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Game Changer by Neal Shusterman - Jan 2023 Theme BOM (starts 16 Jan 2023)
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Date Chapters Pages MPDQs
16 Jan Ch 1 to 6 pg 1-96 Eldarwen
17 Jan Ch 7 to 13 pg 97 - 197 Judith
18 Jan Ch 14 to Ch 20 pg 198 -290 Kate S
19 Jan Ch 21 to end pg 291 - end Judith
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Judith (nominator)
Eldarwen
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Can write DQs.
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I am picking my copy up tomorrow. I can write questions if someone wants a day off. :)
I still don't have my copy; sorry, I can't help with DQs this time.
Mod
If you want, you can take day 3?
Entirely up to you though if you want to do DQs :-)
I will happily write a few questions on Jan 18 and cover chapters 14-20.
Mod
Mod
Chapters 1 - 6
1. Is this your first Neal Shusterman book? If yes, how are you finding the experience? If it isn't the first one, does the writing style meet your expectations of the author?
2. I admit to not having read the synopsis posted here on GR on the book's page, but just the smaller tidbit on the back of the paperback, which was less detailed. And I'm so curious, and often raising my eyebrows! Is the story what you were expecting, going into the book?
3. Ash makes a few very interesting points about perspectives, perceptions and in general, one's place in the world. Considering the changes from his original reality to the one where he is more privileged, would you say his place in the world, and indeed his life, has improved with this shift or no?
4. What to you make of Ash's various friendships? Especially the one with Leo, his best friend since they were very young. Friends since they could play ball together basically, and yet, Ash admits to not really wanting to see things from Leo's point of view when it would mean that he would constantly be angry. What does that make you think about the relationship they have to each other?
5. What do you think this latest reality shift is going to bring for Ash?
Mod
Chapters 1 - 6
1. Is this your first Neal Shusterman book? If yes, how are you finding the experience? If it isn't the first one, does the writing style meet your expectations of the author?
No, I've read the Arc of the Scythe series, Challenger Deep, and The Dry which he co-authored with his son. Yes and no. I'm finding this just a bit confusing, though I think we are supposed to be confused because Ash is confused too. It's very readable though which I find is typical of his books.
2. I admit to not having read the synopsis posted here on GR on the book's page, but just the smaller tidbit on the back of the paperback, which was less detailed. And I'm so curious, and often raising my eyebrows! Is the story what you were expecting, going into the book?
I was for some reason expecting him to be jumping bodies (like the show Quantum Leap or something). Not being himself in different realities. Though in hindsight it makes it easier for him to pull off blending in if he's at least himself.
3. Ash makes a few very interesting points about perspectives, perceptions and in general, one's place in the world. Considering the changes from his original reality to the one where he is more privileged, would you say his place in the world, and indeed his life, has improved with this shift or no?
I guess it depends on what you mean by improved. I much prefer his relationship with Hunter in the privileged reality and while money doesn't solve all your problems it can certainly help. But being a drug dealer? Makes him seem like he was a douchey person who didn't appreciate what he had and just wanted more and thinking he's entitled to it.
4. What to you make of Ash's various friendships? Especially the one with Leo, his best friend since they were very young. Friends since they could play ball together basically, and yet, Ash admits to not really wanting to see things from Leo's point of view when it would mean that he would constantly be angry. What does that make you think about the relationship they have to each other?
It's complicated I think, but then most real relationships are. I understand not wanting to be angry all the time, that's exhausting. But I also don't agree with trying to explain away the guard at the gate. I would of offered to file a complaint with the company or just filed the complaint anyway. That's just not okay. I think Ash needs to grow up some and Leo knows it. But if he doesn't soon I'm not sure their friendship will (or should) last. And going to a rally doesn't fix things if you don't try to really understand why the rally is necessary and what the real point of it is.
5. What do you think this latest reality shift is going to bring for Ash?
Maybe clue him in for real about racial issues and that having POC that are your friends/ at your lunch table isn't enough.
I'm guessing it's going to be an eye opening experience. Curious to see where Leo and Angela fit in to the newest reality.
DQ - Day 1Chapters 1 - 6
1. Is this your first Neal Shusterman book? If yes, how are you finding the experience? If it isn't the first one, does the writing style meet your expectations of the author?
This is not my first book by the author. I previously read the Unwind series. The writing style is similar in this book to those.
2. I admit to not having read the synopsis posted here on GR on the book's page, but just the smaller tidbit on the back of the paperback, which was less detailed. And I'm so curious, and often raising my eyebrows! Is the story what you were expecting, going into the book?
I also did not read the synopsis before starting this one. I had no expectations going into this book.
3. Ash makes a few very interesting points about perspectives, perceptions and in general, one's place in the world. Considering the changes from his original reality to the one where he is more privileged, would you say his place in the world, and indeed his life, has improved with this shift or no?
His material world has improved. He lives in a bigger house, drives a more expensive car and has more things. I am not sure his life has actually improved. His relationship with his brother does seem better. His parents are a piece of work. I can't decide if I should laugh at his descriptions, or cry.
4. What to you make of Ash's various friendships? Especially the one with Leo, his best friend since they were very young. Friends since they could play ball together basically, and yet, Ash admits to not really wanting to see things from Leo's point of view when it would mean that he would constantly be angry. What does that make you think about the relationship they have to each other?
I think plenty of relationships become comfortable. It's easier to keep doing what you have always done than to break out and find new friends and/or situations. His friends are the people he has played football with for much of his life. If he keeps playing football, he will keep being friends with the guys.
5. What do you think this latest reality shift is going to bring for Ash?
A new perspective. A shift in which his best friend has been replaced and most of his acquaintances have been whitewashed. Sounds like a chance to reevaluate his ideas.
Judith wrote: "But being a drug dealer? Makes him seem like he was a douchey person who didn't appreciate what he had and just wanted more and thinking he's entitled to it."There were a couple of comments about underlying personalities staying consistent across realities. I have a few concerns about our narrator's character, and I think this is an interesting observation.
I have been trying to let this go, but it is just too glaring for this football fan. I question our narrator's understanding of the game of football. On page 35, we get this doozy of a quote: "It was third down for the opposing team, first and goal." No, it wasn't. It was either third down or first down. It can't be both. Much of the remainder discussion of this game and its outcome is also questionable. This along with Ash's insistence through the first chapter that we do not believe him, makes me question much of what he is sharing. I am guessing this could be a symptom of his strange concussion-like condition. Otherwise, it is just sloppy editing.
Mod
This is something that really does concern me as well.
He did also state that he was jealous of Leo's possibilities and that he himself probably wouldn't be offered the same ones (scholarships to good schools, football in general).
But I also like that he did not at all like that he turned into a drug dealer in a comfortable lifestyle, where - in theory - he should have been happy with what it had.
Ash may not be the best kind of person in the original reality, but he does at least realise there is a problem with the person he has turned into in the second reality (and in the third one, too). Maybe eventually, he will realise that these are all somehow linked to his thought process in the reality he came from.
Mod
I have no idea how American football works, so I have no idea how much of what he is telling us is correct in that respect.
It might very well be sloppy editing, buuuuut, I do wonder if there really is something to this and the narrator is not at all reliable. Which I suppose is also something the author wants to bring across.
I can't help but wonder if the hit to the head in the original reality (or the first one) brought on a concussion or if Ash is suffering from serious brain damage, such as a tumour and is just imagining all of this.
I did research the red/blue stop sign because that bugged me so much! Haha.
Mod
But this seems like an easy fact check that should of been caught by someone during editing.
Mod
6.) "Cruelty must have come from holding hands with racism." What do you think about this statement? Do you think there is some truth to it?
7.) Ash makes a quest to find Leo in this reality. Would you of had the courage to do this as Ash? If you were Leo would you of talked to him? Believed him?
8.) Is it just me or is the whole Edwards thing just plain weird? And random, did it help the narrative or your understanding of what's going on with Ash?
9.) So far the majority of the focus has been on race with a smidge of gender issues. Now sexual orientation has been dumped on top. It's providing an interesting angle, but is Shusterman trying to include too many social issues? Is that his point?
10.) Okay. The end of this section produced an interesting thought experiment. A world where only 10% of the population was attracted to the opposite sex. What do you imagine that world to be like?
DQs Day 2 Ch 7 to 136.) "Cruelty must have come from holding hands with racism." What do you think about this statement? Do you think there is some truth to it?
This absolutely struck a nerve with me as well. It sounds like a chicken and egg situation. Which came first? But this quote made me think about how our internal goodness or cruelty allows racism in or not. I don't believe this is a universal truth, but in the 2020s it has to be a question one asks.
7.) Ash makes a quest to find Leo in this reality. Would you of had the courage to do this as Ash? If you were Leo would you of talked to him? Believed him?
I would not have had the courage to seek out Leo in the time Ash was living. I am a coward and have had to admit this to myself. I think being face to face with truths someone could not understand would have forced my hand to communicate with a stranger.
8.) Is it just me or is the whole Edwards thing just plain weird? And random, did it help the narrative or your understanding of what's going on with Ash?
It helped me to understand what is happening to Ash. This is more sci-fi than realistic fiction. Understanding a bit about the rules of the universe we find ourselves is helpful. The idea that the worst thing a human can hear is that they are the center of the universe made me laugh out loud.
9.) So far the majority of the focus has been on race with a smidge of gender issues. Now sexual orientation has been dumped on top. It's providing an interesting angle, but is Shusterman trying to include too many social issues? Is that his point?
I get the feeling that Shusterman is trying to equate all the issues as similar. People who shun people based on things they cannot control as evil feels like a theme. I am not convinced that tackling these issues as the same is successful. But choosing to approach them all with a single character is interesting. I do not spend a lot of time with young adult literature, maybe this is a way to include a larger audience.
10.) Okay. The end of this section produced an interesting thought experiment. A world where only 10% of the population was attracted to the opposite sex. What do you imagine that world to be like?
I am not interested in who one is interested in sexually. Without sexual activity happening with the opposite sex, babies are not naturally created. Labs do exist. If there were only a 10% interest in the opposite sex, I have to believe there would be a dearth of babies. Lab babies while viable and true, are expensive.
Eldarwen wrote: "I do wonder if there really is something to this and the narrator is not at all reliable. Which I suppose is also something the author wants to bring across.."This is how I am trying to explain it. I think it is good that our narrator is a defensive lineman. They are not viewed as the smartest on the field.
Judith wrote: "I'm not much of a American football fan either. We are not a sports watching household in general so it didn't register with me as an error. But this seems like an easy fact check that should of ..."
Unfortunately, this is true. It is easily checked. I have found other ways to view it and have tried to overlook it. But it has become an inside joke within my household.
Mod
6.) "Cruelty must have come from holding hands with racism." What do you think about this statement? Do you think there is some truth to it?
I think the social acceptance of some cruelty or other such type of behavior makes similar behavior more acceptable as well. Where do you draw the line? I think on many levels it's something society seems to be struggling with right now.
7.) Ash makes a quest to find Leo in this reality. Would you of had the courage to do this as Ash? If you were Leo would you of talked to him? Believed him?
I might of been able to find him but I likely would of chickened out about actually talking with him. I won't rule out random stalking of him at the grocery store. I'm half surprised Leo gave Ash the time of day let alone believed him.
8.) Is it just me or is the whole Edwards thing just plain weird? And random, did it help the narrative or your understanding of what's going on with Ash?
It threw me at first but it has settled in a bit and I think did help some things along.
9.) So far the majority of the focus has been on race with a smidge of gender issues. Now sexual orientation has been dumped on top. It's providing an interesting angle, but is Shusterman trying to include too many social issues? Is that his point?
Shusterman is throwing a lot in the pot and I'm thinking he might be including too much. But I guess I'll have to see how it lands at the end.
10.) Okay. The end of this section produced an interesting thought experiment. A world where only 10% of the population was attracted to the opposite sex. What do you imagine that world to be like?
A world like this would be really interesting. With kids potentially being a valuable luxury good. Fertility treatments, from personal experience, are expensive and not for the faint of heart. But I'm not sure that would hold true if 90% of the population needed it. And I wonder if a cottage industry would pop up where 2 different same sex couples would make agreements to have children together to skirt random sperm or egg donations.
{sorry my economist is showing}
Day 3Chapters 14-20
11. Is it necessary to encounter racism, sexism, or any other -ism firsthand in order to believe it exists? Or to understand what it looks like?
12. Ash has been told he needs to view a better life in order to fix his universe. Why is he not able to find that? What is it that keeps him discovering worse universes than his own?
13. Ash was told the worst thing a human can be told that they are the center of the universe. As a premise for this story, can you see that being true? In general, do you see that as a truth?
14. Are common wisdoms useless? Are they wrong or misleading more often than they are true? Is Ash viewing the world in a cynical way or a realistic way?
Mod
I'll see if I can catch up a little tonight, otherwise latest this weekend.
Mod
Chapters 14-20
11. Is it necessary to encounter racism, sexism, or any other -ism firsthand in order to believe it exists? Or to understand what it looks like?
No I don't think so, not to believe it's there or to be able to recognize it when you see it. I'm sure it helps in understanding the ramifications and especially those that aren't immediately apparent. Experience is often the best teacher. But firsthand isn't the only way to learn or understand social problems/injustices.
12. Ash has been told he needs to view a better life in order to fix his universe. Why is he not able to find that? What is it that keeps him discovering worse universes than his own?
Maybe because his head has been stuck up his own butt? I feel like in his initial universe he was willfully ignoring problems because it would inconvenience his life in some way. So the shifts keep taking him to extreme universes until why and how these problems are problems sinks into his brain.
13. Ash was told the worst thing a human can be told that they are the center of the universe. As a premise for this story, can you see that being true? In general, do you see that as a truth?
Yes, for this story I think it allows him to see the problems in a different way and that they are in fact problems. Maybe also that it's a slippery slope, that one change (say the Brown v. Board of Education decision) creates and entirely different world to live in.
I think in real life being the center of the universe would give someone a really warped sense of self.
14. Are common wisdoms useless? Are they wrong or misleading more often than they are true? Is Ash viewing the world in a cynical way or a realistic way?
I don't think common wisdoms are useless but I don't think they are always true or remain true over time. Wisdom shouldn't be confused with facts. It can be a useful perspective or something to consider but it's not the be and end all of a situation.
I think Ash might be doing a bit of both. My knee jerk reaction to the last question was he's viewing the world like a teenager. A blend of cynicism, realism, and righteousness that only youth seem to be able to pull off.
Mod
Ch 21 to end
15.) And now a gender swap. Honestly, I laughed out loud at “If we guys knew what we girls thought about our junk, we’d be far less impressed with ourselves”. Would you want to swap genders for a day?
16.) I found Shusterman’s discussion about the complexity of abusers insightful and fairly on point based on what I saw happen to a friend. Why are we so willing to look past the obvious at so many types of domestic abuse? Do you think the “it’s a family matter, stay out of it” mentality is starting to change?
17.) Did you find the conclusion satisfying? Did you enjoy the book?
18.) I saw in the afterward that the book was picked up by Netflix. Would you watch the show?
Mod
6.) "Cruelty must have come from holding hands with racism." What do you think about this statement? Do you think there is some truth to it?
I think so, yes. I don't think one could go without the other. And if we take this in relation to Ash's family, wasn't it his father's dad who was the racist, and so Ash's father might have had that spark of cruelty and racism grow inside him for a while, but with it being furthered in this world, it's only now that Ash realises this is the case.
7.) Ash makes a quest to find Leo in this reality. Would you of had the courage to do this as Ash? If you were Leo would you of talked to him? Believed him?
I definitely would have tried to find him. If in the end, I would have had the courage to talk to him is a different matter entirely. Besides, trying to talk to someone and then still wanting to talk to that person after they made it pretty difficult for you, is a different matter again! And I think Leo made it fairly difficult for Ash, demonstrating that he wasn't all that interested in talking, but Ash persisted well enough so at least listening to what Ash had to say was the least Leo could do. Believing him... well, it does sound rather far-fetched, doesn't it? But what do you do when someone tells you things they couldn't know?!
8.) Is it just me or is the whole Edwards thing just plain weird? And random, did it help the narrative or your understanding of what's going on with Ash?
When the skater(s) popped up, I thought they might have an impact on the story - which, fair enough they do - but it's just plain weird, I agree. But no, it didn't really help the narrative for me, though it of course explained a few things. I just find their interactions extremely odd and a tad annoying almost.
9.) So far the majority of the focus has been on race with a smidge of gender issues. Now sexual orientation has been dumped on top. It's providing an interesting angle, but is Shusterman trying to include too many social issues? Is that his point?
It may indeed be his point. Because when you look at society the way it currently is, there is a whole lot of things wrong with it. And, like Kate said, having all these issues faced by a single character is an interesting take to have it all fit a certain theme. It's a way of showing that there isn't just one issue that needs to be dealt with, omitting others, but that there is a fundamental issue with the way certain people think and/or perceive the world.
It wasn't however the direction I thought this new reality was going to go into. I was almost expecting a world where the race issue was taken a step further and different coloured people no longer existed at all. You know, in a more extreme version of the reality he was in before he popped up in the one where Ash himself is gay and facing different social issues from a more personal angle.
10.) Okay. The end of this section produced an interesting thought experiment. A world where only 10% of the population was attracted to the opposite sex. What do you imagine that world to be like?
Either it would be, as the Edwards say, that nature always finds a way (imagine pregnant men), or there would be a lot less population issues. If this were something that happened not only at the moment of Ash entering that new reality but was already an existing phenomenon for decades or even centuries, then Ash might potentially erase himself in the process of going into that reality.
Or, if it happened in today's world, then there would be a whole lot of people who would try to make an inordinate amount of money out of the fact that some couple could not conceive naturally since same-sex couples do have a few missing ingredients. Black markets would strive. Poverty would become even more of a thing. Kidnapping, greed and murder as well.
Mod
Chapters 14-20
11. Is it necessary to encounter racism, sexism, or any other -ism firsthand in order to believe it exists? Or to understand what it looks like?
You don't have to encounter it to know or believe it exists, but personal experience is often the only way people realise that there is more to certain things than theoretical knowledge.
12. Ash has been told he needs to view a better life in order to fix his universe. Why is he not able to find that? What is it that keeps him discovering worse universes than his own?
The fact that he's lived his whole life in semi-ignorance probably does not at all help because he is realising how much is wrong with his original reality, even if it is better than the ones he keeps moving to every time he shifts. Deep down, he is probably afraid. Afraid of what he's been doing wrong, afraid of what could go wrong, afraid of what might have gone wrong through the meddling in the other worlds.
13. Ash was told the worst thing a human can be told that they are the center of the universe. As a premise for this story, can you see that being true? In general, do you see that as a truth?
Generally, the people who think the world revolves around them are assholes, so yes, it probably isn't the best thing you could tell someone. But like with a lot of things, it depends on a person's personality. Some of Ash's friends would probably have taken it very differently from him and would have used it to their advantage; for Ash, it just seems to do his head in and he isn't enjoying the experience, except for certain aspects.
14. Are common wisdoms useless? Are they wrong or misleading more often than they are true? Is Ash viewing the world in a cynical way or a realistic way?
Being cynical or realistic doesn't necessarily exclude the other. I think there is a mix of both. Even if the realistic part isn't always the one that comes to him naturally.
As for the common wisdoms, some are definitely true, some more like.. guidelines if you will. There is a reason after all why they are common wisdoms even after many years, even if some of those sayings may have aged somewhat over time.
Mod
Ch 21 to end
15.) And now a gender swap. Honestly, I laughed out loud at “If we guys knew what we girls thought about our junk, we’d be far less impressed with ourselves”. Would you want to swap genders for a day?
Sure, I'd swap for a day. I think it would be interesting to be something other than me for a day. But just for a day, I like being me.
16.) I found Shusterman’s discussion about the complexity of abusers insightful and fairly on point based on what I saw happen to a friend. Why are we so willing to look past the obvious at so many types of domestic abuse? Do you think the “it’s a family matter, stay out of it” mentality is starting to change?
I certainly hope so but that knee jerk reaction to stay out of it is still there. And for people that have never experienced abuse I think it's really easy to overlook the obstacles and just say "why don't you just leave?" Not understanding they may not have anywhere to go.
17.) Did you find the conclusion satisfying? Did you enjoy the book?
The book was fine and discussed some interesting things. But not my favorite Shusterman by any means. I think there were too many issues trying to be tackled so none of them were dealt with completely. Though as I'm typing this, I'm think maybe that was the author's point? It's never going to be perfect, but you can do your part to make it better?
18.) I saw in the afterward that the book was picked up by Netflix. Would you watch the show?
We don't watch a lot of TV and when it's on, it's typically kids shows/movies. But if I heard good things about it, I might give it a go. I think it would either be amazing or really dumb, with a setup like this I think it's a fine line in pulling the concept off correctly.
Mod
Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Mod
Ch 21 to end
15.) And now a gender swap. Honestly, I laughed out loud at “If we guys knew what we girls thought about our junk, we’d be far less impressed with ourselves”. Would you want to swap genders for a day?
Ah.. no, I don't think so.
That quote did make me laugh as well! And Ashley's description of said junk as well when she saw it for the first time.
16.) I found Shusterman’s discussion about the complexity of abusers insightful and fairly on point based on what I saw happen to a friend. Why are we so willing to look past the obvious at so many types of domestic abuse? Do you think the “it’s a family matter, stay out of it” mentality is starting to change?
It probably is, yes, but it isn't just that. It's the problem that some people who are in such a situation/relationship are not necessarily willing to listen; and sometimes realisation comes too late. Apat from, as you said Judith, that for someone who doesn't know what it is like, would often not understand what all is involved with "simply leaving". Shusterman's portrayal however was indeed insightful. Make-up as a mask, a protective measure so to speak, was an aspect I had not considered, just like Ash, when it was mentioned that Layton's girlfriends wore more make-up after a while. I jumped to a nastier conclusion as well.
17.) Did you find the conclusion satisfying? Did you enjoy the book?
The conclusion was sort of satisfying. Layton's end less so. I mean, I would have liked to see him get his, but in the sense of a verbal lashing from Katie, for example, about how his idea of a relationship was a toxic thing, but not this. This seemed kind of harsh.
As for enjoying the book.. yes, to a certain extent, but I somewhat lost interest towards the end for some reason and I wasn't feeling this pull to pick up the book whenever I had a spare moment. Instead, I went and did other things, which is why I am only now finally finishing this book. There were some really good quotes however, and lots of food for thought, which is what I expect from a Shusterman book.
18.) I saw in the afterward that the book was picked up by Netflix. Would you watch the show?
I probably would. I could see the story working as a show - a short one!
Mod
All it takes is one hit on the football field, and suddenly Ash’s life doesn’t look quite the way he remembers it.
Impossible though it seems, he’s been hit into another dimension—and keeps on bouncing through worlds that are almost-but-not-really his own.
The changes start small, but they quickly spiral out of control as Ash slides into universes where he has everything he’s ever wanted, universes where society is stuck in the past…universes where he finds himself looking at life through entirely different eyes.
And if he isn’t careful, the world he’s learning to see more clearly could blink out of existence…
Nominated by Judith