Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
Unwind
Previous BRs - Authors; Q - T
>
Shusterman, Neal - Unwind - REVISITED - Start Date: Dec 14,2014
Questions for Chapters 34-45:34: What do you think of the work calls? Would you want the chance to go work elsewhere or just stick to the graveyard until you hit 18?
35: The Golden's were murdered! Were you surprised when Connor was chosen to help figure out the mystery?
36: Lev arrives at the graveyard! It seems like he has become a completely different person. What do you think of this secret club he joined? Do you think it has to do with the clappers? Do you think this is the first time Cleaver has done something like this to mess with the Graveyard (having the kids kill the goldens)?
37: The 3 kids in the group go off to Alaska. I have a feeling this is more then just a work call. Any predictions?
38: We finally get some answers about the Heartland War:
There were 3 sides:
a) Life Army who was killing Dr's for performing abortions
b) Choice Brigade who was getting pregnant just to sell fetal tissue
c) American Army who was trying to keep the two sides from killing each other.
This sounds like today's pro life/choice debate just on a more drastic scale!
Also 2 awesome quotes:
"Everyone was so happy to end the war, no on cared about the consequences. "
"If more people would have been organ donors, unwinding never would have happened...but people like to keep what's theirs even after they're dead. It didn't take long for ethics to be crushed by greed."
Thoughts? Reactions? Comparisons to society now? (this whole section had me screaming at my book, I could debate it for days which is why I'm having trouble phrasing a question :-P )
39: We finally get the Admiral's story. He wasn't unwinding kids for parts, just scars and dentures! He did help start the unwinding process and unwind his own son though. Does this change your idea of him?
40: Admiral Dunfee!!!!!!! The story is true! What do you think will happen to Emby since he's being sent off to the Admiral's wife?
41: Stuff is getting massively out of hand because of all the secrets. Connor is sure Roland is to blame. The mob is sure the Admiral is to blame. Risa is caught in the middle for no reason. And the graveyard is being ruined all because of Cleaver! Any predictions on what they'll do to get things under control or what will happen next?
Mod
I think it is pretty dodgy too... I understand what the Admiral said about needing money to fund this whole thing, but it still seems a bit like slave labour. I wonder if the kids really do get the jobs and money they 'volunteer' for?
35: The Golden's were murdered! Were you surprised when Connor was chosen to help figure out the mystery?
Yes, I do wonder why he chose him seeing his anger issues.
36: Lev arrives at the graveyard! It seems like he has become a completely different person. What do you think of this secret club he joined? Do you think it has to do with the clappers? Do you think this is the first time Cleaver has done something like this to mess with the Graveyard (having the kids kill the goldens)?
Lev has completely changed and is full of so much hatred. It does seem to be some kind of resistance/terrorist group especially with the job on a pipeline. I think the clappers are somehow connected.
Cleaver may have been biding his time. Does make you wonder why the Admiral didn't suspect him at all
37: The 3 kids in the group go off to Alaska. I have a feeling this is more then just a work call. Any predictions?
Agreed. They are organising some kind of terrorist type action
38: We finally get some answers about the Heartland War:
There were 3 sides:
a) Life Army who was killing Dr's for performing abortions
b) Choice Brigade who was getting pregnant just to sell fetal tissue
c) American Army who was trying to keep the two sides from killing each other.
This sounds like today's pro life/choice debate just on a more drastic scale!
Also 2 awesome quotes:
"Everyone was so happy to end the war, no on cared about the consequences. "
"If more people would have been organ donors, unwinding never would have happened...but people like to keep what's theirs even after they're dead. It didn't take long for ethics to be crushed by greed."
Thoughts? Reactions? Comparisons to society now? (this whole section had me screaming at my book, I could debate it for days which is why I'm having trouble phrasing a question :-P )
I find this one difficult as in Australia we don't have the whole 'abortion debate' and so it is hard for me to make comparisons to current society. I was talking about this book with some of my mum friends the other day and all four of us had different opinions and angles. I think you are right, it could be debated for days (years even!).
It does seem to me that they are harvesting kids for parts as it is better than fixing something or having a non-human alternative (like his teeth) so I'm not sure that the organ donor angle is a logical argument.
39: We finally get the Admiral's story. He wasn't unwinding kids for parts, just scars and dentures! He did help start the unwinding process and unwind his own son though. Does this change your idea of him?
It does a little. But I'm still not convinced
40: Admiral Dunfee!!!!!!! The story is true! What do you think will happen to Emby since he's being sent off to the Admiral's wife?
I am assuming that the Admiral has actually set this whole thing up to get the kids who have his son's parts. That would mean that Emby is about to loose his lung, so I wonder how the Admiral can justify killing a kid in order to try and put his son together again? Or maybe they are just 'collecting' all the kids and making a new happy family? No matter how you look at it, it is pretty sick!
41: Stuff is getting massively out of hand because of all the secrets. Connor is sure Roland is to blame. The mob is sure the Admiral is to blame. Risa is caught in the middle for no reason. And the graveyard is being ruined all because of Cleaver! Any predictions on what they'll do to get things under control or what will happen next? No predictions, but it is not looking good! I'm waiting for Lev to re-appear before the end of the book (and hopefully Cy as well)
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. I am shocked that someone would actually try to sell their soul. People are so 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 that he would even be willing to do something like that. It sounds like his idea of the world has done a complete o 180. I really have started to like him.
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 like the Admiral, but I can't say too much because this is the one part of the book that I do remember, (or at least I think I remember.) I think that their removal into the graveyard is an ingenous plan, even if the kids don't like it.
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 don't want to really say much on this topic because I have a relationship with God and am very firm in my viewpoint on this. I don't want to offend anyone or start some sort of debate that will end in an argument. I will just say this. I believe God has plans for every unborn baby, every child, and every adult regardless of their sinful nature. His plan is perfect even if we can't understand it or agree with 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.
This was interesting. I have a difficult time with the fact that so many things happen in the world because people actually think like this.
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?
It was heartbreaking. It makes you wonder why people who have things like this happening to them don't stand up and try to get laws changed. I am sure he is not the only unwound kid to try something like this in the country.
33. Risa ends up as a medic thanks to Connor's punch. Are you surprised? Any predictions on what Connor will end up doing?
Risa has always seemed pretty smart. I am not surprised that she has a job like being a medic. It is cool how the author brought up the boy and his nose to this part of the story. I have no clue what Connor will end up being.
Questions for Chapters 34-45:34: What do you think of the work calls? Would you want the chance to go work elsewhere or just stick to the graveyard until you hit 18?
I don't know. Maybe if one of the jobs was interesting or in a place I wanted to go. I am not much for the desert so maybe in a different climate.
35: The Golden's were murdered! Were you surprised when Connor was chosen to help figure out the mystery?
That was nuts. I was not surprised exactly that Connor was picked, because of the leadership and integrity that he has. But he is not the smartest person. I would not pick Connor for a detective. That is more Risa.
36: Lev arrives at the graveyard! It seems like he has become a completely different person. What do you think of this secret club he joined? Do you think it has to do with the clappers? Do you think this is the first time Cleaver has done something like this to mess with the Graveyard (having the kids kill the goldens)?
That secret club worries and scares me. Chaos is not my cup of tea. And any one with that much anger who wants to cause chaos is super dangerous.
37: The 3 kids in the group go off to Alaska. I have a feeling this is more then just a work call. Any predictions?
Definitely more than just a work call. But I have no idea what they are doing.
38: We finally get some answers about the Heartland War:
There were 3 sides:
a) Life Army who was killing Dr's for performing abortions
b) Choice Brigade who was getting pregnant just to sell fetal tissue
c) American Army who was trying to keep the two sides from killing each other.
This sounds like today's pro life/choice debate just on a more drastic scale!
Also 2 awesome quotes:
"Everyone was so happy to end the war, no on cared about the consequences. "
"If more people would have been organ donors, unwinding never would have happened...but people like to keep what's theirs even after they're dead. It didn't take long for ethics to be crushed by greed."
Thoughts? Reactions? Comparisons to society now? (this whole section had me screaming at my book, I could debate it for days which is why I'm having trouble phrasing a question :-P )
It was really interesting and I think it makes the whole book more credible. Because those things either are happening now or I could see them happening. It just makes me sad that unwinding was suppose to shock both sides and instead they just went with it. That is the scariest part for me. That unwinding was suppose to be awful and then both sides hated the other too much to think about the long term consequences.
39: We finally get the Admiral's story. He wasn't unwinding kids for parts, just scars and dentures! He did help start the unwinding process and unwind his own son though. Does this change your idea of him?
I think it makes him a fuller character. Everyone makes mistakes. Some people make epic mistakes. I understand why he is helping all the unwinds now. Because he can't help his son he is trying to save other kids from the same awful fate.
40: Admiral Dunfee!!!!!!! The story is true! What do you think will happen to Emby since he's being sent off to the Admiral's wife?
That tidbit annoyed me. I just wanna know what is going on. I hate speculating! Just tell me! I can't imagine they are actually going to hurt Emby, but really. What is going on?
41: Stuff is getting massively out of hand because of all the secrets. Connor is sure Roland is to blame. The mob is sure the Admiral is to blame. Risa is caught in the middle for no reason. And the graveyard is being ruined all because of Cleaver! Any predictions on what they'll do to get things under control or what will happen next?
I hope the kids start to fix stuff and start to take more responsibility. Responsibility in the sense that they own this place. The graveyard is for them. I think if they felt more responsibility for how it was run and maintained they might feel more empowered and less likely to destroy it. I understand why the admiral ruled the way he did, but these kids have so much anger and frustration at the world, I can't blame them for being afraid and losing it. I can see how easy it might be to get caught up in all the fear of being unwound and then to have the conspiracy theory about the admiral on top of that. Not a good combination.
Had to say this before I run off for work:Last night I finished the book before bed then dreamed that I was in a harvest camp and couldn't escape.
message 107:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Apr 07, 2013 02:38PM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Mod
**spoilers**
OH.MY.GOD
I read chapter 61 right before I went to bed last night (stupid idea!lol)
I felt so sick. I'm looking forward to your questions on this section Jex. But I just had to say
OH.MY.GOD
Why on Earth don't the Drs/nurses/surgeons have an issue with this? They are literally pulling someone apart peice by peiece while still alive and conscience! I can not imagine much worse. I completely agree with what Connor said. I would rather die than be unwound.
I did stop at page 300 and I'm off walking this morning, but will finish the book today as I need to get this sick feeling from the pit of my stomach gone. Hopefully the book will end on a slightly more positive note!!!
34. I did think about that when I was reading and I don't think I would want to go off somewhere else. I don't know how the conditions will be or if the 18 falsification would ever be found out.35 My mouth just dropped open when I found out the goldens were dead. That was a bigger surprise to me.
36. I think they're like the clappers or ARE the clappers.When Cleaver was talking he said things about not really having reasons and that reminded me of the clappers. It seemed like from what the admiral said this was the first time someone has killed goldens.
37. Definitely, but no predictions. I'm stumped.
39. I laughed at the dentures part. I'm glad he ended up having a better story even if he had a hand in unwinding he realized his mistake and is trying to fix it.
40.I was hoping it would be true! I know horrible, but I like those kinds of stories I never take them too seriously, and keep them away from reality. Since I like that kind of Edgar Allen Poe personality, I automatically thought Emby has his kid's lung and they're going to take it!
Questions for Chapter 46-62:42: Connor proves himself a leader when he takes control of the mob. Any speculation on what would have happened if Roland got hold of the crowd?
43: Risa, Connor, and Roland risk their safety to save the admiral. Why do you think Roland turned them in? Were you surprised he told the cops about the graveyard? Were you surprised that the cops knew about the graveyard?
44: Connor's reputation just keeps growing and growing. The stories of the Akron AWOL have taken on an entity of their own. Connor is now the face of the rebellion! How'd you like Roland's reaction to Connor's title? What do you think of how he's being treated differently in Happy Jack and how the other kids all seem to look up to him?
45: Risa seems to have a decent gig being in the band. She proves her worth yet again! Do you think this will save her for awhile?
46: Lev is back? and he's a clapper now? Did you see this coming? At least we're getting some answers on how clappers work finally.
47: Roland gets unwound! I actually felt bad for Roland for the first time this whole book. They keep the kids conscious through the entire process! What was your reaction as you read the unwinding of Roland?
48: Lev and Connor ran into each other and Lev changes all his plans to try to save Connor. Maybe Lev is still good after all? Do you think he'll be able to save Connor from unwinding? Do you think he'll go through with blowing himself up?
49: Any wild predictions for the last segment of the book?
Okay, I'm going to have to skip some questions because I couldn't stop at chapter 45. I read to the end.....WOW!Questions for Chapters 34-45:
34: What do you think of the work calls? Would you want the chance to go work elsewhere or just stick to the graveyard until you hit 18?
I don't know. The graveyard seems like it's run well but I think I'd miss "real life." A work call at least allows you to be part of society, though the way they showed it, you're more like a slave. I guess ultimately I'd stay at the graveyard.
35: The Golden's were murdered! Were you surprised when Connor was chosen to help figure out the mystery?
Yes. Although he seems to be well-liked by the others and he has the AWOL story going for him.
38: We finally get some answers about the Heartland War:
There were 3 sides:
a) Life Army who was killing Dr's for performing abortions
b) Choice Brigade who was getting pregnant just to sell fetal tissue
c) American Army who was trying to keep the two sides from killing each other.
This sounds like today's pro life/choice debate just on a more drastic scale!
Also 2 awesome quotes:
"Everyone was so happy to end the war, no on cared about the consequences. "
"If more people would have been organ donors, unwinding never would have happened...but people like to keep what's theirs even after they're dead. It didn't take long for ethics to be crushed by greed."
Thoughts? Reactions? Comparisons to society now? (this whole section had me screaming at my book, I could debate it for days which is why I'm having trouble phrasing a question :-P )
I don't understand why people won't donate their organs. It's sad to think that this is where we can be heading years from now (though I hope not on such a drastic level!). Yes, this is definitely a topic that can be discussed infinitely!
39: We finally get the Admiral's story. He wasn't unwinding kids for parts, just scars and dentures! He did help start the unwinding process and unwind his own son though. Does this change your idea of him?
This did change my idea of him. I ended up really liking him once we heard his story.
Questions for Chapter 46-62:42: Connor proves himself a leader when he takes control of the mob. Any speculation on what would have happened if Roland got hold of the crowd?
I think a lot of people would be dead. Roland is really physical and aggressive.
43: Risa, Connor, and Roland risk their safety to save the admiral. Why do you think Roland turned them in? Were you surprised he told the cops about the graveyard? Were you surprised that the cops knew about the graveyard?
I think he was angry that he was left in the crate and this was his way of getting back at them. I was suprised that the cops knew about the graveyard and that they leave the Admiral alone about it
46: Lev is back? and he's a clapper now? Did you see this coming? At least we're getting some answers on how clappers work finally.
No I didn't see that coming! He really felt betrayed by his parents though.
47: Roland gets unwound! I actually felt bad for Roland for the first time this whole book. They keep the kids conscious through the entire process! What was your reaction as you read the unwinding of Roland?
I could not believe the process. It was a law to be kept awake??!!! Seriously??!!!! I was in total shock and disbelief.
Mod
It would have been much more violent and then Roland would have 'taken over'
43: Risa, Connor, and Roland risk their safety to save the admiral. Why do you think Roland turned them in? Were you surprised he told the cops about the graveyard? Were you surprised that the cops knew about the graveyard?
Roland was pretty nasty really to try and turn them in. And took a big risk with himself too (which backfired!). I was so shocked he was willing to hand over hundreds of kids for his own freedom.
I was surprised the cops knew. I guess it is the first 'crack' in the system that they are willing to turn a blind eye.
44: Connor's reputation just keeps growing and growing. The stories of the Akron AWOL have taken on an entity of their own. Connor is now the face of the rebellion! How'd you like Roland's reaction to Connor's title? What do you think of how he's being treated differently in Happy Jack and how the other kids all seem to look up to him?
I think kids like this are in a hopeless situation and this kind of story gives them hope. I was glad Roland realised the truth, kind of like a 'take that'. I have to say after his unwinding, I felt bad having those thoughts! lol
45: Risa seems to have a decent gig being in the band. She proves her worth yet again! Do you think this will save her for awhile?
How awful. Playing music while these poor kids walk down the 'red carpet'. The whole situation about this camp just made me sick. Atleast it is a way to not get on the unwinding list for a while!
46: Lev is back? and he's a clapper now? Did you see this coming? At least we're getting some answers on how clappers work finally.
Yes, I'm not surprised really. He was going to sacrifice himself anyway, now he has just turned that mindset into a 'greater good' in a different way!
47: Roland gets unwound! I actually felt bad for Roland for the first time this whole book. They keep the kids conscious through the entire process! What was your reaction as you read the unwinding of Roland?
Oh - this part made me sick, and I read it right before bed! I just couldn't beleive it which is why I wrote message 117
48: Lev and Connor ran into each other and Lev changes all his plans to try to save Connor. Maybe Lev is still good after all? Do you think he'll be able to save Connor from unwinding? Do you think he'll go through with blowing himself up?
I think Lev felt he owed this to Connor for saving him (and then turning Connor and Risa in). I did think he would blow himself up
49: Any wild predictions for the last segment of the book? I read it today. Crazy book. I can't beleive it is written for teens. Some really adult themes in it!!
@Karen38: I agree that the harvesting of kids seems like a quick fix version. Less medicine, longer lifespans, more comfort.
40: I thought Emby was replacing the son because of the asthma tie in when I first read this part.
@Laura28: I'm interested to see if you still like him at the end.
@Kristin34: That's my thought too. Why leave safety unless there's more to it then that?
38: The talk of people being greedy about their own parts really got me. You can force your kids to be unwound but refuse to give your parts up when you can't use them any more.
41: I think telling Connor would have caused more questions then answers with the whole Dunfee thing. Although I guess he could just say he adopted him or whatever without giving the whole story.
Sheila38: So true! The craziest solution is the solution that actually brings the sides together. The one no one thought would pass and it does. No sense!
41: So true. If they didn't feel so scared all the time even in this safe space and didn't feel so watched then maybe they wouldn't have rebelled like they did. The Admiral stated as his heart gave out that he messed up and I think that was part of it. Not enough answers.
@Kristin: That's why I had to finish the book! I just couldn't stop at that point. Wasn't going to happen. @Karen: That Roland scene was harsh to read through. Really. And it wasn't even graphic or anything! Like I say in today's questions, the one time I felt bad for Roland.
@SharieCrimson:35: I think that's the moment the story really took off for me, finding out the goldens were dead.
40: I never made the connection to the lung until the book told me. I'm slow I guess.
@Nancy: Seems like a lot of people couldn't stop reading so you're not alone!34: The graveyard, while being in the middle of nowhere, definitely sounds like more freedom.
42: I agree. Roland would have been bad news for that mob.
47: I had the same reaction! I guess staying conscious during the process plays into the being alive and conscious in pieces thing.
@Karen43: I like that train of thought. The first crack in the system.
45: I feel like the music was there simply to drown out the screams of the person walking toward the building. Just think if all the kids had to hear the screams every time.
Jex wrote: "@SharieCrimson:35: I think that's the moment the story really took off for me, finding out the goldens were dead.
40: I never made the connection to the lung until the book told me. I'm slow I ..."
I never thought about the lung until he said that his son had asthma, we're all a little slow sometimes :D
Questions for Chapter 63-End:50: Connor's time to face the carpet and he walks it with pride until the end. What did you think of the other kids reaction to the Akron AWOLs walk?
51: Mai's love died in the crate! No wonder she's so angry. It's amazing how easily one can turn hate to murder. Thoughts?
52: The guard is the one that starts the explosion because no one wants to go first. Makes you wonder if they would have ever gone otherwise? And of course Connor gets the credit for blowing up the building! Do you think Connor will become the official face of the revolution?
53: In the aftermath both Connor and Risa are safe from unwinding. Risa is paralized and Connor gets a new identity. Connor also gets the parting gift of Roland's arm! I don't know where the question is here...just OMG!
54: Lev turned hero. He saved Risa and Connor, managed to not blow himself up, and became the face of unwinding for the debates in the media. Has he redeemed himself yet? Were you surprised to hear that becoming a clapper actually saved him from unwinding and Marcus would be adopting him?
55: Turns out the Dunfees were collecting parts, but they weren't killing anyone to do it. Were you a bit creeped out by the hive mind thing that happened with the people at the party?
56: Connor has taken over the graveyard and they will no longer stay silent. Predictions for the sequel?
57: Overall thought about the book? Rating? Anything else you want to say that wasn't asked?
42. I can't even imagine. Crazy!43. Roland's anger towards Conner seemed like it was taking over his thoughts and he just wanted him caught and didn't think about how it could backfire. I was surprised the cops knew about the graveyard, but it kind of makes sense that they didn't care because it kept all of the Unwounds off the street.
44.I'm glad Roland found out who the Akron AWOL was, except I don't know if that pushed him into that fight with Conner or if the kids looking up to him now made Roland angrier.
45.She won't be unwound for awhile, but as they mentioned with the last keyboardist they had it will happen eventually.
46. For a second I thought Wait he's a tithe again?! because I had thought he was a clapper. Glad it's not true.
47. I couldn't believe that he had to stay conscious the whole time. I would have said screw the law put me under. The worst parts were when the nurse/surgeon said we won't be able to speak and you won't be able to blink anymore, you knew exactly what they were doing.
48. I think he will be able to save Conner. My perspective on Lev has really changed and I'll be sad if he dies.
51. It explains why she became a clapper, but what a horrible way to die and then to do that to someone else as revenge.52. I don't think they would've blown up because they would have been waiting for the other to go first. With all of the influence Conner has had on the unwinds already, I think he'll become the face of a revolution. They all really look up to him.
53. It's better than them all dying, but I just freaked out when I found out he had Roland's arm!
54. I'm not surprised that Marcus would try taking custody, I was sure he would be coming back. Lev definitely redeemed himself.
55. Yeah that was weird, but it was a nice creative thought.
56. I think there's going to be a whole new revolution.
57. I loved it! I gave it 5 stars, which is something that I usually don't do. It was so creepy and disturbing, that I couldn't put it down. It didn't have any slow parts. I want to go start the sequel.
Questions for Chapter 46-62:42: Connor proves himself a leader when he takes control of the mob. Any speculation on what would have happened if Roland got hold of the crowd?
I think Roland would have encouraged it. He wanted the Admiral to be taken down.
43: Risa, Connor, and Roland risk their safety to save the admiral. Why do you think Roland turned them in? Were you surprised he told the cops about the graveyard? Were you surprised that the cops knew about the graveyard?
Connor put Roland in a box. Roland might have done it any way. But that was not a good precourser to expecting Roland to be a good guy.
44: Connor's reputation just keeps growing and growing. The stories of the Akron AWOL have taken on an entity of their own. Connor is now the face of the rebellion! How'd you like Roland's reaction to Connor's title? What do you think of how he's being treated differently in Happy Jack and how the other kids all seem to look up to him?
I think it gives the kids hope. Akron AWOL did what all those kids wish they could have done.
45: Risa seems to have a decent gig being in the band. She proves her worth yet again! Do you think this will save her for awhile?
I don't know. I feel like the band is both great for her and horrible. I can't imagine how hard it must be to play music as people are taken to their death.
46: Lev is back? and he's a clapper now? Did you see this coming? At least we're getting some answers on how clappers work finally.
I kinda guessed he was going to be a terrorist. I did not know he was going to be a clapper, though it makes sense. I was not expecting them to be at harvest camp. But I also think it makes a lot of sense to blow up a harvest camp.
47: Roland gets unwound! I actually felt bad for Roland for the first time this whole book. They keep the kids conscious through the entire process! What was your reaction as you read the unwinding of Roland?
I cried. It was so sad. I can't even imagine. I am horrified that they keep people awake during it. Roland was restrained compared to the profanity that I would have been spewing. I think that being angry at everyone in that room would be the only way I would keep myself from crying
48: Lev and Connor ran into each other and Lev changes all his plans to try to save Connor. Maybe Lev is still good after all? Do you think he'll be able to save Connor from unwinding? Do you think he'll go through with blowing himself up?
I read til the end. So I won't make any predicts, but I will say that I never thought Lev was bad. I thought Lev was mad and that his whole reality was taken away from him. That would cause me to be so confused and disoriented and angry. I am not surprised he was trying to find away to respond to all of that.
49: Any wild predictions for the last segment of the book?
message 126:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Apr 08, 2013 02:58PM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Mod
I liked that he decided to do this. Not just for himself, but also so everyone else could see he was going with dignity
51: Mai's love died in the crate! No wonder she's so angry. It's amazing how easily one can turn hate to murder. Thoughts?
Yes, it is that debate about what creates a monster - is it innate or circumstance... if she hadn't been unwound and was able to be with her boyfriend would she still have ended up a violent person? It gave an interesting motive
52: The guard is the one that starts the explosion because no one wants to go first. Makes you wonder if they would have ever gone otherwise? And of course Connor gets the credit for blowing up the building! Do you think Connor will become the official face of the revolution?
Isn't it terrible that I was actually wanting one of them to do it to save Connor and hopefully destroy this horrible camp?! Shows how clever the writer is. I'm not sure they would've done anything otherwise, but they probably would have exploded by accident at some point as I can't see them admitting to being a clapper.
Connor has become the face, along with Lev (and maybe even Cy!) it seems
53: In the aftermath both Connor and Risa are safe from unwinding. Risa is paralized and Connor gets a new identity. Connor also gets the parting gift of Roland's arm! I don't know where the question is here...just OMG!
I had to laugh at this, because it is just so sick and twisted that it suited the book so well! I imagine in future books 'roland' will reappear in someone else. It must feel awful to be an unwind and then have those kids parts on you. I agree with Risa, if Connor had been conscience he never would have agreed to it.
Interesting that the law is that disabled people can't be unwound.
54: Lev turned hero. He saved Risa and Connor, managed to not blow himself up, and became the face of unwinding for the debates in the media. Has he redeemed himself yet? Were you surprised to hear that becoming a clapper actually saved him from unwinding and Marcus would be adopting him?
This was a really good continuation of the plot I thought. I didn't know how the writer was going to save Lev.
It does make you think that kids that don't want to be unwound may be copycats so they can't be unwound either.
I'm glad Marcus came back into the story, I was expecting it a bit earlier, but I thought it was fitting that he takes him when his parents refuse
55: Turns out the Dunfees were collecting parts, but they weren't killing anyone to do it. Were you a bit creeped out by the hive mind thing that happened with the people at the party?
Yes, that is very creepy.And must be so strange to see all these people with bits and pieces from your son
56: Connor has taken over the graveyard and they will no longer stay silent. Predictions for the sequel?
The sequel will be pretty interesting. Not running, but fighting. I'm not sure what to predict other than the graveyard will probably go into folklore and I wonder if the cops will raid it when they realise what is happening. I guess these kids are going to have to get armed.
I also saw there is a book 1.5 which is the story of what happens to Lev when he left the storyline in this book which would be pretty cool.
57: Overall thought about the book? Rating? Anything else you want to say that wasn't asked?
Thanks Jex for your questions and keeping the conversations going. I have really enjoyed the NBRC group for that reason. You just get so much more out of every book, and I would not have read this one otherwise as the concept was so disturbing!
I gave it 4 stars as I don't give many books 5. If possible it would have got 4.5 just for the ability to make you think. I struggled with reviewing it, and ended up summing it up as:
It is hard to believe this book is classified as 'Young Adult Fiction' because the themes are very adult.
There is a second civil war in America over the pro-life debate, and to end the war it is decided that you can't abort a feotus, but between the ages of 13-18 you can choose to send your child to be 'unwound' which means that they are harvested for parts which are donated to people needing new hearts, eyes, skin etc. The whole child is used and they are not considered dead but alive in a 'different' way!
So you can see this as another dystopian YA fiction book, or you can read it and be sickened, enthralled, disgusted and challenged. There is no mistaking this is a book that makes you think. Not just about the value of life, but also about how our society can choose the 'easy way' or the 'not my problem' way. People can see something and agree.."Yes, something is wrong, but it's not happening to me, so who cares", or "I won't get involved". And what kind of society does that make us? What kind of person have you become when you take that road?
Questions for Chapter 63-End:50: Connor's time to face the carpet and he walks it with pride until the end. What did you think of the other kids reaction to the Akron AWOLs walk?
I was not surprised. I mean they have nothing else to live for and he is their hero. Gotta fight back while you still can.
51: Mai's love died in the crate! No wonder she's so angry. It's amazing how easily one can turn hate to murder. Thoughts?
I felt so bad for Mai. I wish someone had been there to help her deal with her pain. It just seems like way too much for a teenager to handle on their own, hell it seems like too much for an adult to handle on their own.
52: The guard is the one that starts the explosion because no one wants to go first. Makes you wonder if they would have ever gone otherwise? And of course Connor gets the credit for blowing up the building! Do you think Connor will become the official face of the revolution?
I think so. He is the leader whether he wants to be or not. Might as well make some decisions if you are going to be associated with all of it.
53: In the aftermath both Connor and Risa are safe from unwinding. Risa is paralized and Connor gets a new identity. Connor also gets the parting gift of Roland's arm! I don't know where the question is here...just OMG!
I can't imagine what it would be like to have someone you hated give you their arm. That was just crazy. I am also surprised his arm was not blown up.
54: Lev turned hero. He saved Risa and Connor, managed to not blow himself up, and became the face of unwinding for the debates in the media. Has he redeemed himself yet? Were you surprised to hear that becoming a clapper actually saved him from unwinding and Marcus would be adopting him?
I was happy with the way Lev ended up. He had a messed up life. He should be a messed up kid. He needs therapy and a lot of unconditional love. It looks like his brother is a good start. And I am glad paster Dan is still fighting for him. It is a long, hard road to redefine what life means to you. But I have hope that Lev can do it.
55: Turns out the Dunfees were collecting parts, but they weren't killing anyone to do it. Were you a bit creeped out by the hive mind thing that happened with the people at the party?
Yes, I was creeped out by the hive mind. But I also thought it was a really cool idea to bring all those people together. To honor their son and remember him. His body did help a lot of people, not that I agree with unwinding, but at least these peoples lives were improved and they all came together to honor Harlan too.
56: Connor has taken over the graveyard and they will no longer stay silent. Predictions for the sequel?
I think they are going to start some civil disobedience and become politically active. I can't wait.
57: Overall thought about the book? Rating? Anything else you want to say that wasn't asked?
I enjoyed it. It was weird, but so thought provoking. I gave it 4*. I would recommend it to other people. I read to be challenged and this book challenged me.
I have read this book in the past. I gave it a five star rating then and I still feel the same way now. Its late and I don't really feel awake enough to answer any questions at the moment.
@SharieCrimson47: That part was horrible! Rethinking about it kind of makes me want to cry.
@Kristin47: I wonder how well they pay the staff that works with/on unwinds to make it worth it?
50: It does show how grown up he's become. Also proves his worth a bit to all of those that didn't believe he was worth anything.
51: I guess everyone was too focused on Roland and themselves to really care who it was that died.
52: Makes me wonder if Mai took 3 claps with a detonator if Blaine would have been able to detonate on his own without it since he thought he was so hard core? (without being shot that is).
57: Glad you liked the book!
@SharieCrimsonGlad you loved the book! I'm tempted to start the reading the sequel right away myself.
@Sheila47: I wonder if the drugs they had him on kept him in a calm enough state that he no longer felt angry.
@Karen51: You're right. It's amazing how much (or little) it can take to turn someone from good to evil.
52: If you're terrible then so am I! I was worried they weren't going to go through with it and Lev would have to do it or something like that.
53: My guess is that if you're disabled you're parts are deemed worthless or they can't use the full 99% (or whatever number) needed to make it legal.
57: I'm glad you enjoyed the book and the discussion! I loved your review.
@Sheila51: I wonder if Mai had found anyone other then Cleaver if she would have ended up differently, or if she would have went bad on her own.
53: Good point. They must have been stored in another area, or been shipped out before the explosion.
Mod
Questions for Chapter 63-End:53: In the aftermath both Connor and Risa are safe from unwinding. Risa is paralized and Connor gets a new identity. Connor also gets the parting gift of Roland's arm! I don't know where the question is here...just OMG!
Yeah! Didn't see that one coming! He will always have a reminder of Roland, good or bad!
54: Lev turned hero. He saved Risa and Connor, managed to not blow himself up, and became the face of unwinding for the debates in the media. Has he redeemed himself yet? Were you surprised to hear that becoming a clapper actually saved him from unwinding and Marcus would be adopting him?
I think he has redeemed himself. I actually ended up liking him at the end. :) I'm curious as to the sequel and what happens with the whole debate.
55: Turns out the Dunfees were collecting parts, but they weren't killing anyone to do it. Were you a bit creeped out by the hive mind thing that happened with the people at the party?
A little bit. The creepy part is that parts of the unwind live with the person who gets the body part....I still don't understand who thought that was a good idea. That's just really weird to me. Is Connor going to be more aggressive now that he has part of Roland??? I thought the gathering was actually kind of sweet though. The Dunfees finally got to celebrate with their "son" again.
BTW - were they keeping them all there together forever at the house??!!! Not sure it was really explained.
56: Connor has taken over the graveyard and they will no longer stay silent. Predictions for the sequel?
I think they will be planning something big. Can't wait to read it!
57: Overall thought about the book? Rating? Anything else you want to say that wasn't asked?
I hadn't heard of this book before the group read. I loved it and gave it 5 stars.
@ Karen:I'm up for a buddy read on the sequel!
I'd love that, I'm up for a buddy read
@Karen - I'm happy to do a buddy read on the sequel. I requested it from the library and am about 10th in line or so. Maybe sometime in May?
@Nancy55: I think maybe they were gathering intel on the parts and then threw this party once they found all the pieces? I don't know.
57: I'm glad you loved it!
message 142:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Apr 09, 2013 04:25PM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Mod
1.5 is only 92 pages. May start sounds good to me.
I can get #2 easily from the library, they don't have 1.5, but it is only $3 on kindle, so I'm happy with that.
Looks like #3 will be released in October.
Shusterman also has another series called the "skinjacker trilogy" which sounds pretty creepy!!
Skinjacker Trilogy: Everlost; Everwild; Everfound
Maybe we give that a go sometime mid year before #3 is released.
Oh I just checked out that trailer Kristin - very cool
I created the thread for Unwholly with a May 16th Start Date: CLICK HEREIf you'd like to read 1.5 we can do that as well. I'd be ok with purchasing it and doing it in between now and May 16th.
@Karen: I actually have an ARC copy of Everlost that I never got around to reading. Someday.
Could always nominate it as a BOM as well if it interests you.
Mod
Should we read 1.5 the week before?
Yes, I have alot of those 'someday' books too Jex... lol
@Kristin - I agree he is a good writer. I think I may look at it around July. Will probably need a bit of a break from him after 1.5 and 2. I imagine they will be pretty challenging emotional books!
Mod
LOST MY NET CONNECTION BUT I DID KEEP ON WITH MY READING SCHEDULE34: What do you think of the work calls? Would you want the chance to go work elsewhere or just stick to the graveyard until you hit 18?
I Would want to go elsewhere if possible rather than in the middle of the desert.
35: The Golden's were murdered! Were you surprised when Connor was chosen to help figure out the mystery?
Yes, I was. But as everything happens for a reason I was impressed with this turn of events.
36: Lev arrives at the graveyard! It seems like he has become a completely different person. What do you think of this secret club he joined? Do you think it has to do with the clappers? Do you think this is the first time Cleaver has done something like this to mess with the Graveyard (having the kids kill the goldens)?
I am surprised to see Lev has ended up there but knowing that it was cleaver actually makes me feel sad for Roland. But I wouldn't have guessed the whole clappers thing good guessing
37: The 3 kids in the group go off to Alaska. I have a feeling this is more then just a work call. Any predictions?
Since I now know what will happen I am refraining from answering this one.
38: We finally get some answers about the Heartland War:
There were 3 sides:
a) Life Army who was killing Dr's for performing abortions
b) Choice Brigade who was getting pregnant just to sell fetal tissue
c) American Army who was trying to keep the two sides from killing each other.
This sounds like today's pro life/choice debate just on a more drastic scale!
Also 2 awesome quotes:
"Everyone was so happy to end the war, no on cared about the consequences. "
"If more people would have been organ donors, unwinding never would have happened...but people like to keep what's theirs even after they're dead. It didn't take long for ethics to be crushed by greed."
Thoughts? Reactions? Comparisons to society now? (this whole section had me screaming at my book, I could debate it for days which is why I'm having trouble phrasing a question :-P )
Being a law student I did take part in a number of Abortion laws debate. There are a lot of pros and cons and as far as I have read they don't seem unreasonable especially if the abortion takes place before 3 months. Provided it does not encroach into the whole female foetucide issue. But try as I might I can't find the logic behind the whole agreements. I really like to go on but the faulty internet connection is leaving me with no choice
This is a great book, truly amazing. Sadly, I moved, so I gave a lot of my books, including this, away in four large boxes to my good friend. I know it's in good hands there, but I'm still a little down that I had to give my books away. Anyway. the theory of unwinding a human being is fabulously terrifying and that just made me wither in fear every time, yet I still think it's an amazing book.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize when I signed up for the challenge that this group reads YA or paranormal or whatever tag applies, so I didn't know that lit would be what I was joining. I'm so glad I wasn't aware of this because this isn't my favorite genre, so I might have skipped it. I now know that if I were going to get into this kind of lit, this was a very good place to start. So thanks go to who ever recommended this book. Excellent choice. It did seem like a shame to me if the author had spent so much time developing the themes he used for this novel not to explore them further in a series. I was pleasantly surprised to learn there are other books after Unwind. Included with my copy of Unwind was a preview of the next book in the series, and I was happy to see that what I learned from the first book continues here. I was pretty set in my reading choices following the same authors or genres for years. This group has made me aware of how much I've been missing. Thanks for teaching an old dog some new reading tricks. :-D gabby
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Feed (other topics)Unwind (other topics)
The Skinjacker Trilogy: Everlost / Everwild / Everfound (other topics)
Unwind (other topics)
UnStrung (other topics)
More...
27: Seattle is the best place! I've moved away twice but keep coming back!
31: It's funny because some people have the same idea about organ donation or even blood donation today. I won't give up mine even if I'm dead but I'll take someone else's to save my life.
32: I'm hoping we get to see more of what happens to Cy. I hope he gets fixed.