Game Changer

Neal Shusterman
46 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2021

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Book Brief

Neal Shusterman

Game Changer

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

United States • Contemporary

Theme
Apathy

•

Coming of Age

•

Self Discovery
Topic
Sports

•

LGBTQ+

•

Race & Racism
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Quill Tree Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In Neal Shusterman's Game Changer, Ash Bowman, a high school football player, begins shifting between alternate realities after experiencing a heavy collision on the field. Each new universe challenges his understanding of identity, privilege, and morality. Throughout his journey, Ash explores various social issues and learns to empathize with diverse perspectives. The novel addresses themes of identity and social justice, including discussions of gender, social class, sexuality, race, and disability.

Challenging

Mysterious

Emotional

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

3.7

10,567 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Neal Shusterman's Game Changer intrigues with its mind-bending premise and thought-provoking exploration of privilege and identity, gaining praise for its creativity and relevance. However, critiques highlight a somewhat disjointed narrative and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it's a bold, imaginative work that sparks significant reflection and discussion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Game Changer?

Readers who would enjoy Neal Shusterman's Game Changer are typically young adults and teens who appreciate thought-provoking, speculative fiction. Fans of books like Scythe by Neal Shusterman and They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera will find its blend of social issues, alternate realities, and gripping narrative appealing.

3.7

10,567 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

An American teenager and football player who serves as the protagonist; he navigates shifting between different realities, exploring aspects of identity and self-awareness in the process.

Ash's best friend, known for his success as a quarterback and his ability to challenge Ash's perspectives, offering consistent support while navigating systemic issues and personal growth.

A classmate and longtime friend of Ash, she is a cheerleader in a relationship with Layton; she understands the complexities of Ash's experiences across universes.

The star quarterback who is known for his competitive nature and controlling behavior in his relationship with Katie, providing a contrast to Ash's character.

Ash’s math tutor and friend, who becomes his boyfriend in one of the alternate universes, adding depth to Ash's understanding of relationships and identity.

Mystical beings taking the form of teenagers, serving to guide Ash through the intricacies of universe shifting while maintaining the balance of realities.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

United States • Contemporary

Theme
Apathy

•

Coming of Age

•

Self Discovery
Topic
Sports

•

LGBTQ+

•

Race & Racism
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Quill Tree Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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