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Shusterman, Neal - UnWholly (Unwind #2) Buddy Read - May 16th
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(last edited May 24, 2013 01:42AM)
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Date Chapters Pages Questions
May 16th Unstrung All Jex
May 17th 1-3 3-71 Jex
May 18th 4-12 71-124 Kristin
May 19th 13-21 124-191 Karen
May 20th 22-35 191-242 Karen
May 21st 36-47 243-292 Sheila
May 22nd 48-67 292-342 Jex
May 23rd 68-End 342-402 Jex
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Yeah!! I already got the book. I am in. I don't think I will be reading Unstrung though.
I'm in! Have been postponing this one out of... fear I guess. I reckon I'll bawl again like a nincompoop. Group hugs will help, lol.
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First one was certainly hopeful, even through the worst parts. I still cried like a child :D
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Kristin wrote: "I stumbled upon Bruiser by Shusterman and I have this book but I haven't started it yet. He is a great writer if we are still thinking about his books weeks after we read them."
Yes! I can't get his works on paper here, and I've been dying to buy them since I first read Everlost.
I'm on a student budget, so I buy around 5% of the books I read (afterwards too). That's how much I've liked everything I've read of him.
Yes! I can't get his works on paper here, and I've been dying to buy them since I first read Everlost.
I'm on a student budget, so I buy around 5% of the books I read (afterwards too). That's how much I've liked everything I've read of him.
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My copy of this just came in to the library. I'll pick it up on my way to work and post the reading schedule tomorrow.We'll also read UnStrung first starting May 16th and lead straight into UnWholly. Unstrung is an ebook only book that anyone that wants can pick up and join in. Otherwise just join in when we start the main book.
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Date Chapters Pages
May 16th Unstrung All
May 17th 1-3 3-71
May 18th 4-12 71-124
May 19th 13-21 124-191
May 20th 22-35 191-242
May 21st 36-47 243-292
May 22nd 48-67 292-342
May 23rd 68-End 342-402
How did Lev Calder move from an unwillingly escaped Tithe to a clapper?
In this new ebook original short story, author Neal Shusterman opens a window on Lev's adventures between the time he left CyFi and when he showed up at the Graveyard.
Lev's experiences on a Hi-Rez, an extraordinarily wealthy Native American Reservation introduce him to a teen with remarkable musical talent... and whose gifts are destined to end up in the hands of another. And it is this teen's heart-breaking story that inspired Lev to choose the clapper's path.
Pulling elements from Neal Shusterman's critically acclaimed Unwind and giving hints about what is to come in the long-awaited sequel, UnWholly, this short story is a must for fans of the series.
Links to buy: $1.99
Amazon
Nook
who all picked up the ebook?
I have Unwholly and will start it on the 17th. Looking forward to it!
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I am reading Unwholly on 17th. Unstrung doesn't look that appealing :)
I did not realize Unstrung was apart of the series. Oh well, I might read it later. I started unwholly and I am excited to finish it.
Questions for UnStrung1. We get a look at another side of unwinding from the eyes of the reservation. Unwinding is not allowed nor can they use the parts of others. Thoughts? Reactions? Is this anywhere close to where you saw Lev ending up?
2. Animal to human transplants? Why would society not want to use that? So much better to unwind your children then put a dirty pig heart in your body, right?
3. Parts pirates! I never really thought about a black market of unwinding, but it makes sense that there was one. What was your reaction the parts pirates showing up on the reservation? (I almost cried at Wil's last words!)
4. "As he looks at his hands, he begins to see a purpose for his applause. It's a powerful purpose that will make his anger known...and tear the world to shreds" - The moment that Lev realized that being a clapper was an option. Thoughts?
5. New unwinding technology? Just think of how much money someone would pay to buy the ability to play guitar or the knowledge to do math or ability to kicbox, whatever! It's like the matrix with surgery! What ability would you want if you could get one?
6. What questions do you have that are still unanswered about Lev? Anything else you want to say about novella?
@Sheila: Unstrung is a short novella that tells Lev's side of the story after he left Cyfi and before he rejoined the story in Unwind. It goes along side the novels but you won't miss anything per se by not reading it.
Also, if anyone is interested in helping with Daily Questions, feel free to sign up to take a day! I'm happy to write them, but it's always fun to see what questions others come up with :-)
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited May 16, 2013 10:49PM)
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I loved this. Another part of the unwinding 'world'. And more new terms! I did not see Lev being here. I assumed he just mixed in with some radicals so it was surprising, but I guess also gave him more motivation to be a clapper
2. Animal to human transplants? Why would society not want to use that? So much better to unwind your children then put a dirty pig heart in your body, right?
Yeah, really. I liked that this was included as it was a question in my mind. If they have technology to unwind humans, why not just create organs or use animals? I found it interesting that indigenous people who are seen as "uncivilised" are the ones that refuse to use children parts
3. Parts pirates! I never really thought about a black market of unwinding, but it makes sense that there was one. What was your reaction the parts pirates showing up on the reservation? (I almost cried at Wil's last words!)
Yes, the author has really given this some thought. It was one of those "d'uh" moments for me. Of course this would happen! why hadn't I thought of it?! lol
This was such an uncomfortable scene. I hated that Will was taken, but admired him for sacrificing himself.
4. "As he looks at his hands, he begins to see a purpose for his applause. It's a powerful purpose that will make his anger known...and tear the world to shreds" - The moment that Lev realized that being a clapper was an option. Thoughts?
Yes. I think this is where Lev first gets an inkling of this. No wonder he has so much rage after all he has seen and been through
5. New unwinding technology? Just think of how much money someone would pay to buy the ability to play guitar or the knowledge to do math or ability to kicbox, whatever! It's like the matrix with surgery! What ability would you want if you could get one?
Yes, awful though. It was one thing where they were taking parts to save people's lives, but now it is just a pick and choose to make yourself "better". I guess it is the natural evolution to such a sick practice.
I can't say I'd want any human abilities, but I would like to have Jedi powers...lol
6. What questions do you have that are still unanswered about Lev? Anything else you want to say about novella?
I expected a little more about how Lev became a clapper, but to be honest, having this part it is now a natural progression for him to get into that crowd at the airplane graveyard and I can see why he did it. I liked the novella. It is the first I have read in a series (usually I just ignore them), but I'm glad I read it as I hope that Wil comes into Unwholly story somehow. I don't remember Lev referring to a guitar player in Unwind, so I assume we will see that in Unwholly. I am also SO glad we didn't get another unwinding scene! It was bad enough when it mentioned that Wil couldn't feel his feet anymore. I thought the novella was a great way to get "in the mood" or Unwholly! :)
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I'm happy to do a day if you like. You mods do so much! Just let me know :)
Questions for today are coming soon I promise! Sorry for the lateness!@Kristin: Do you want to do Saturday's questions?
@Karen: Is there a day that works better for you to do questions?
@Karen: 5. I think we would all like Jedi powers...maybe that technology comes in book 3?
6. I was worried they were going to go through the whole unwinding scene again. I couldn't take another one! Teh novella was definitely a great plug into the story of Lev's life.
@Kristin:1. It was weird to find out they were able to opt out, but then again reservations have some different rules even today.
6. I was hoping they'd show that too. I wanted to know how he got from the Res to the graveyard and what happened after he left the graveyard on his work expedition thing? This at least answered some of the questions.
Amanda wrote: "I really wish I could read UnWholly with you all, but I am 11th on the waiting list at my library."Hopefully everyone will turn books in quickly so you can join in!
Questions for Unwholly Chapter 1-3:7. Odds for unwinds: 1 in 2000 kids not including StaHo kids. That's a lot of kids! What'd you think of the negation clause that was read to Starkey when the juvey cops came for him?
8. The advertisements throughout the chapters are crazy! How do people sympathize with these? Voluntary unwinding to provide for your family? Don't waffle just unwind now! Want to get thin? Replace your heart! Want a skill? Grab a piece of brain! "When you love them enough to let them go." "Carefully ease them into a soothing divided state." "The divided state? Wow. What an adventure!" Thoughts?
9. Neuroweave technology - the latest and greatest in brain transfers. Is there a subject you would want implanted in your brain? (I wonder if the Neuroweave technology is the same technology introduced in Unstrung.)
10. What are your thoughts and impressions of Starkey? Will he be problematic in the future?
11. I can't believe that Miracolina was given the option to live and still chose being unwound! That's some serious dedication to her religion. Thooughts and impressions on Miracolina?
12. The hot topics in this book seem to be that the age has dropped to 17, there is now an organ shortage causing the black market, and a new petition for a 6 month waiting period after signing an unwind order. Bounty hunters, parts pirates, juvey traps, rewards for AWOLs...it seems like society has changed a bit since we last saw it. Even the Anti-Divisional Resistance is pulling tricks to catch AWOLs in hopes of saving them. Do you think the changes are working toward the better or is society getting worse?
13. Lev is back saving tithes! Looks like he'll have a big role in this book as well.
14. Sounds like Cam got Wil's hands!!!! And we meet the lady that was in Wil's unwinding room. (from Unstrung). Such a waste of great parts, to create a life from nothing but pieces to ...what...prove you can?
15. Did Cam get a part of Roland? Is that why he recognizes the picture of Risa? So many questions!
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No, I don't mind - whatever works for you. :)
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited May 17, 2013 11:18PM)
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I found that interesting that he was in "violaton" of a code. Interesting that they become a criminal because their parents sign the orders.
8. The advertisements throughout the chapters are crazy! How do people sympathize with these? Voluntary unwinding to provide for your family? Don't waffle just unwind now! Want to get thin? Replace your heart! Want a skill? Grab a piece of brain! "When you love them enough to let them go." "Carefully ease them into a soothing divided state." "The divided state? Wow. What an adventure!" Thoughts?
I thought these were very clever. I could never understand why parents would unwind children. And not that it is any easier for me to get it now, I think these ads give us a glimpse into the society and the "normalising" of this unwinding behaviour. It is all made out to be a benefit to everyone. I hope at some point the author introduces parents POV that regretted their decision (I know there was the Admiral in the last book, but his way of dealing with it was a bit extreme.).
9. Neuroweave technology - the latest and greatest in brain transfers. Is there a subject you would want implanted in your brain? (I wonder if the Neuroweave technology is the same technology introduced in Unstrung.)
I think it is that technology from Unstrung. I can't imagine ever thinking it was a good idea to take parts of someone else's brain! But if I did, I would want to know alot of languages :)
10. What are your thoughts and impressions of Starkey? Will he be problematic in the future?
he is the new Roland I think. Funny how you start feeling empathy for the guy and then realise he is another bully and I thought "no wonder they wanted him unwound".... oh no.. I've turned into one of them...lol
11. I can't believe that Miracolina was given the option to live and still chose being unwound! That's some serious dedication to her religion. Thooughts and impressions on Miracolina?
very much like Lev. I really felt for her parents though and I hope we hear more about them (as per my comment in 8)
12. The hot topics in this book seem to be that the age has dropped to 17, there is now an organ shortage causing the black market, and a new petition for a 6 month waiting period after signing an unwind order. Bounty hunters, parts pirates, juvey traps, rewards for AWOLs...it seems like society has changed a bit since we last saw it. Even the Anti-Divisional Resistance is pulling tricks to catch AWOLs in hopes of saving them. Do you think the changes are working toward the better or is society getting worse?
So far I think it is clever where the writer has taken this. Of course there would be repercussions for what happened in Unwind, and when society takes something away there will always be people fighting to keep it. Look at what happens with whaling - it is illegal but there is still a market in Asian countries. Even if unwinding is made illegal, the black market will probably continue.
13. Lev is back saving tithes! Looks like he'll have a big role in this book as well.
Yes, I'm glad he is still around
14. Sounds like Cam got Wil's hands!!!! And we meet the lady that was in Wil's unwinding room. (from Unstrung). Such a waste of great parts, to create a life from nothing but pieces to ...what...prove you can?
This is probably the most disturbing part. why make a whole person from parts. Are they testing it out in order to make the "perfect" human for warfare? Interesting plot line.
15. Did Cam get a part of Roland? Is that why he recognizes the picture of Risa? So many questions!
Hmmm... I didn't think Roland, I at first was thinking one of the kids that was at Happy Harvest Camp but I'm not sure who. I guess it could be Roland? That would be weird if he then meets Connor (which we can only assume will happen!!)
Questions for Unwholly Chapter 1-3:7. Odds for unwinds: 1 in 2000 kids not including StaHo kids. That's a lot of kids! What'd you think of the negation clause that was read to Starkey when the juvey cops came for him?
The one that basically says that he doesn't exist anymore?!! It was crazy.....starting this second book reminds me how crazy the whole "unwinding" process was from the first book!
8. The advertisements throughout the chapters are crazy! How do people sympathize with these? Voluntary unwinding to provide for your family? Don't waffle just unwind now! Want to get thin? Replace your heart! Want a skill? Grab a piece of brain! "When you love them enough to let them go." "Carefully ease them into a soothing divided state." "The divided state? Wow. What an adventure!" Thoughts?
I was in disbelief as I was reading too. It's scary to think that people think this is okay....hopefully this is NOT a glimpse of what our world will be like in the future!
9. Neuroweave technology - the latest and greatest in brain transfers. Is there a subject you would want implanted in your brain? (I wonder if the Neuroweave technology is the same technology introduced in Unstrung.)
No....it's just a crazy concept. Like the wealthy women I see on "The Real Housewives of...." (yes, I shamefully admit that those shows are like a guilty pleasure!). If you don't like a body part, get it cosmetically changed. IT's sick to think that people can now do that with their brains. That's why there are books. So people can read and learn about things they don't know about and actually "learn." And just like cosmetic surgery is today, this unwinding thing is totally a class divider. NOt everyone can afford to buy unwound parts, just like not everyone can afford to change what they physically don't like about themselves. Okay, think I'm done with my ranting now!
10. What are your thoughts and impressions of Starkey? Will he be problematic in the future?
He seems very impulsive and hot-headed with a temper. I think it's going to cause problems in the Graveyard. He's caught up with his fame for shooting the Juvies and I think he's going to use that to his advantage at the Graveyard.
11. I can't believe that Miracolina was given the option to live and still chose being unwound! That's some serious dedication to her religion. Thooughts and impressions on Miracolina?
A little bit annoying honestly. Who wouldn't choose life over being unwound?
12. The hot topics in this book seem to be that the age has dropped to 17, there is now an organ shortage causing the black market, and a new petition for a 6 month waiting period after signing an unwind order. Bounty hunters, parts pirates, juvey traps, rewards for AWOLs...it seems like society has changed a bit since we last saw it. Even the Anti-Divisional Resistance is pulling tricks to catch AWOLs in hopes of saving them. Do you think the changes are working toward the better or is society getting worse?
It seems like society is getting worse. No one seems to be happy. Now AWOLs have to be especially careful out there.
13. Lev is back saving tithes! Looks like he'll have a big role in this book as well.
Yes. Although I didn't read the mini novella I was glad to see him back.
14. Sounds like Cam got Wil's hands!!!! And we meet the lady that was in Wil's unwinding room. (from Unstrung). Such a waste of great parts, to create a life from nothing but pieces to ...what...prove you can?
I didn't read Unstrung and I am having difficulty remembering from the Unwind about what's going on here. Is Cam someone new or was he from Unwind? He sounds familiar but it seems like he's an experiment for scientists to put together the best "model" of human they can.
15. Did Cam get a part of Roland? Is that why he recognizes the picture of Risa? So many questions!
Possibly. He got so many parts!
Questions for Unwholly Chapter 1-3:7. Odds for unwinds: 1 in 2000 kids not including StaHo kids. That's a lot of kids! What'd you think of the negation clause that was read to Starkey when the juvey cops came for him?
That was quite the clause. I wonder how that plays out legally. It doesn't seem like it should be legal to take away a persons rights without them being guilty of something. The kids being unwound just have parents who don't want them any more.
8. The advertisements throughout the chapters are crazy! How do people sympathize with these? Voluntary unwinding to provide for your family? Don't waffle just unwind now! Want to get thin? Replace your heart! Want a skill? Grab a piece of brain! "When you love them enough to let them go." "Carefully ease them into a soothing divided state." "The divided state? Wow. What an adventure!" Thoughts?
The advertisements give me the heebie jeebies. But I guess it makes sense. People are benefiting from unwinding, so there are going to be people advertising to encourage others to do it. I also like how it gives us an insight into the country's mindset. What does the average person see on tv.
9. Neuroweave technology - the latest and greatest in brain transfers. Is there a subject you would want implanted in your brain? (I wonder if the Neuroweave technology is the same technology introduced in Unstrung.)
Neuroweave sounds so weird. You never need to learn stuff again. You can just implant it in your brain. Weird! Also, if people think that the current American culture focuses too much on instant gratification. This takes that to the n'th degree.
10. What are your thoughts and impressions of Starkey? Will he be problematic in the future?
Possibly, probably. I can't tell yet. He seems more like Roland than like Connor. But it would be a boring story if Starkey was another Connor. We will have to see what all happens.
11. I can't believe that Miracolina was given the option to live and still chose being unwound! That's some serious dedication to her religion. Thooughts and impressions on Miracolina?
I think Miracolina has invested so much of her personality and life story into being a tithe that she can't imagine changing. A lot like Lev. Right now I am bored with her because I feel she is just Lev reincarnate. I hope her storyline becomes more interesting.
12. The hot topics in this book seem to be that the age has dropped to 17, there is now an organ shortage causing the black market, and a new petition for a 6 month waiting period after signing an unwind order. Bounty hunters, parts pirates, juvey traps, rewards for AWOLs...it seems like society has changed a bit since we last saw it. Even the Anti-Divisional Resistance is pulling tricks to catch AWOLs in hopes of saving them. Do you think the changes are working toward the better or is society getting worse?
Change is never easy. People don't have to experience the same health problems any more and if they ever get rid of unwinding then people will have to deal with the fall out. Medicine will have to change dramatically and that takes time.
13. Lev is back saving tithes! Looks like he'll have a big role in this book as well.
I am interested in what he is doing. Lev was so confused last time we saw him. Or at least in Unwind. I want to see why he is not in prison and then how he came to his decision to save tithes. Because tithes don't really want to be saved. Not that they should not be saved, but he has a lot of work to unbrainwash them.
14. Sounds like Cam got Wil's hands!!!! And we meet the lady that was in Wil's unwinding room. (from Unstrung). Such a waste of great parts, to create a life from nothing but pieces to ...what...prove you can?
I feel so bad for Cam. I can't imagine what it would be like to not have a history. But to also have a lot of histories. Cam has no family, no religion, no culture and yet he has all those memories from other peoples lives. WEIRD
15. Did Cam get a part of Roland? Is that why he recognizes the picture of Risa? So many questions!
I don't think so. I thought Cam got a part of one of Risa's bandmates.
Thanks Kristin! @Karen: Do you want to do sunday or monday?
Grrr..I just typed out a long response to Karen's answers and goodreads lost it. I'll respond later.
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I'm easy. How about I do the 19th and then if you need another day towards the end then I can do that too
Don't you hate it when that happens with GR? I've started to type long stuff into notepad and then copy and paste!
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Wow. I wonder if other countries (like mine!) have that kind of law. I'll have to look it up. It surprises me that if those laws are still in existance they would have had the unwinfd accord, but then I guess Storking is just an extension of that
17. What do you think of Connor's rescue mission? I thought it was very telling how Connor made the parents write down why they chose for their child to be unwound and the threat of the identity cocktails. Someone can give their child up for reasons of personal hygeine; are there no limits? If they don't like the way their child looks can they be unwound? I wonder about Connor's parents now. I am hoping we get to see how what their life is like now.
Yes, I liked that he wanted answers from them. I think with all that advertising and "normalising" of this practice the parents don't really think it through. I wonder if Connor's parents know he is alive?
18. I found in interesting that the disabled aren't unwound. Is is because they are in a way "damaged"? Do you think Risa regrets not taking the spine from the Unwind? It seems to have created some problems for herself and her relationship with Connor (though I like the fact that she didn't take it).
I remember in Unwind they said if Risa did take a spine, then they would immediately unwind her afterwards. Now she is 17 I guess that wouldn't happen, but how could you take a spine knowing that you escaped that same fate? I think she made the right decision. I don't think she regrets the decision, but she regrets what it means for their relationship
19. I also wonder why the kids are at the Graveyard. If there is such an organ shortage but then there are hundreds, what used to be thousands, of kids just sitting in a desert. Why do you think they are leaving them alone?
I've been thinking this same thing. I keep waiting for the parts pirates or Juvies to come and round them up. 700 kids has to be worth alot of money
20. I see Connor still has issues with Roland's arm. I think it would be difficult to be in his position but then to be scared of part of your body and what it could do.
agreed, but he doesn't have an option. If he has it removed then it kind of puts Roland's "sacifice" to waste
21. I wonder what the deal is with the ADR and not helping the Graveyard kids. Either the ADR isn't capable of helping the Unwinds or there is something else going on. I almost feel like the Graveyard is one huge experiment.
Yes, me too. I keep waiting for the "surprise!" here.
22. Oh Starkey. I was hoping he would prove me wrong and end up being a good guy but it doesn't look like it. Connor did save a storked baby but apparently that isn't good enough for Starkey. I don't think he would be a very good leader and it seems like everything he does is only to make himself feel more powerful. He sounds like a sociopath.
I think he is like Roland, but much much clever-er (is that a word?lol). I agree about being a sociopath.
23. I might not remember this but what did Hayden mean when he said "Last year didn't count" in reference to him being 17? If he is 17 can't he leave the Graveyard and Connor?
I wasn't sure about that either. Maybe he thinks giving this year is kind of like a social service for appreciation that he wasn't unwound?
24. Wow! So now every teenager is even more at risk. They have to make sure they don't make their parents mad but they also have to watch out for traps set out by parts pirates. Sounds like a pretty scary world for 13-16 year olds. But didn't anybody see this coming? Why would the Black Market only want AWOL's when they could get any healthy teenager? And wouldn't they want some of the "good" teenagers because they would be better people to be divided into other people...
Very scary. I wonder if people are aware of this happening or if it is being hidden. If people knew this was going on, surely they wouldn't keep supporting unwinding?
25. The whole idea that you can keep changing body parts until you find what you are happy with is absurd to me. There should some sort of limit and wouldn't that be doing more harm to your body having repeat multiple surgeries especially on eyes.
Terrible isn't it?! I wonder how the eyes will play out. I'm assuming he has eyes of someone that will recognise one of the unwinds, or that kid's parents, or something of that nature.
Questions for Chapters 4-12 16. So I looked up the article that was in the beginning of Part 2. Nebraska does a safe haven law that allows children (which they consider up to the age of 19) to be left. What do you think of that? Do you think the government wouldn't have made up the Unwind Accord if there will safe haven laws such as that still in affect?
I'm surprised. 19 seems so old. But they have storking which seems like a safe haven type thing but parents don't have a choice whether they want to raise the child that was storked to them.
17. What do you think of Connor's rescue mission? I thought it was very telling how Connor made the parents write down why they chose for their child to be unwound and the threat of the identity cocktails. Someone can give their child up for reasons of personal hygeine; are there no limits? If they don't like the way their child looks can they be unwound? I wonder about Connor's parents now. I am hoping we get to see how what their life is like now.
It seems like parents need some counseling before they choose to have their child unwound. After Connor talked to the parents they almost seemed to regret their choice but it was too late. In a lot of cases I think parenting workshops and advice/support groups for those with "difficult" children might be a more healthy alternative.
18. I found in interesting that the disabled aren't unwound. Is is because they are in a way "damaged"? Do you think Risa regrets not taking the spine from the Unwind? It seems to have created some problems for herself and her relationship with Connor (though I like the fact that she didn't take it).
I thought they mentioned in the book that it was like a saving grace for them since they were already "damaged" or something similar to that. But yes, otherwise I'd think it was because they were damaged, depending on the disability. I guess if they really got desperate they'd pick/choose only the parts in "sellable" condition. Sickening even typing this!
19. I also wonder why the kids are at the Graveyard. If there is such an organ shortage but then there are hundreds, what used to be thousands, of kids just sitting in a desert. Why do you think they are leaving them alone?
I think there's something being planned/going to happen. Especially with the ADR committee slowing down deliveries.
20. I see Connor still has issues with Roland's arm. I think it would be difficult to be in his position but then to be scared of part of your body and what it could do.
Agreed. It's hard not to look at that arm and remember the horrible things it's done.
21. I wonder what the deal is with the ADR and not helping the Graveyard kids. Either the ADR isn't capable of helping the Unwinds or there is something else going on. I almost feel like the Graveyard is one huge experiment.
I mentioned above that I definitely think they have something planned.
22. Oh Starkey. I was hoping he would prove me wrong and end up being a good guy but it doesn't look like it. Connor did save a storked baby but apparently that isn't good enough for Starkey. I don't think he would be a very good leader and it seems like everything he does is only to make himself feel more powerful. He sounds like a sociopath.
Yeah, I didn't have a good feeling about him from the beginning. He's definitely out for himself and the storked kids.
23. I might not remember this but what did Hayden mean when he said "Last year didn't count" in reference to him being 17? If he is 17 can't he leave the Graveyard and Connor?
I was confused about that too....
24. Wow! So now every teenager is even more at risk. They have to make sure they don't make their parents mad but they also have to watch out for traps set out by parts pirates. Sounds like a pretty scary world for 13-16 year olds. But didn't anybody see this coming? Why would the Black Market only want AWOL's when they could get any healthy teenager? And wouldn't they want some of the "good" teenagers because they would be better people to be divided into other people...
Well that would be really scary to think that any teenager could be abducted for parts. Maybe because AWOLs were already destined to be unwound it doesn't matter as much since the end result is the same....people getting their body parts????
25. The whole idea that you can keep changing body parts until you find what you are happy with is absurd to me. There should some sort of limit and wouldn't that be doing more harm to your body having repeat multiple surgeries especially on eyes.
Yeah, that's kind of disturbing. You don't like a certain part, or it's not working to your expectations and you have the money, you can get a newer/replacement one??!! Again the whole concept of this book is so frightening and disturbing to me!
Questions for Chapters 4-12 16. So I looked up the article that was in the beginning of Part 2. Nebraska does a safe haven law that allows children (which they consider up to the age of 19) to be left. What do you think of that? Do you think the government wouldn't have made up the Unwind Accord if there will safe haven laws such as that still in affect?
No. I think that a safe haven law like that encourages unwinding. The government has enough trouble with foster care and child services without adding older kids who have capable parents. I find it just as appalling that a parent would decide to get rid of their 16 to the state as it is to unwind them. Like Connor said- You don't give up on your kids. You never stop trying.
17. What do you think of Connor's rescue mission? I thought it was very telling how Connor made the parents write down why they chose for their child to be unwound and the threat of the identity cocktails. Someone can give their child up for reasons of personal hygeine; are there no limits? If they don't like the way their child looks can they be unwound? I wonder about Connor's parents now. I am hoping we get to see how what their life is like now.
I don't think the parents need to give a reason to unwind their kids. They can unwind them because the kid is the right age and they are the legal guardian. I think it is important though for the parents to really think about why they are getting rid of their kid.
18. I found in interesting that the disabled aren't unwound. Is is because they are in a way "damaged"? Do you think Risa regrets not taking the spine from the Unwind? It seems to have created some problems for herself and her relationship with Connor (though I like the fact that she didn't take it).
People with a disability are not unwound because they are a protected class. I think Risa regrets needing assistance from people. I don't think she regrets not taking the spine from an unwind. She wants a ramp. She wants to be independent. Lots of people with disabilities are independent and Risa seems to have figured out what she needs to do to get by.
19. I also wonder why the kids are at the Graveyard. If there is such an organ shortage but then there are hundreds, what used to be thousands, of kids just sitting in a desert. Why do you think they are leaving them alone?
I would guess that they are going to take them soon.
20. I see Connor still has issues with Roland's arm. I think it would be difficult to be in his position but then to be scared of part of your body and what it could do.
I really feel for Connor. I wish he would tell Risa. Maybe they can figure it out together.
21. I wonder what the deal is with the ADR and not helping the Graveyard kids. Either the ADR isn't capable of helping the Unwinds or there is something else going on. I almost feel like the Graveyard is one huge experiment.
I think the ADR is falling apart. They don't have the resources or the leadership to do everything they are trying to do.
22. Oh Starkey. I was hoping he would prove me wrong and end up being a good guy but it doesn't look like it. Connor did save a storked baby but apparently that isn't good enough for Starkey. I don't think he would be a very good leader and it seems like everything he does is only to make himself feel more powerful. He sounds like a sociopath.
I don't know about Starkey. I feel like he is really angry and his way of dealing with his anger is to go after authority. A lot of his problems at home were about him trying to punish people for slights against him. I hope that someone wises up to what he is doing soon.
23. I might not remember this but what did Hayden mean when he said "Last year didn't count" in reference to him being 17? If he is 17 can't he leave the Graveyard and Connor?
I think he wants to stay in the Graveyard. I think he is 17 and he feels useful and needed in the Graveyard. He is not as self-centered as he tries to sound.
24. Wow! So now every teenager is even more at risk. They have to make sure they don't make their parents mad but they also have to watch out for traps set out by parts pirates. Sounds like a pretty scary world for 13-16 year olds. But didn't anybody see this coming? Why would the Black Market only want AWOL's when they could get any healthy teenager? And wouldn't they want some of the "good" teenagers because they would be better people to be divided into other people...
I am not surprised.
25. The whole idea that you can keep changing body parts until you find what you are happy with is absurd to me. There should some sort of limit and wouldn't that be doing more harm to your body having repeat multiple surgeries especially on eyes.
I think it takes plastic surgery to a whole new level. You are unsatisfied with yourself and now you can just replace it. I mean it is a natural progression. I think this whole society needs to figure out what is important in life. It seems really shallow.
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26. Connor struggled with the idea of being the leader of the graveyard. Although he has a fake ID and could go an disappear if he wanted to, he stays to be involved with the ADR. Do you agree with his choice? What would you do?
27.Only 14 kids with the latest plan shipment. Do you think the ADR is just very disorganised and isn't able to get to kids before the parts pirates/juvies, or are not as many kids being signed ovr for unwinding, or is the ADR intentionally not finding AWOLs?
28.Trace is a Juvie! Would you trust him?
29.Cam is released to the media as the first composite human. I was surprised, as I thought this would be a secret. Do you think Connor is right and they made Cam just because they can? I found the comment by one of the journalists that Cam was "no more human than a football is a pig" interesting. Do you agree?
30. So we discover that Cam was on the bus with Risa when she was being shipped for unwinding. I am guessing she will become Cam's companion. Why do you think Risa swapped with Dylan?
31. Part four begins with another news article: http://www.bioedge.org/index.php/bioe...
I love how the author disperses these through the book. Euthanasia is such a controversial topic. Do you think unwinding is a 'natural progression' of harvesting organs when someone is euthanised?
32. we finally get more information about Lev and his life since the end of Unwind. I choked up when Pastor Dan was killed! Were you surprised about Marcus' choice and Lev's reaction to it?
Questions for Chapters 13-2126. Connor struggled with the idea of being the leader of the graveyard. Although he has a fake ID and could go an disappear if he wanted to, he stays to be involved with the ADR. Do you agree with his choice? What would you do?
I think he is grateful for how the graveyard helped him and he's trying to help all of the other AWOLs. I think I'd be done with everything and go somewhere private to live my new life!
27.Only 14 kids with the latest plan shipment. Do you think the ADR is just very disorganised and isn't able to get to kids before the parts pirates/juvies, or are not as many kids being signed ovr for unwinding, or is the ADR intentionally not finding AWOLs?
Something is going on with the ADR....not sure what though. Not sure why the drop in numbers though. Some are definitely being being caught by pirates.
28.Trace is a Juvie! Would you trust him?
Was so surprised to discover this! I think I would trust him though. He didn't have to let Connor know and he respects Connor. So I think that he will be a help.
29.Cam is released to the media as the first composite human. I was surprised, as I thought this would be a secret. Do you think Connor is right and they made Cam just because they can? I found the comment by one of the journalists that Cam was "no more human than a football is a pig" interesting. Do you agree?
I'm not sure if I agree. He has all the body parts, but none of the thoughts are his own. I don't see the purpose of creating Cam. It must have been super expensive and a lot of work. All to say, "look what we can do?"!!!
30. So we discover that Cam was on the bus with Risa when she was being shipped for unwinding. I am guessing she will become Cam's companion. Why do you think Risa swapped with Dylan?
Yeah, I'm thinking he's going to want Risa as his companion. I think Risa swapped because she made a promise to Dylan and she wants to make good on it. She's probably upset about the last two injured AWOLs being sent to harvest camps.
31. Part four begins with another news article: http://www.bioedge.org/index.php/bioe...
I love how the author disperses these through the book. Euthanasia is such a controversial topic. Do you think unwinding is a 'natural progression' of harvesting organs when someone is euthanised?
If someone is terminally ill and wants to die then harvesting their viable organs is much more humane than the unwinding process.
31. we finally get more information about Lev and his life since the end of Unwind. I choked up when Pastor Dan was killed! Were you surprised about Marcus' choice and Lev's reaction to it?
I was surprised at Marcus choosing harvested organs since he seemed against the whole unwind process in the beginning. plus, he's now under control of their parents since they paid for the organs. I was more upset that the parents want nothing to do with Lev. He's on his own now....so sad!
Questions for Chapters 13-21 26. Connor struggled with the idea of being the leader of the graveyard. Although he has a fake ID and could go and disappear if he wanted to, he stays to be involved with the ADR. Do you agree with his choice? What would you do?
I don't think he sees it as much of a choice. He wants to be useful and a part of something. Also I think Connor would think he was being incredibly selfish. Not to mention what would he do? Unwinding is his cause.
27.Only 14 kids with the latest plan shipment. Do you think the ADR is just very disorganised and isn't able to get to kids before the parts pirates/juvies, or are not as many kids being signed ovr for unwinding, or is the ADR intentionally not finding AWOLs?
I don't know. The representative who talked to Connor was worried the Graveyard would be compromised. I wonder if the ADR is trying to find another place to send kids. But it also seems like the ADR is falling apart, so maybe they are only finding a few AWOLs.
28.Trace is a Juvie! Would you trust him?
I trust him for the time being. He could be really useful to Connor if he is actually on Connor's side.
29.Cam is released to the media as the first composite human. I was surprised, as I thought this would be a secret. Do you think Connor is right and they made Cam just because they can? I found the comment by one of the journalists that Cam was "no more human than a football is a pig" interesting. Do you agree?
I think they made Cam just because they can. I mean that is science a lot of times. You have a question and you try to answer it. I am interest in how human Cam is. Because he seems quite human. But I am not sure. The soul question is interesting. I have no answers at this point, just lots of mulling it over.
30. So we discover that Cam was on the bus with Risa when she was being shipped for unwinding. I am guessing she will become Cam's companion. Why do you think Risa swapped with Dylan?
If Risa could protect someone she will. And that is horrible that the nurse was just going to lie to them and then send him to be unwound. I really can't imagine Risa doing anything different.
31. Part four begins with another news article: http://www.bioedge.org/index.php/bioe...
I love how the author disperses these through the book. Euthanasia is such a controversial topic. Do you think unwinding is a 'natural progression' of harvesting organs when someone is euthanised?
I understand the argument you can make for it. I think the crucial difference between euthanasia and unwinding is that euthanasia is voluntary. The person being euthanatized has decided that they want that. Where as all the people being unwound have no say in the matter.
31. we finally get more information about Lev and his life since the end of Unwind. I choked up when Pastor Dan was killed! Were you surprised about Marcus' choice and Lev's reaction to it?
No. Marcus was going to die without the unwind organs. He wanted to live. And Lev wanted his brother to live. It is a hard situation. But it is made harder because doctors don't know how to save damaged organs anymore. If Marcus had not accepted the new organs he would have died because the doctors don't have the skills to try to save him the old way.
If you still need people to write questions I can help out with that.
Mod
26 - I think I'm with you!
29 - Agree. I can't imagine there isn't another, more sinister, reason for doing this
30 - I wondered if there is also a part of herself that thinks she isn't "worth it" now she is disabled? I was very surprised she swapped
31 - True. Although Lev's parents wrote him off at the end of the last book. Still hard to see it replay again (and the fact there is another tithe in the family!)
I just posted the video at the top of our group for this one and want to read it so badly. *Sigh*
Mod
26 - You are right. What else would he do?
29 - True, that is science. I wonder about the soul also. You have to question how he has one. And if he does, that really messes with alot of people's spiritual beliefs.
31 - yes euthenasia is voluntary, but the risk is coersion. That is why it is illegal in many countries. How do we know people won't feel obliged to 'sign up' to stop being a burden to their families, so their kids get their inheritance, so someone else can get their organs etc.... Very sticky ethical issue
32 - Agree. Part of 'beating' unwinding is that they need to re-introduce "old" techniques of fixing people, not just replacing parts
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
UnWholly (other topics)UnSouled (other topics)
UnSouled (other topics)
UnSouled (other topics)
Leviathan (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Neal Shusterman (other topics)Neal Shusterman (other topics)
Neal Shusterman (other topics)
This thread is to discuss UnWholly by Neal Shusterman. Be prepared for spoilers.
Synopsis:
It’s finally here. The long-awaited sequel to the bestselling Unwind, which Publishers Weekly called a “gripping, brilliantly imagined futuristic thriller.”
Thanks to Connor, Lev, and Risa—and their high-profile revolt at Happy Jack Harvest Camp—people can no longer turn a blind eye to unwinding. Ridding society of troublesome teens while simltaneously providing much-needed tissues for transplant might be convenient, but its morality has finally been brought into question. However, unwinding has become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests that want to see it not only continue, but also expand to the unwinding of prisoners and the impoverished.
Cam is a product of unwinding; made entirely out of the parts of other unwinds, he is a teen who does not technically exist. A futuristic Frankenstein, Cam struggles with a search for identity and meaning and wonders if a rewound being can have a soul. And when the actions of a sadistic bounty hunter cause Cam’s fate to become inextricably bound with the fates of Connor, Risa, and Lev, he’ll have to question humanity itself.
Rife with action and suspense, this riveting companion to the perennially popular Unwind challenges assumptions about where life begins and ends—and what it means to live