Game Changer
2021 • 400 pages
Ratings6
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings6
Average rating3.7
"A timely, speculative thought experiment in perspective, privilege, and identity." —Kirkus "The conceit behind Shusterman’s latest is truly unique. While it exhibits the author’s usual storytelling aplomb, it also manages to delve into more serious and timely subject matter, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Despite these heavy topics, the story still moves at a lively pace and, thanks to a zany sci-fi twist, manages to pack in a few laughs as well." —Booklist 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… This high-concept novel from the National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of the Arc of a Scythe series tackles the most urgent themes of our time, making this a must-buy for readers who are starting to ask big questions about their own role in the universe.
Reviews with the most likes.
I listened to this book.
This one is powerful - a thought experiment on what it is like to live in a different way, under different rules. It's a quick and easy ‘read' that also allows the reader to get outside themselves in so many games of ‘what if'.
I'll be honest, when I started this book, I was immediately put off by the main character being a football player - I thought I'd never be able to relate to the POV character because football seemed to be so important. But, that was just the first few minutes. We get into his world, and it becomes real human territory of uncertain relationships, messy real life.
What makes this story stand out is how much the reader feels the shock of what the POV character is experiencing - Shusterman doesn't tell us what is happening so much as let us fall into the experience of what is happening. I think it was well done-especially for reluctant YA readers who may relate to the actual POV character but not the other identities.
Is this book trying way too hard to be politically relevant and topical? Yes. Did I enjoy it anyway? Also yes.
