whatever he wants with life! Although now he's more lost then ever before. Totally different then the other unwinds. Thoughts?
Yes, very different! I can see it being harder for him. Since he was preparing to be unwound, he never had a plan to begin with. Now the future is wide open and he has no idea what to do.
15. Clappers: explosive blood? Terrorist attacks? Thoughts on what these are?
No idea....
16. So we get a bit of a timeline here. Apparently they are 2 generations in the future where ipods and plasma screens are just showing up in antique shops. So imagine these children as your grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
Yeah, when I heard about the ipods in the antique shop I got a better idea of how far in the future the story is taking place.
17. New people. Hannah, Sonia, and now more unwinds. Do you trust them? What do you think of the other unwinds?
I do trust Hannah and Sonia. Hannah didn't have to stick her neck out at the school and help them to begin with.
18. Humphrey Dunfee. Do you think it's true or just a ghost story?
I think parts of it might be true, but as it got told, it got more and more exagerrated and changed.
19. And finally...the letter. How hard that must be to write! I couldn't imagine. Looks like we might get Risa's letter next chapter. Any predictions on who she will write to?
I was trying to figure out who she might write to. Maybe Connor? I have no idea!
Just a note. There is adoption still. Lev has one sibling who was adopted. I don't know why people choose to stork instead of giving their kid up for adoption. I would imagine that kids who are put up for adoption go to a StaHo so maybe a person storks in the hopes that their kid ends up with a good family instead of just in the system. Idk
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I'm still amazed that they really haven't questioned why they are here or where they are going. There is something not right about it. I would be VERY surprised if there is not a sinister reason behind this. I think the reason Sonia had so many envelopes is because the kids never come back from the 'graveyard'. I don't think that is the warehouse, but I'm still pretty sure they are being rounded up for something bad - maybe private business unwinding kids for parts?
21. Did you read the short news article at the beginning of Part 3? Do you think it describes the start of unwinding? The first events?
I think it probably is the first experiements on unwinding. Interesting it was in 2003
22. Lev finds a new travelling companion, Cyfi. What do you think of him?
Wow - this adds a new level. I love it. The idea that the part in you can actually take control so completely.
23. This is the 2nd time we've heard that a part of the body that comes from an unwind seems to have a mind of it's own. The first time was with the truck driver with the hand that had muscle memory from before and now the frontal lobe that has actual memories from the kid. Creeped out yet? Maybe the kids really are living on in some strange and demented way? Would you want to take a piece of someone knowing that this could happen?
The muscle memory I wasn't that surprised by, as you hear that from people who get transplants or lose a limb these days. What got me was that the brain showed him images of this kid, and the kid 'takes over'him. I wonder if this is a side effect that people don't talk about. Cy did say he was meant to have 'brain bits', not a whole lobe, so I guess if he had the bits instead he wouldn't have this problem. Totally gross though!
24. Risa's experience in the StaHo seems to have taught her a lot as she can read Roland like a book. Do you think her smarts will get her into trouble or be more helpful to them? She has alot of insight for someone her age, and I guess that comes from her background. I think it is a big help
25. Connor can't help worrying about Lev which shows a lot about his character. Do you think the 3 of them will ever meet up again? If so, will Connor beat the pulp out of him?
I think they will, and no, I think Connor will actually be pleased. I do wonder why someone with such agression issues also has such a huge amount of empathy (with Lev and then the baby)
26. Roland strikes! Did you guess that he was making a move at Connor and not Risa? And Risa completely melted down! Reactions? Do you think they'll have a lot more problems with Roland before this is all over? Yes, very interesting and Connor did well to keep his cool. I think Roland will do something soon
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I don't understand the clapping either. Maybe the bomb's make a clapping sound? But then it's something with blood? I don't get it
it seems that they clap to ignite their blood which contains an explosive. I think it is an interesting concept (no need to strap on a bomb), but I don't understand how they can do it without being shot on sight or otherwise restrained... unless the explosion happens after only a few claps?
It remind of of all the fairytales where one has to give up their first born child for some ultimate magical ability or something.
I like your thinking. I can't get past why parents would unwind their kids without getting something out of it
@Sheila J ust a note. There is adoption still....
Good point. Maybe these young mothers don't realise that people don't always take the 'storked' baby. Such a horrible thing to think about!!
@Laura8: I agree. It's too simple to throw away your kid in this society. No attachment needed.
15: That would be crazy. Forget you had this "problem" and clapped for a show, Kaboom!
@Nancy13: I had the same reaction. The whole time I was thinking "What are you doing you idiot!?!" I thought Lev would be the one to mess it up, not Connor.
19: Hmm. Interesting thought that she might write to Connor.
@SheilaThat's right. I forgot Lev had an adopted sibling. Although I wonder if adoption is different in the way that maybe the kid was storked and passed on to a StaHo and then adopted from there? Or maybe it costs money to give your baby up for adoption instead of storking and that's why some people have to stork instead?
@Karen20: I feel the same way. I really don't like that the guards have guns. Do things go wrong often enough that they need guns?
21: Oh I didn't notice the date. Interesting and creepy all at once!
23: I thought the same thing about the bits. They said that usually they only allow bits but his dads had spent extra money to get a whole lobe against procedure.
20. The kids are picked up by the Ice Cream Man, literally, and are off to the Graveyard? Any predictions on what the graveyard is? Do you think the warehouse they are at the end of the section is the graveyard?I don't know but something tells me whatever it is it is not good. They way the people are described I get the feeling that they are not doing this because of any belief or out of the good of their heart. There is some other motivating factor
21. Did you read the short news article at the beginning of Part 3? Do you think it describes the start of unwinding? The first events?
I was wondering what the significance of that was but now that you have mentioned it. It seems possible
22. Lev finds a new travelling companion, Cyfi. What do you think of him?
strange that the kid is on the run despite the fact that he has loving parents. He says he doesn't want to upset his parents for what they did for him. But won't they be suspicious if their son suddenly decides to take a trip to some place called Joslin. Where are his dads anyway?
23. This is the 2nd time we've heard that a part of the body that comes from an unwind seems to have a mind of it's own. The first time was with the truck driver with the hand that had muscle memory from before and now the frontal lobe that has actual memories from the kid. Creeped out yet? Maybe the kids really are living on in some strange and demented way? Would you want to take a piece of someone knowing that this could happen?
I would if that is the only way to keep them alive or to honour them for what they have done for me. Now this raises some more philosophical questions as to what is it that keeps a person alive. Is it the brain?If so in a twisted way we are living on when we donate these things but as someone else. Does unwind really just amount to change?
24. Risa's experience in the StaHo seems to have taught her a lot as she can read Roland like a book. Do you think her smarts will get her into trouble or be more helpful to them?
I am really liking the Risa character. She is smart and I think this will help them a lot in the future.
25. Connor can't help worrying about Lev which shows a lot about his character. Do you think the 3 of them will ever meet up again? If so, will Connor beat the pulp out of him?
Yes, I think they will meet somehow and Connor will be happy to meet him again. I think Levi will end up saving them somehow.
26. Roland strikes! Did you guess that he was making a move at Connor and not Risa? And Risa completely melted down! Reactions? Do you think they'll have a lot more problems with Roland before this is all over?
No, at the time I thought he was after Risa. I was really impressed with Connor because he for once instead of rushing into fight gave his brain a chance. Roland is going to be a problem but nothing that these two can't handle.
@Pavarthy22: I keep wondering about Cy. Is he a run away or an unwind?
Questions for Chapter 26-33:27. The beginning of part four has a response from ebay about a guy selling his soul on ebay. This actually happened! A guy sold his soul for $400 (people actually bid!) He was from Seattle of all places (which is where I live) and he wasn't the last to try it. Here are some articles.
ABC article "Soul for Sale"
The Independent Article "Dante Banned"
28. Lev grew a pair and came up with a way to get some money! Were you surprised that he took out the pawn shop guy?
29. The unwinds are finally on the move! What are your first thoughts of the trip and the graveyard in general? What do you think of the Admiral?
30. Some deep topics were brought up during the trip. What determines consciousness? Can your consciousnesses be spread out when your unwound between your various parts? Are you aware of being in an unwound state? Are you alive or dead? What are your thoughts on all of this?
31. I love the quote from Emby on 167, "I don't think unwinding is bad, I just don't want it to happen to me." Typical answer from someone! It's fine until it affects you negatively, then it's suddenly a bad thing.
32. OMG! The chapter about Tyler hit me hard. He doesn't know that he is unwound and in someone else's body! Those parents must feel like the worst people in the world now, or at least they should. What were your reactions to the whole encounter in Joplin? How do you think it all changed Lev?
33. Risa ends up as a medic thanks to Connor's punch. Are you surprised? Any predictions on what Connor will end up doing?
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ABC article "Soul for Sale"
The Independent Article "Dante Banned"
Interesting! I wonder what came first... the actual ebay story or the book? There is another book I've read about souls being sold. Was it American Gods? I can't remember.. hmm.. maybe Heart Shaped Box actually
28. Lev grew a pair and came up with a way to get some money! Were you surprised that he took out the pawn shop guy? Totally surprised. He is a 13 year old kid!
29. The unwinds are finally on the move! What are your first thoughts of the trip and the graveyard in general? What do you think of the Admiral? I'm still suspicious. I just don't see how this can be done without other people noticing. Although I do like the idea of being at the airport graveyard - not alot of people there (but also no escape!)
30. Some deep topics were brought up during the trip. What determines consciousness? Can your consciousnesses be spread out when your unwound between your various parts? Are you aware of being in an unwound state? Are you alive or dead? What are your thoughts on all of this? Yes, very interesting. I have always thought that you are a person despite your body, so people that lose a hand etc. are still the same person. But then I read 'me before you' and that made me question that assumption. So now I just don't know. I think in this scenario being 'unwound' you are dead no matter how they try and justify it.
31. I love the quote from Emby on 167, "I don't think unwinding is bad, I just don't want it to happen to me." Typical answer from someone! It's fine until it affects you negatively, then it's suddenly a bad thing.
yes, and typical teenager mindset!
32. OMG! The chapter about Tyler hit me hard. He doesn't know that he is unwound and in someone else's body! Those parents must feel like the worst people in the world now, or at least they should. What were your reactions to the whole encounter in Joplin? How do you think it all changed Lev? That was really sad. It is kind of like a ghost coming back at you. But I cant feel bad for the parents because they did it. I was surprised at Lev's vehemence that they must tell him he wouldn't be unwound
33. Risa ends up as a medic thanks to Connor's punch. Are you surprised? Any predictions on what Connor will end up doing? Yes, I thought that was pretty cool actually. I don't know about Connor. He is kind of the tough guy so some kind of bouncer or enforcer I guess!!
27. The beginning of part four has a response from ebay about a guy selling his soul on ebay. This actually happened! A guy sold his soul for $400 (people actually bid!) He was from Seattle of all places (which is where I live) and he wasn't the last to try it. Here are some articles. ABC article "Soul for Sale"
The Independent Article "Dante Banned"
I thought it was a joke. To show that soul is the only thing that could not be unwound and even that is sold. Now I find out it is true guess the joke is on me and more funny to find that people actually bid for it. How do you get the merchandise anyway?
28. Lev grew a pair and came up with a way to get some money! Were you surprised that he took out the pawn shop guy?
Yes, With all his talk about God and purpose. I think he is kind of lost. He was so against stealing when we he was first introduced and now he is attacking people.
29. The unwinds are finally on the move! What are your first thoughts of the trip and the graveyard in general? What do you think of the Admiral?
I didn't like the way they travelled but when you are running for life comfort is not much of an option. First impression I have of the Admiral is that he has a hidden agenda
30. Some deep topics were brought up during the trip. What determines consciousness? Can your consciousnesses be spread out when your unwound between your various parts? Are you aware of being in an unwound state? Are you alive or dead? What are your thoughts on all of this?
I am just as confused. If it is the brain that we call our consciousness then I guess with a brain transplant a part of your soul lives on. I liked Diego just hope we see more of him. The way he talked about the person obtaining a soul when he is loved feels kind of true. So in a way as long as people love you and remember you, you live on even if you are unwound.
31. I love the quote from Emby on 167, "I don't think unwinding is bad, I just don't want it to happen to me." Typical answer from someone! It's fine until it affects you negatively, then it's suddenly a bad thing.
Not Quite. We know it is bad but don't speak out. We only realize the injustice of the whole situation when it happens to us then you have no choice but to speak out. So if it doesn' happen to you, then that allows you to be objective. You see a bright kid in need of a kidney and a trouble maker you can't control . In an objective sort of way you it makes sense that the bright kid gets to live at the troubled kids expense. But when you are in the troubled kids shoes the it becomes a bad thing. That seems to be Emby's mentality
32. OMG! The chapter about Tyler hit me hard. He doesn't know that he is unwound and in someone else's body! Those parents must feel like the worst people in the world now, or at least they should. What were your reactions to the whole encounter in Joplin? How do you think it all changed Lev?
The parents did seem all that remorseful. They unwound their own child and he came back to them to let them know he would be good if they only give him a chance. Lev must have realized the whole unfairness of the situation of taking away a person and leaving him in parts without giving him a chance. The life form an unwinds point of view which till now to him was a noble vocation
33. Risa ends up as a medic thanks to Connor's punch. Are you surprised? Any predictions on what Connor will end up doing?
Yes, I didn't peg her for a healer but still not surprising after the way she handled the baby. I think Connor will end up leader or something. To whip the children into shape or a rebel
Questions for Chapter 26-33:27. The beginning of part four has a response from ebay about a guy selling his soul on ebay. This actually happened! A guy sold his soul for $400 (people actually bid!) He was from Seattle of all places (which is where I live) and he wasn't the last to try it. Here are some articles.
That is too funny! I wonder how they thought they were going to give their soul away. Did they believe they could bottle their soul? Weird.
28. Lev grew a pair and came up with a way to get some money! Were you surprised that he took out the pawn shop guy?
I was surprised he knocked him unconsious. I was not surprised by him demanding the money.
29. The unwinds are finally on the move! What are your first thoughts of the trip and the graveyard in general? What do you think of the Admiral?
It reminds me of the underground railroad. Not really the graveyard, but all the moving from different places and each person only knowing their one little part of trip. I hope the graveyard turns out to be a decent place.
30. Some deep topics were brought up during the trip. What determines consciousness? Can your consciousnesses be spread out when your unwound between your various parts? Are you aware of being in an unwound state? Are you alive or dead? What are your thoughts on all of this?
It was really interesting. I hope they have more conversation about it. I love these moral conversations. Especially because there is no way to be one hundred percent right. How does one define a soul? and how do you get it and when do you get it? I love that stuff.
31. I love the quote from Emby on 167, "I don't think unwinding is bad, I just don't want it to happen to me." Typical answer from someone! It's fine until it affects you negatively, then it's suddenly a bad thing.
I get the benefit of having more organs. But I think the cost is too much. We have organs available now. Unwinding just can't be the answer. I can't imagine giving up on someone who is 13 or 17 permenantly.
32. OMG! The chapter about Tyler hit me hard. He doesn't know that he is unwound and in someone else's body! Those parents must feel like the worst people in the world now, or at least they should. What were your reactions to the whole encounter in Joplin? How do you think it all changed Lev?
OMG so hard, so devestating. I can't even imagine. I felt so bad for everyone envolved. I hope that CyFi can get on with his life now. And that Tyler has some peace. It is just so sad.
33. Risa ends up as a medic thanks to Connor's punch. Are you surprised? Any predictions on what Connor will end up doing?
I think Risa will make a good medic. She is smart and she cares about people.
20. I don't think they're at the graveyard yet. It seems like they're waiting to go to another place.21. After it said that they were taking out the whole stem I think it was like unwinding, they just hadn't thought of using all the parts of the body yet.
22. At first I thought he was schizophrenic and then he mentioned getting another kids frontal lobe. He seems like a complicated kid. It's sad he doesn't feel like he can tell his dads about it. Makes me wonder what he thinks will happen when he gets to Joplin.
23.*shivers* I wouldn't be able to take a part from someone knowing that. It just creeps me out.
24. I think it will help her. She's so smart and such a bad-a.
25. They'll meet up again. What's the point of putting Lev in their story if they never meet again? That didn't exactly come out the way I wanted it to, but you get the gist.
26. Kind of, I didn't think he would do anything to Risa but it wasn't a big surprise that it was aimed at Conner. I think there will be more problems from Roland. He seems like such a troublemaker.
Questions for Chapters 20-25:20. The kids are picked up by the Ice Cream Man, literally, and are off to the Graveyard? Any predictions on what the graveyard is? Do you think the warehouse they are at the end of the section is the graveyard?
Yes, I think the warehouse is the " graveyard" , whatever that means. I have no idea what that is except to expect that it's the next leg of this journey.
21. Did you read the short news article at the beginning of Part 3? Do you think it describes the start of unwinding? The first events?
When I saw that article, something rang a little bell in my head. I followed links, and it turns out that's a genuine article about what was actually going on at the time it was dated. I think the author has taken real incidents and expanded upon them to make us think about the repercussions of what "science" is really doing. Because of George Bush, we do not have government funded stem cell research, but that does not stop private industry from funding whatever they like. To me that's very frightening. To me all this cloning stuff sounds wonderful on paper and in theory, but when faced with real facts about what this sort of thing can lead to, it scares the bejesus out of me. I think this author was wise in directing this book or series to YA because they will be the ones dealing with the harsh realities of stem cell usage and cloning. The imagination put into developing the kind of world this book gives us is not really that far out of the realm of possibility.
22. Lev finds a new travelling companion, Cyfi. What do you think of him?
I really liked CyFi. What a terrible burden he had placed upon him, and his is another example of the kind of thing government regulators want to keep quiet. You know, this book could make a person really paranoid! :-)
23. This is the 2nd time we've heard that a part of the body that comes from an unwind seems to have a mind of it's own. The first time was with the truck driver with the hand that had muscle memory from before and now the frontal lobe that has actual memories from the kid. Creeped out yet? Maybe the kids really are living on in some strange and demented way? Would you want to take a piece of someone knowing that this could happen?
Yes, I'm creeped out. LOL! I know this is fiction, but there are real issues contained in this story, and I believe that's what the author had in mind when he wrote this and planned his world. My whole experience with doctors makes me very skeptical of the claims made that something or other will cure you. Huge chunks of information are NOT mentioned, so people go into procedures expecting one thing and then waking up to side effects they were never told about or were unknown. It really depends when you accept someone else's heart or part of a brain how much of a guinea pig you're willing to be. That's a hard question to answer.
24. Risa's experience in the StaHo seems to have taught her a lot as she can read Roland like a book. Do you think her smarts will get her into trouble or be more helpful to them?
I think Risa's character has more street smarts than either Connor or Lev, so she's able to apply what she's learned more calmly than they do. However, she's still just a kid, so how long she can hold up under pressure it would be hard for an adult to handle is anyone's guess.
25. Connor can't help worrying about Lev which shows a lot about his character. Do you think the 3 of them will ever meet up again? If so, will Connor beat the pulp out of him?
If I were Connor, I'd want to do both.
26. Roland strikes! Did you guess that he was making a move at Connor and not Risa? And Risa completely melted down! Reactions? Do you think they'll have a lot more problems with Roland before this is all over?
I never saw Roland's attack aimed at Connor. I really thought Roland was taking advantage of a situation he thought Connor would not be involved in.I think the way it was all handled was a little simplistic, but the point got made that Risa and Connor were onto Roland. Yes, I think Roland's whole purpose is to make as much trouble as possible.
Good questions! Made me think :-)
Questions for Chapters 20-25:20. The kids are picked up by the Ice Cream Man, literally, and are off to the Graveyard? Any predictions on what the graveyard is? Do you think the warehouse they are at the end of the section is the graveyard?
It seems to be...there doesn't seem to be anyplace else they're going, but will hopefully find out soon!
21. Did you read the short news article at the beginning of Part 3? Do you think it describes the start of unwinding? The first events?
I did read it. Didn't think of that being the beginning of unwinding but now that it's mentioned, yes, it does make sense about the need people felt for that option.
22. Lev finds a new travelling companion, Cyfi. What do you think of him?
He's very interesting!
23. This is the 2nd time we've heard that a part of the body that comes from an unwind seems to have a mind of it's own. The first time was with the truck driver with the hand that had muscle memory from before and now the frontal lobe that has actual memories from the kid. Creeped out yet? Maybe the kids really are living on in some strange and demented way? Would you want to take a piece of someone knowing that this could happen?
Yes! Don't people realize that this unwinding isn't necessarily a good thing?! And the kids who get unwound are the so-called "undesirables." I guess if I was really desperate for a body part I'd take a piece of someone.
24. Risa's experience in the StaHo seems to have taught her a lot as she can read Roland like a book. Do you think her smarts will get her into trouble or be more helpful to them?
I think Risa's smarts will be helpful to them.
25. Connor can't help worrying about Lev which shows a lot about his character. Do you think the 3 of them will ever meet up again? If so, will Connor beat the pulp out of him?
I'm thinking they'll eventually meet up and Connor will be too happy to beat Lev up!
26. Roland strikes! Did you guess that he was making a move at Connor and not Risa? And Risa completely melted down! Reactions? Do you think they'll have a lot more problems with Roland before this is all over?
Yes, I think that there will be more problems with Roland. I was really worried for Risa! Thank goodness Connor showed up!
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Wow. I didn't even think to check out the link. Thanks for picking this up! I love that the author has woven these real stories in.
Questions for Chapter 26-33:27. The beginning of part four has a response from ebay about a guy selling his soul on ebay. This actually happened! A guy sold his soul for $400 (people actually bid!) He was from Seattle of all places (which is where I live) and he wasn't the last to try it. Here are some articles.
ABC article "Soul for Sale"
The Independent Article "Dante Banned"
I also thought the article was a joke! People are crazy!
28. Lev grew a pair and came up with a way to get some money! Were you surprised that he took out the pawn shop guy?
Yes! Go Lev!
29. The unwinds are finally on the move! What are your first thoughts of the trip and the graveyard in general? What do you think of the Admiral?
I'm not sure I'd survive that trip in the box! I'm surprised only five didn't make it. I obviously was wrong about the warehouse being the graveyard. At least the reason why it's called the graveyard isn't as negative as it first sounded! I like the Admiral. I'm very curious to find out (if we do!) why he started the graveyard.
30. Some deep topics were brought up during the trip. What determines consciousness? Can your consciousnesses be spread out when your unwound between your various parts? Are you aware of being in an unwound state? Are you alive or dead? What are your thoughts on all of this?
I'm not sure you are aware of being in an unwound state, since Tyler was begging his parents to promise not to have him unwound, though he already was. But some part of the unwound obviously mainfests in the person who receives the parts. I think your parts live on but you yourself aren't really "living" since you don't have complete control/independence of a body anymore. Not sure if that makes sense. But yes, very deep issues that 13 year olds shouldn't have to contemplate!
31. I love the quote from Emby on 167, "I don't think unwinding is bad, I just don't want it to happen to me." Typical answer from someone! It's fine until it affects you negatively, then it's suddenly a bad thing.
32. OMG! The chapter about Tyler hit me hard. He doesn't know that he is unwound and in someone else's body! Those parents must feel like the worst people in the world now, or at least they should. What were your reactions to the whole encounter in Joplin? How do you think it all changed Lev?
They didn't seem to at first though! Lev had to threaten them to "promise" Tyler they wouldn't unwind him. It must be a little freaky though to have your son "appear" in another person's body. I think Lev is coming to grips with what his parents were going to do to him. As he saw from Tyler's parents, they weren't at all concerned with Tyler, they were worried about their safety and themselves. I think it was a big dose of reality for him.
33. Risa ends up as a medic thanks to Connor's punch. Are you surprised? Any predictions on what Connor will end up doing?
I'm glad. I don't see being a dishwasher as being much fun! Not sure what Connor's talents are....security?? Metal stripping?? something to let out his aggression!
@Kristin23. I think in the beginning they had said something about not enough people were donating their organs.
27. That is crazy that it got up to $400. They either really wanted his soul or Thai food. I've never had Thai food is it $400 worth?28. Yes I thought 'oh ok he's just going to make sure the guy doesn't call the cops' then BAM! Was that really Lev that just did that?!
29. I have a little cold right now, so I was right along with them when they felt like they were losing oxygen. I did not expect the 'Graveyard' to be an actual graveyard. And I like the admirals demandments.
30. I would have thought that they just died and didn't actually live on in the person, that that was just something the adults told them. Then the thing with Cy-Ty and Tyler still having thoughts just makes me confused all over again.
31. I know and then Conner's answer back so you're cool with all of us unwinding. It feels like such a normal way to think and then oh maybe not.
32. I was kind of with Lev like why are the parents just standing there and comforting themselves? They put this on themselves by signing that unwind contract. Lev is really starting to change my opinion about him.
33. I was a little bummed when they said dishwasher, but I'm glad she's a medic. She just keeps getting smarter by the page. I can't see Conner being a dishwasher or medic, so maybe something to do with working on the planes.
Kristin wrote: "SharieCrimson wrote: "@Kristin23. I think in the beginning they had said something about not enough people were donating their organs."
They might have but I forgot. I guess I am just wondering ..."
Yeah like who actually came up with this, not solution but I guess, compromise to end the war. I'm kind of hoping in the end that we would meet the person behind it all and some retribution would come out of it.
@karenI just wanted to see if the link was real, but after I saw the actual article I thought I remembered something about that actually happening and being in the news. I think it's obvious this author didn't just take some of his material out of his head but did some research on the subject. For me that gives this story some validity.
20. The kids are picked up by the Ice Cream Man, literally, and are off to the Graveyard? Any predictions on what the graveyard is? Do you think the warehouse they are at the end of the section is the graveyard?I agree with some of the other posters. I would have already been asking tons of questions. It just seems odd that they have all been dropped off in this warehouse for an undisclosed amount of time. I don't think this is the graveyard though.
21. Did you read the short news article at the beginning of Part 3? Do you think it describes the start of unwinding? The first events?
I think it probably is the first experiements on unwinding. It is sad that they took babies. I can't believe they didn't use older consenting individuals. Some one would have agreed.
22. Lev finds a new travelling companion, Cyfi. What do you think of him?
I really like Cy-Fi. I feel bad for him. I can't believe that he has enough of someone's brain that they can control him and he even knows what they look like. I hope we get to learn more about him and his other person.
23. This is the 2nd time we've heard that a part of the body that comes from an unwind seems to have a mind of it's own. The first time was with the truck driver with the hand that had muscle memory from before and now the frontal lobe that has actual memories from the kid. Creeped out yet? Maybe the kids really are living on in some strange and demented way? Would you want to take a piece of someone knowing that this could happen?
I could understand the muscle memory. I could see this actually happening and it would make sense. The fact that someone getting a piece of someone's brain and then having issues controlling himself due to the person whose brain it belonged to is just scary. I wouldn't want a piece of someone in or on me, especially not if those poor kids have no idea they are unwinds living in someone elses body.
24. Risa's experience in the StaHo seems to have taught her a lot as she can read Roland like a book. Do you think her smarts will get her into trouble or be more helpful to them? She has alot of insight for someone her age, and I guess that comes from her background. I think it is a big help and I think it will eventually help them get rid of Roland as a nuesance. Maybe not by fighting him, but by manipulation.
25. Connor can't help worrying about Lev which shows a lot about his character. Do you think the 3 of them will ever meet up again? If so, will Connor beat the pulp out of him?
I sure hope they will meet up agian. I doubt Connor will beat him up, instead I think they will all give each other a hug and talk about what has been happening to them.
26. Roland strikes! Did you guess that he was making a move at Connor and not Risa? And Risa completely melted down! Reactions? Do you think they'll have a lot more problems with Roland before this is all over?
I was surprised that Risa broke down so easily, but I guess it added another dimension to her character. I thin they handled it very well, but I don't think it will be over until there is a very big confrontation. This is just the beginning.
YAY, I'm caught up! My answers will be a bit short, as I don't have a lot of time and I want to answer as many as I can. Also, I'm skipping the ones that involve speculation, as I'm on chapter 50-something.Questions for Ch 1-8:
1. Connor: A family that gave him up in secret, a girlfriend that left him to run away on his own, it sounds like he's completely unwanted. What do you think of his situation? Would you have run too?
This is so heartbreaking, all of it. I would have run too, but I can't even imagine his situation. This premise is so far-fetched (I mean, what parents would do that?), and yet Shusterman writes it in such a way that makes you believe it, makes you buy it completely. Or makes me buy it, anyway.
2. Risa: A ward of the state unable to prove her worth but lucks out with a bus accident to escape. Thoughts on her situation? Would you have tried to escape?
Again, heartbreaking. The idea that you have to somehow prove your worth in order to keep your life? So warped. I'd like to think I would try to escape, yes.
3. Lev: a tithe that wants to be unwound (!!!). This situation seems so completely different from the other two! What do you think of it? Would you rather know your whole life that you're an unwind or find out at the end?
Neither? :D I guess if I had to choose, I'd rather not be brainwashed into believing that my unwinding was fulfilling some sort of religious purpose.
5. To unwind is to send one's parts to others in order to make them whole again in hopes that your uselessness now will be useful in pieces later. What's your reaction to the unwind process?
So disturbing. I don't even know where to begin. The fact that Shusterman can make me believe that society has accepted this is a talent to his writing. I mean, we're talking about killing kids to harvest their organs and limbs. Wow.
7. Are you liking the story so far? Do you like the writing style? How about the change of perspective? Any wild predictions?
I like everything about this book so far (and I did back in the first section, too). The writing is really, really good.
8. Storking: to leave an unwanted baby on a porch for new owners. Whatever happened to adoption? Could you imagine just randomly receiving a baby on your porch and being responsible for it? Do you think this helps justify unwinding?
This was so shocking to me, that a) people could/would just leave babies on doorsteps, and b) the families that find them would be legally responsible for those babies. Definitely doesn't justify unwinding.
9. What did you think of Risa's plan to be Didi and get clothes?
I loved it! It made me love Risa, that she could think up something like that on the spot.
11. Another new term: Uploaded: to get pregnant. Gotta love the terminology in this book.
Hah, yes.
12. Lev shows a human side when he says he doesn't want Risa and Connor killed (well other then being unwound, which is apparently not dying to him). Does this change how you see him at all?
I agree with many of the other answers. Lev's beliefs and feelings about unwinding aren't his fault, as he's been brainwashed his entire life.
13. What a horrible story about the storked baby in the neighborhood! I wonder if that's a common occurance?
This was horrifying. But when you think about, not surprising. I think it definitely happens a lot.
15. Clappers: explosive blood? Terrorist attacks? Thoughts on what these are?
I'm not sure what I think about Clappers. I'm hoping they come back into play later so we can gain some insight.
16. So we get a bit of a timeline here. Apparently they are 2 generations in the future where ipods and plasma screens are just showing up in antique shops. So imagine these children as your grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
Kinda scary, when you think about it.
Okay, I'll have to do the rest later today if I have time. Really really enjoying this and I wish I could participate more in the discussion!
Karen32: I was surprised too. I would have thought he would have them tell him he was already unwound instead of lying to him.
33: I could see Connor as a security type.
@Parvathy28: Makes me wonder if there will be some big plan to use all that money since they can't really buy lodging or things like normal people.
33: a rebel huh? Do you think he'll rebel against the whole society of the graveyard?
@Sheila29: that's a great comparison! I didn't really think of like the underground railroad until you said something.
32: I wonder how much of the situation CyFi was actually aware of ?
@SharieCrimson25: I wonder if Lev is there to show a different perspective, the whole tithing and then to introduce Cy's issue. I hope he finds his way to the graveyard as well though.
@Gabby21: Wow! I didn't think to look that up as a real article! Creepy! Science can definitely be helpful with it's cloning and stem cell research but it's so easy to see it going wrong at the same time because not everyone has a high moral and ethical standard to back up the science they're partaking in. And what's right to one person isn't right to the next. What does it take for society to jump to the conclusion that unwinding your children is the best thing for society?
Glad you liked the questions!
@Nancy23: Maybe that's the answer. Maybe desperation brought about unwinding in the first place. What people will do to get what they need or end the unwanted (the war).
@Kristin23: To me it sounds like unwinding allows them to use more of the body then regular organ donation as they can use every single part of the child (in fact they are required to). That rule makes me think of some indian tribes and how they made sure to use every part of an animal once it's killed whether it's to eat or make things out of.
@Nancy29: He kept saying the military wanted him gone. I want to know why!
@Post 85They started unwinding in order to end the wars. The Heartland war was a civil war between pro choice and pro life sides. Basically they created a law that stated abortion was illegal but allowed you to retroactively abort your child later in life based on it's accomplishments. This allowed them to be unwound to help society by donating their body part and thus not going to waste and not being "murder". At least this is what I've taken from the book.
@SharieCrimson32: It seems like Lev is starting to really become his own person now that he's free to be himself and not tied to his obligation.
33: I was going to be mad if she stayed a dishwasher. I couldn't believe she wasn't making a better case for herself.
@Laura25: No animosity at all? Just a hug? You're such a nice person Laura :-P
@Mary Welcome to the discussion!
Questions will be posted a little late today. Sorry all!
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Glad to hear it seems to be so awesome! I'm looking forward to reading the next section, just have to get some work done first! (which means I should probably get off goodreads...)
Kristin wrote: "Jex wrote: "@Kristin23: To me it sounds like unwinding allows them to use more of the body then regular organ donation as they can use every single part of the child (in fact they are required to..."
Maybe the organs are damaged or something? Or it has to do with the need for living tissue? Or maybe not enough people are dying because they are getting new parts from unwinds :-P
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8: Interesting...a book on storking. I wonder how that would go.
11: I think I missed the Caps Lock thing...it's not ringing a bell.
17: Interesting. You'd think being sent to be unwound would definitely help them bond as long as they aren't being all broody about it.