Ratings16
Average rating3.2
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.
This was so good! It took me a bit to get into it - it felt like nothing was happening. The small shifts in each world change made for really interesting ideas and understandings of people and the world. Really excellent.