[Jade]

Hey guys! This is the RESTART "Book Club" thread, an idea proposed by the awesome Marlo! Basically we're just discussing a chapter a day, starting on June 2nd. I wanted to make the new thread since the first one was getting buried by all of the new posts. Here's our most recent Book Club, for SLUGFEST: https://gordonkorman.com/forum?t=23967

Thank you Marlo for getting everyone together! Can't wait to see y'all so soon!

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

I’m so glad to take part in this book club! Several years ago, I changed my stock response when people ask what books Gordon Korman is known for. I used to say the Macdonald Hall series, and later the Island trilogy or Slacker series. Now, I usually say RESTART, because everyone has heard of it. Probably not a big surprise given RESTART’s apparently permanent spot on the New York Times’s Best Sellers list of middle grade paperbacks.

RESTART has an iconic cover. The broken glasses are worthy of some comments on their own (I’ll get back to that) but the cover design also ushered in a new look for Scholastic’s treatment of GRK books that has continued at least seven years since RESTART’s release. Since then, most Scholastic-original Korman covers have had a one-color background with a single, simple (and often symbolic) image. Broken glasses on RESTART… toy soldiers on WAR STORIES… paper chain on LINKED… fallout shelter welcome mat and stairs on THE FORT… bike with backwards shadow on MIXED UP… Groucho glasses on FAKER. Even the fonts are “branded” for these books, with a freehand all-caps font that is consistent on these titles, and a unique treatment of the author’s name that started with this cover and has carried over.

I come to this book club already familiar with the story: I read RESTART when it was originally released and have more recently listened to the audiobook. When RESTART came out, I had read most of GRK’s previous books and was already familiar with his style. And my worldview as an older reader is much more Dr. Fitzwallace or Tina Ambrose (adult) and less Chase Ambrose or Shoshanna Weber (student). So I’m really interested to read everyone’s impressions of the book based on unique perspectives.

Which brings up a topic I want to know more about. Okay, about those broken glasses: Did pre-amnesiac Chase bully some nerd by breaking his glasses? Or are the broken specs symbolic of his own tumble off the roof? The image is immediately recognizable and compelling… it definitely makes me want to see what the book is about… but iirc Chase doesn’t wear glasses, so I’m not sure it actually represents the story all that well.

I’ll check back in later with some thoughts on Chapter One, but I wanted to at least get the discussion started!

[Jade]

Hey guys! Sorry this is super late, I kinda forgot a bit… but I’m so excited for this! Glad to see Raymond posted, I read. So, chapter one! First of all, amazing introduction. I was hooked from the start. This Chase kid seems pretty interesting. Not knowing who even his mom was made me really sad. He must feel so lonely and confused. I would probably cry so much if I couldn’t even remember my best friends! But… it introduces some pretty cool stuff. I don’t know what to think about his dad, but it’s interesting to see the dynamic between this half of Chase’s family. It makes me interested in figuring out who Corrine & Helene are. But the weird memory of the tiny blonde girl? Now THAT brought a lot of intrigue for me. Page-turner fo sho!

Yeah, i don’t know about the glasses. I thought Chase wore glasses for the longest time. I wonder…I have thoughts on them but they come up later.

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Good point on Chase feeling confused, Jade. Just trying to get a grasp on what amnesia is is hard enough... actually experiencing it has got to be terrifying.

I've heard Gordon Korman talk about the book a bit in some author presentations, and he mentions how odd amnesia is. Patients suffer at different degrees, and so the story had to help readers understand quickly how bad Chase's memory loss was. He could still remember what words mean and he could form new memories, which isn't true for all amnesiacs. Dr. Cooperman is such a great tool for exposition: His explanations to Chase and his family about amnesia really serve to educate the reader!

I'm with you on Frank Ambrose, Jade. I'm not ready to form an opinion yet, but calling his older son a wimp and being rude to his ex-wife aren't a good start.

It would be impossible to read the first chapter and not want to continue. Really strong! And what a perfect ending to the chapter: "What kind of person am I?" 

One final note: I had forgotten that the chapter narrator's name appears in the footer next to the page number. Hey @Scholastic, you should do this all the time. It's a good reminder of who's "talking" if you set down the book and pick it back up a couple hours later. That's not a hypothetical. Maybe I have a really mild case of short-term amnesia?

[J.R.]

Hey everyone

I have returned from my travels of this far land to realize oh man I don’t have a copy so I will catch up on chapters this week once I can get the book from a library.

[Logan]

I am also pretty late with my thoughts, but I just read chapter one after not reading this book since early 2022.

I mostly forgot most of it, not because it was unforgettable, just because I have a bad memory and it has been a while.

Anyways, starting on the cover I have always been intrigued. I have no idea what the glasses mean and don’t have an educated guess either. I have always loved the simple but effective font.

This is a great intro to the book, I thought I wouldn’t be able to be pulled in for a second time, but again Gordon Korman never disappoints. It can hook you in and make you think of some questions.

Some of mine: Why does the relationship with Chase and his dad feel different from Johnny and his dad?

Why is Helene so scared? 
Why does Corrine seem in such a hurry to go?

Another thing that interests me is the ages. In every book I love to think about, if unsaid, the ages of characters.

More specifically, I wonder what range Johnny and Corrine are around. 

I really like how the accident is dealt with. I always feel it so intriguing; Something huge and painfully drastic happens to you and it feels like a second away sitting in the hospital. In chases case, not knowing why he is in there.

That is all I have to say. I have to agree about the dynamics, very interesting so far.

[Marlo]

Chapter 1 was so good for my second time reading it. Logan, I mostly forgot the book too.

The description was so nice. When you start a book, it’s like you are blind and the author has to be your eyes. By the end of the first chapter, I had 20/20 vision.  

Jade, that’s exactly how I would summarize the chapter. Nice job. Thank you for calling me awesome.

[Jade]

Guys (and Gord), is Corrine "cor-in" or "cor-een"? I was thinking "cor-een" because it rhymes with Helene, and moms do that sometimes, but what is it?

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

I personally think it is pronounced “cor-in” because my neighbor has the same name and is pronounced that way. I also don’t know if I have ever met someone with their name pronounced “cor-een”.

Feel free to pronounce it in your head however you want, but that’s just the way I say it in my head.

[Marlo]

Cor-een. 100%

[Raymond Jardine]

Shoshanna Weber is a force of nature.

Chapter 2 does a lot:

  > The text message conversation is a cool way to introduce Shoshanna and bro Joel, the reason for his residence at the boarding school, and their mutual hatred of “Alpha Rat” Chase Ambrose.

  > The chapter gives us the names of a bunch of characters, including the two guys from Chase’s phone photo.

  > It provides some backstory on Joel’s harassment and why he went away to school.

  > It gives us a couple of locations: The main story seems to be in the town of Hiawassee (Georgia ???), plus Joel is at the Melton school in Connecticut.

  > Thanks to Shoshanna's comments, we know Chase is a sports star and Joel is a musical prodigy (two of my favorite Korman character types!).

  > We find out there’s a big grey area between Shoshanna’s daydream about pushing Chase off a roof and doing nothing at all—with “decorate the enemy with fro-yo” fitting nicely in there.

  > Through Shoshanna’s perspective, we find out Chase is out of the hospital. And, even though she doesn’t really understand it yet, we get a big hint Chase is probably still suffering from memory loss. I swear he looked at me like he’d never seen me before in his life.

Anyone else give any thought to the mid-chapter separators? There was one in Chapter 1, and then another on page 17 in this chapter. They look like this:

<------------- X ------------->

I wonder if the designer meant for that to represent choices. Wherever we are, we have the option to pick from different paths. And Shoshanna chose to go down the path of giving Chase a vanilla-and-chocolate-sprinkle hat.


@J.R.: Looking forward to your comments. Hope you can catch up quickly!

@Logan: That is a great list of questions! I bet GRK is thrilled when his stories raise that much suspense in just the first chapter—because anyone who is intrigued will want to keep reading to find the answers! I definitely wondered about Corinne and Helene’s eagerness to leave so quickly after Chase got home.

@Marlo: Love that thought about the author being your eyes! What a neat way to think about storytelling.

@Jade: I think most people named Corinne pronounce it cor-INN. The double “n” makes the preceding vowel short. But if you spell it Corrine with only one “n,” I’d probably say cor-EEN.

 

[Jade]

I wonder how long it took Gord to write this chapter since it was so good! It introduced a lot of things with good pacing and it answered quite a few prominent questions, like beginning to answer "Who is Chase Ambrose?" Yeah, I'm pretty sure this is set in the Georgia town, so that got me really excited since the fictional Chase Ambrose would live in the same state as me! Yay! Love some Georgia representation. Raymond, to answer your question, I don't really like the separators in general, but they work really well in this story; I didn't notice anything when reading. However, my thoughts:
- Shoshanna is flipping crazy. She's the one who needs to go to the doctor. She's what? Thirteen? Why is she imagining killing Chase? Yeah, he was a bad guy, but c'mon! Murder? She's nuts!
- I really like her personality though. She's the type of girls I'd be friends with, if not best friends.
- Also, what kind of name is Shoshanna? It's so interesting and pretty. I looked it up and it's Hebrew, so are her and Joel Jewish? It wouldn't be surprising. I just don't see those names often, especially not Shoshanna. (And I really don't want to give her any nicknames. Her name is just so pretty when you say all of it; sorry "Shosh"!)
- This chapter was interesting. Not as interesting as number one, but enough to get me wishing I could see Chase's thoughts again. I like the texting format and it was done pretty well. A shocker for 10-year-old me to read, but now, I'm used to it and think it's cool.
- Shoshanna is NOT cool for dumping the FroYo on Chase's head. That was not cool. At all. But I'm very biased; I really like Chase from chapter 1 and I never knew the Chase that tormented my (baby?) twin brother.
- Overall, I like Shoshanna's personality but I don't like her much at all. Want more Chase. Now!

Be blessed,
Jade

[Jade]

Also, sorry for the late replies:
- Marlo, no problemo, because you ARE awesome. Everyone on here is! (Except the Russian spam?)
- So, I've come to the consensus that her name is pronounced "cor-inn". However, I think it's really cute that "cor-een" and "heh-leen" rhyme, so I am just going to call her both. "Cor-inn" when alone, and "cor-een" and "heh-leen" when talking about mom and daughter. Not that it matters.

[Logan]

Most of this chapter was exposition, which I really liked and had no problem with at all.

We get the perspective of Shoshanna which I personally really liked. She was angry about her brother and what happened to him. Her thoughts and actions weren’t the most justified, but she wasn’t in a good place.

I really like how the introduction to Chases old identity was handled; By showing the thoughts of someone who isn’t fond of him.

Joel was a good character, and I hope to see more of him.

My questions: Why does Shoshanna think he was smiling at her? (Not that she was imagining it, why does the smile cause her to get angry.)

How close are Joel and Shoshanna?

I don’t have many questions since a lot of it was exposition.

One more thing: Shoshanna reminds me of Cleo from Slugfest. They both are very skeptical about the appearance of a jock in their lives. Except that Shoshanna has history with Chase as Cleo doesn’t with Yash. They just seem similar.

Jade, I don’t really have a lot of thoughts on her since we didn’t get much, but I have to admit the yogurt surprise wasn’t the best thing Shoshanna could’ve done.

Raymond, I also like some of the designs in the chapter.

[Jade]

To Gord: LOL, sorry this video was supposed to come out on Saturday but I forgot! But I made a review of RESTART and promoted the Book Club on it!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPBkhp-WZa8

[Marlo]

Ok, Chapter 2

•  Jade, Shoshanna doesn’t know that Chase has amnesia, and the yogurt is less than payback for sending her brother away.


•  Bad fingers! Don’t turn to the next chapter! I know you want to! But don’t!


• Logan, seeing as Joel is in Connecticut, we probably aren’t going to get a chapter on him.


•  “Sometimes I feel like I should be up on that tall building, pushing Chase over the side. But that would make me no better than him. And I am better. Everybody is.” Wow. That 4 sentences speaks chapters.

[Jade]

Yeah, what Chase did was wrong, but you don't retaliate by dumping yogurt on someone's head. I am 100% biased because I love the new Chase. But her whole family needs to grow up. It doesn't seem like a big deal if you're just looking at what she did, but her actually dumping yogurt on his head and fantasizing about killing him makes Shoshanna absolutely nutters. That's not cool. Because if she acts like this now, imagine how she acts when she's an adult. She's like, thirteen. That's stuff little kids would do!

Also, she didn't even PAY for it! Not only do you waste FOOD but you don't even pay for it?! The corporation will be fine but it's the ethics of it all, the ethics!

Still like her personality though. We'd be friends

To Jade,

LOVED your video! Thank you for all that you said about me and RESTART!

I know you want to write, but have you thought of performing? You have the voice and lovely smile for it!              --G--

[Jade]

Thanks so much for watching the video! And yeah of course, it's all true. Thanks Gord. I do the communications for my school!

And I'd like to say that The Weber Family being mad at Chase makes 1000% sense. Like they're not crazy at all. I wouldn't have any love or forgiveness in my heart for the person that TORMENTED my only son! My baby boy! I bet the parents are mad. But they have to be better, to set a good example for their kids (im talking about the future)

Shosh is wild but Joel is chill

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Okay, chapter 3, back to Chase!

> If I were an ambitious middle-grader with an English class assignment on comparing and contrasting literature, I know exactly what I would pick for my topic. It would be fun to consider Chase’s amnesia in RESTART and Reef and Theo’s partial memory swap in MIXED UP, plus Charlie Popovich’s early-onset Alzheimer's disease in POP, and maybe also the Hypnotists series where characters suffer confusion or altered memories. It’s eye-opening when an author tackles an idea from different angles, with each story exploring different challenges.

> One of my favorite hallmarks of Kormanian dialogue is conversations formed by shouts from the crowd. Just unattributed comments in rapid-fire succession, usually with each line building off the one before. I feel like it was more common in earlier books, and it was fun to see it again here when Chase’s football buddies try to spur him on to returning to football (page 23).

> If RESTART gets made into a movie, I would want to play Dr. Fitzwallace. His advice to Chase as he’s leaving the principal’s office is such an eloquent, heartfelt bit of wisdom. You have the chance to rebuild yourself from the ground up, to make a completely fresh start. Don’t squander it!

@Jade: You have a moral compass that I envy. You are Jade, I am jaded! Shoshanna’s feistiness amuses me, and I had never really thought much beyond that surface reaction, but you’re absolutely right: Destructive thoughts are bad enough, but taking action on them is worrisome. Oh, and I think I’ve been mispronouncing Helene in my mind. I’m saying it as if it’s the French name Hélène (ay-LENN) but I guess I was just unfamiliar with the anglicized version.

@Jade and @Logan: Great points that Shoshanna’s chapter “answered quite a few prominent questions, like beginning to answer ‘Who is Chase Ambrose?’” and “I really like how the introduction to Chase’s old identity was handled—by showing the thoughts of someone who isn’t fond of him.” Sometimes the best way to learn about one character is through the eyes of another.

@Logan, good spot on the Shoshanna/Cleo analog. Do you think we'll see similarities between Chase and Yash?

@Marlo, my bad fingers want to flip into the next chapter as well! And I’m totally with you: “the yogurt is less than payback.”

[Jade]

Hi. I will get my thoughts on chapter three out tomorrow. But let’s just say I was so excited ti read Chase again! He’s getting back into his “new normal” and this is really cool. I actually quite like Aaron and Bear (those are their names, right?) But I know they’re mean guys, somewhere in the back of my head.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

In this chapter we got a very long awaited comeback of Chase Ambrose. Of course, not very long but he is a very interesting character.

I really like every character introduced in this chapter. The principal, Aaron, and bear. I also liked the conversation with Chase and his mom. She knows who he is but she is not telling him yet. Why?

Some questions I have: Chase knows he is good at sports, but how much does he know about his identity before the accident?

Were any of the other kids kind of close with Chase?

I really like how more information is given about the dad. The principal seems like a likable character.

Aaron and Bear are not the worst characters and they feel genuinely worried for chase.

Mario, I really like your thoughts about Shoshanna and why you think she felt that way.

Raymond, I love the connection you made with mixed up. I can definitely see some similarities between Yash and Chase that might pop up soon.

[Marlo]

Chapter 3

•  “What was so wrong about the old me that now I have to be somebody else?” Wow. Again, a simple sentence that means a lot. I know we have all already established this, but Gordon Korman is a master.


• The doctor says no. It’s my shoulder, but mostly it’s the concussion. I can’t risk taking a head shot so soon after the accident. Pop. Totally. Reference.


• His boys are happy he is back and thinks it’s a joke at first. 

[Marlo]

Chapter 4

• Logan, as you said, the best way to show a character is through the eyes of someone who isn’t fond of them. Brendan lives more in fear of Chase than Shoshanna, who more is his sworn enemy.


• The filming is hilarious. Absolutely hilarious.


• “Shoshanna Weber passes by and shoots me a look that perfectly combines shock, amazement, and disapproval. Or maybe she’s just trying to figure why I’m sawing at his meat instead of his carotid artery.” Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. What? Chill out, Shoshanna!


• “Chase, man, you’re at the wrong table,” Aaron exclaims. “Come with us. We saved you a spot.” They practically kidnap him and drag him to the lions’ den. A few seconds later, the chair is lifted off me, and somebody hauls me to my feet. Chase. “Sorry,” he says, looking uncomfortable. “Come on, man! Over here!” comes a volley of shouts. He hesitates. “They’re your teammates and your best friends,” I tell him, because maybe he doesn’t remember. “Right.” If I didn’t know better, I’d think he wasn’t that thrilled with the idea. He seems like he doesn’t like being friends with Aaron and Bear.

[Jade]

Chapter 3:

@Raymond "It’s eye-opening when an author tackles an idea from different angles, with each story exploring different challenges." Three words. I KNOW, RIGHT?! It's so awesome when Gord tackles these things, and also, RESTART reminded me a lot of whatever that kid's name was in OPERATION DO-OVER. Since, Chase is getting a do-over, except he's not going to the past and he's not actually remembering the mistakes he made, which gives him a kinder situation than Mason. Yo, how many GK books have similar situations!?

@Logan I really like the dynamic between Chase's mom and him. I like how she isn't telling him anything. It makes it that much more intriguing! And yeah, I really like the characterization of Aaron and Bear too. I thought they'd be demons. But I actually quite like Aaron's character; he has a brain! And Bear is laughably funny in how he's so nonchalant, or just... thinks its a joke. Also Logan... that was so funny. That was so funny. And super clever! Very good joke. You made me laugh out loud! 😉 Let's see if anyone else gets it.

@Marlo That first quote was so profound; I feel really bad for Chase, realizing that his old self was a terrible person. But I feel 2x worse for the people who had to deal with his old, mean self. I feel bad that they don't have anyone to be mad at anymore, lest they become the mean ones. Like, Joel? He'd kind of be a jerk not to "forgive" Chase since he's a good guy now, right? I know some people think that. So everyone is being forced into forgiveness!

I think I ought to really read POP now. I don't own it, bit of a shock.

Unrelated note: Did you guys know that the e-book for SLUGFEST is two bucks this month? I'm totally buying it, even though I have the physical copy.

Now, for my own thoughts. Pretty short chapter (very sad) but seeing Chase interact with the people who meant so much but now, he doesn't know, was so interesting. How does it feel to be surrounded by people who know you when you don't even know you? It all reminded me so much of, like y'all are saying, Yash. For him, he couldn't graduate 8th grade. For Chase, he doesn't remember Jack. (Haha yes that was on purpose.) But it must hurt to be in such a space that's supposed to be familiar but actually isn't at all. 8th grade is supposed to be awesome. You're on top of all middle school. So to start it, not having a clue who you are, except for some crazy girl's evil glares, the grins of ex-friends, and the fear in everyone else's eyes? No fun. At all.

I just wanted to say that it was a great, and well-written scene with Chase and the boys greeting him. Backslaps, or whatever they're called. Just all of it. @Raymond I agree that the random shouts are such a great device and GK uses them very well. Awesome work!

The principal scared me a bit and that conversation was SO foreboding! It's like when you're driving into a cloudy-drizzly area and you can hear the thunder claps in the distance, because you know a huge storm is coming. So cool...

Great work!

Be blessed,

Jade

[Jade]

Chapter 4:

Before I start.

I welcome. The GOAT, the most-awesome, the spectacular, the coolest,

BRENDAAAAAN ESPINOZAAAAAA

Ugh. I said before I couldn't pick between Chase and Brendan. Well, I pick now. It's Brendan. One of my favorite all-time GK people. My list is Roddy, Ben, and now Brendan. Not sure why no girls are on there. But let's just say, Brendan is awesome. (Btw Ben is from SWINDLE and Roddy <3 is from WHATSHISFACE)

@Marlo I can't believe Brendan informed Chase that Aaron and Bear were his friends. At this point, I don't think he knows (for sure) that Chase has amnesia, so I'm tryna imagine a kid telling me that my girls are my girls--LOL. Once again, Shoshanna is wilding, and you're right, Marlo. I think it was a great device to have [ innocent Chase --> angry Shoshanna --> innocent Chase -->  scared and shocked Brendan]. Makes me think, who will the next chapter bring?

IRL, this situation would obviously be very face paced for Chase. He's getting a LOT of new information VERY quickly. But in the story, it doesn't feel rushed very much, if any at all. I think the slight feeling of being rushed really helps characterize Chase, but I don't feel thrown for a loop like Chase does. Great execution!

It was so funny seeing this guy's dialogue of the cheer girls. The first time I read it I found it kind of realistic because I did find the cheer girls scary; but now, as a cheer girl, it's just funny. Too funny. This introduction has already got me liking the kid. He's got humor, he's kinda geeky, and he's nice! I can't believe Chase asked to sit with him! That was cool. Guys, why did Chase sit with him? LOL. I find it funny that Brendan was eating with his camera on, and that Chase was stubborn until finally letting Brendan cut his food. In which, HELLO MR. NICE GUY?? I don't know many people that would offer to cut MY chicken, thank you very much.

This chapter was also super short [aww] but I liked the little interaction between Chase and Brendan. It's telling me that he's an important character and I should look out for him: why? Is the camera important? Is his kindness important? Is him being a geek important? It raises many questions but answers few. Except, that Chase really isn't that mean anymore.

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 4:

> The literary Raymond Jardine spent one semester avoiding the salad bar selections of his friend Ashley, which is where my mind goes when Brendan Espinoza narrates his nature documentary about Brittany and Latisha and their lunchtime proclivities in the Hiawassee Middle cafeteria.

> How could anyone help but love Brendan with that sort of character introduction?!? His Latinized scientific classifications for the cheerleaders and football players and school klutz are all perfect.

> Chase’s stock goes up in my estimation by his choice of Fig Newtons.

> The nicknames Chase’s victims give to him really say it all: Alpha Rat, now Apex Predator.

@Logan: I’m glad you pointed out that Aaron and Bear have some redeemable quality, at least. They definitely do show some loyalty to Chase.

@Marlo: Agree 💯 about the cafeteria filming being hilarious!

[Logan]

I can’t make my response until later tonight but Jade I’m confused

What did I say? I honestly don’t know what I said. I don’t even get it.

please tell me, thank you.

[Logan]

So I’m a bit confused on the reason I made you laugh, I think I know but I didn’t think it was that funny. Did I make a reference or something? Well thank you for laughing, I appreciate it.

have a good day

[Jade]

Wow. You use spectacular wit unconsciously. Well, you made an amazing pun and you didn't even notice!

"Raymond, I love the connection you made with mixed up. I can definitely see some similarities between Yash and Chase that might pop up soon."

Because you referenced MIXED UP, which was between Coral Reef and Theo,

but then you said Yash from SLUGFEST, which is a "mix up",

And then you referenced the book POP,

 

That was a great pun. And it made me laugh. A lot. And I do recognize that the two sentences are probably two different strains of thought, but when you look at it this way, it's a lot funnier. 

So you're a genius, a technical genius, and a comedian. All on accident. Great job, dude!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

Thank you Jade.

I can’t get my discussion tonight because I can’t find my book and my brain is totally fried so I’ll have my things for chapter 4 and 5 tomorrow. 

[J.R.]

Dear Everyone,

I am finally heading to the library tomorrow! That means I will catch up on all chapters.

Sincerely, J.R 

 

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 5

> This is the second time it’s caught my eye to see “blond” (instead of “blonde”) used to describe the girl in the painting. It’s one of the few gendered adjectives used in AP and Chicago style manuals, so I’m wondering if Scholastic uses a different style guide or if that’s one of their own internal style choices.

> Two girls in this chapter have almost identical reactions when Chase tries to help: Helene tells him to put her down and then runs away to her mother; the book cart-pushing girl at Hiawassee Middle tells him not to pick up the spilled books and then runs off. That's got to be a gut punch for Chase.

> Like there’s a great piano shortage in the world. – Couldn’t help but laugh at that take on things from Aaron.

> Aaron and Bear wouldn’t cry if you jammed flaming bamboo under their fingernails. – I think this is the third GRK book mentioning flaming bamboo and fingernails. Funny, memorable, and they're some of my favorite books!

> This chapter really brings out the frustration and confusion Chase is experiencing: He hears different versions of events, and different versions of himself, when he listens to his Mom vs. his Dad vs. his football buddies. He has to piece it all together while also reading the reactions of everyone he encounters. "Stranger in a strange land," indeed. 

@Jade, I think your comments for chapters 3/4 were on Forum delay when I logged on yesterday. Thank you for adding OPERATION DO-OVER to the “different perspectives of ‘memory’ in Korman books” list. Good one! And you should definitely read POP. It’ll make you love and hate football! As for Team Brendan, count me as a member. (My list of all-time favorite GRK characters would be different from yours, but Brendan Espinoza makes the long list for sure.)

@Logan, @Marlo, @J.R., looking forward to your comments!

[Logan]

Chapter 4: Brendan Espinoza is amazing. I don’t know how I forgot him.

The filming truly is peak comedy, Mario.

Brendan Espinoza is a very descriptive person, and that brings out comedy.

The surprise in him was so amazing when Chase sat down.

I’m not kidding I could read a whole book about this guy. A book series. A single book on his adventures in the cafeteria.

[Logan]

Chapter 5: That was a good chapter.

I loved Chases introduction to Chase. It was handled so well by Aaron and Bear telling him.

Corinne and Helene are very interesting and I have a feeling they will play another part.

i don’t really like the dad. He is rude to Johnny and the mom. I do hope we get to see Johnny again though.

Raymond, I also like the effect of Chase trying to help people but then obviously not wanting his help. A very nice touch.

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 6

> Shoshanna gets the best line yet in the book when Brendan tries to entice her to help with is video by listing her as a co-producer. “'Oh good,' she drawls. 'It’ll help the cops spell my name right when we get arrested.'” 

> Five points to anyone who recognizes the Great Space Ark (from which Chase descended, parentless, in Brendan’s understanding of things) from a previous GRK story.

> According to the worldwide web, there is a carwash on Bell Street in Hiawassee. I hope they offer the Brendan Espinoza Experience to their customers. Or at least that they have a “Restart” wash-and-wax option on their menu.

> Car wash scenes previously appeared in THE TOILET PAPER TIGERS and SON OF INTERFLUX. Any others?

> I love that Brendan shares this advice: Adults always cut you more slack if they think something is a project for school. I also love that he describes his post-car wash glasses as undamaged (!) except for a crack, which is pretty much what damage looks like on eyeglasses. Side note: Brendan specifies the crack is in the right lens, which matches those glasses on the book cover, though that looks like a lot more than “a small crack.”

> Chase’s recognition that Brendan must have a good reputation to avoid getting in trouble for the stunt is really cool and must be part of the reason Brendan decides to give Chase the benefit of the doubt on his new post-rooftop-fall worldview.

@Logan: good observation about how Brendan’s gift for description helps with his comedy. So true!

[Jade]

Hey guys! Sorry for this post being very late, I didn't get anything on yesterday.

Chapter 5:

@Logan Yeah, of course! And also, a book on Brendan, his encyclopedia, would be very cool. I'd read it too. I think it was a great choice to have this specific introduction to Chase, too; good to have it be the people who knew the old him best, to really show that he was not a nice guy. I'd like to see more of Chase's family too. 
@J.R. Can't wait to have you back. Hope you get your book soon!

@Raymond Yes!!! Sorry you couldn't see my posts, but will definitely check out POP. I need to know more about football anyways. And am super happy to have you on the Brendan-is-awesome train. I do imagine our lists look different because I've read much less GK novels than you. You're the boss! What are the other two flaming bamboo books? It's a great analogy. I think I quite like Aaron, actually. And yeah, for Chase?! It must feel so odd trying to figure out himself. He's like a detective, trying to figure out what kind of person the suspect (or victim) was... except that's him, so it's much more difficult to get information and even harder to get non-overly-biased feedback. Too bad he was such a jerk! I find he'll best know who he used to be based on how people act around him.

This one was funny. I like how Aaron and Bear laughed at Chase telling them. It really shows how compassionate they are not. It also shows that Chase was the type to joke about this kind of stuff. I like how Chase saved Helene; that was a great detail to show how he's changed, and it was awesome seeing how he was obviously not Mr. Nice Guy in his past life, the way the little girl flees from him. It was sad watching how she was excited until she recognized him--she's four! Yeah, Frank is very much a jerk. He's definitely where Chase got it from, at least one influence.

I enjoyed how Chase confronted his mom after he realized she was keeping things from him. It also shows what kind of person she is, and I want to know where it went wrong with her raising him since he seemed to just be a reflection of his dad. Then again, he's a guy, and he'd probably care what his dad said more (I see that a lot in this type.) Not a mama's boy. Not the most exciting chapter, but nevertheless good.

Be blessed,

Jade

[Jade]

Chapter 6:

@Raymond Yes, that quote was a prime example of why Shoshanna is crazy but cool. Maybe I should go to the carwash. Maybe... we should... nah, that'd be silly. But still! I wonder if any kid in Georgia reading this story thought of doing it, or actually did it. That'd be funny. Brendan was so right for that advice. Adults will take just about anything if they think it's for school. You wanna know how many times I've used the excuse "it's homework" or "my teacher said..." or "for science"? Yeah, a buck ton. Maybe even a dozen. Dozens. It's a great excuse, my mom melts at it. I also thought the glasses on the cover were from, Brendan's stint. And, I think that's a great observation of why Brendan trusts Chase more!

It's my guy! So glad to have him back. Now, what is he gonna think of what's going on? Ugh, this was such an amazing chapter! I know if Brendan asked me to pull this stint I'd do it in a heartbeat. It sounds so interesting and fun, if only I could do stuff like this and not get in trouble. I was actually cackling reading this part as I tried to imagine this little sliver of an 8th grader going through a car wash on a bike. Also, (this is back at the beginning), that one kid being like "I don't actually have an appointment, you're just an idiot" was super hilarious to me. I liked how everybody said no. This was just very funny. I'd watch a  YouTube channel of this dumb stuff. I also like how Gord highlighted that Chase was good at recording, that he did not run away, and he had a nice laugh with Brendan at the house. It's nice seeing their friendship grow and I have a feeling it would last for years, if not longer. I'm super glad that Chase is going to join the video club, especially with Shoshanna in it... the plot thickens!

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

Chapter 6: The car wash scene is amazing. Every resting detail is perfect.

Brendan is awesome. Chase is too for helping him. This whole chapter had me laughing and I am proud of it. I also love the segment at the beginning where everyone is talking about how crazy Brendan is. If somebody actually makes this video one day I will be jumping with excitement.

-Jade I also like the details of how good Chase was with a camera

-Raymond I smiled when the book cover introduction showed. I am always happy when things like that happen.

[Marlo]

Level 13, Raymond.

[Raymond Jardine]

Some thoughts on chapter 7 coming later, but for now:

@Jade: Check out I WANT TO GO HOME and SON OF THE MOB: HOLLYWOOD HUSTLE for more appearances of flaming bamboo. … What a cool perspective to think of RESTART as a “detective novel.” I never really considered it to be a mystery, but of course you’re right—Chase is searching for clues and trying to find something really important: himself.  … Also a great observation that “It's nice seeing their friendship grow” as Brendon and Chase create the video together. Gordon Korman books: Come for the humor, stay for the friendships.

@Logan: Totally agree! Laughing is one of the most common side effects of reading a Gordon Korman novel! 😉  What’s the funniest thing that’s happened so far in the book?

@Marlo: LEVEL 13 is a great answer! But I’m not sure what the question was.

[Raymond Jardine]

I'd like to post comments AFTER some of you guys so my ideas aren't always the first ones for each chapter, but you clearly stay up way past my bedtime. Maybe some days I'll try posting early in the morning about the previous day's chapter. But for today, here are my thoughts on...

Chapter 7

> I like how Shakespeare gets a name drop (as a YouTube video co-producer who would’ve been as unlikely as Chase Ambrose). If you read enough Korman, you’re bound to start watching for appearances from the Bard.

> Speaking of “if you read enough Korman,” one of the reasons a lot of his stories are so captivating is because they have a big goal with an unmovable timeline. And then of course a bunch of other storylines weave together throughout the book to give the final scene even more chaotic importance. In the Gordon Korman Forum Book Club’s recent discussions, Theo and Reef (MIXED UP) are in a race to be ready for the lightning storm before their memories are lost forever! A flag football competition is SLUGFEST’s “deadline,” with the question of whether the kids will be able to graduate middle school thrown in for suspense. Following along as the characters figure out how to accomplish their goal before time runs out is a reading thrill! While reading chapter 7, it seemed like the National Video Journalism Contest would be a likely candidate for a deadline/goal for RESTART’s video club crew.

> Chase seems to be doing the right things. He shows up, he interacts, he shows appropriate interested at the video club (and he’s appropriately fearful when he sees Shoshanna!). But Shosh466 isn’t judging him by his current behavior. And the text messages with her “younger” brother make it pretty clear Chase has a lot of rectifying to accomplish before Shoshanna sees him as anything except the enemy.

[Marlo]

> Car wash scenes previously appeared in THE TOILET PAPER TIGERS and SON OF INTERFLUX. Any others?

[Raymond Jardine]

@Marlo: Oh, nice! Was that one of the Positive Action Group activities? I really need to read the Slacker books again. I remember the main stories but not a lot of the details.

[J.R.]

Oh good you guys are only on chapter 7. My library's Restart copy was lost but they ordered a new one. I should have it by Monday or Tuesday.

 

Sincerely, 

A J.R. who cannot wait to join

[Jade]

Chapter 7

Hey guys, sorry for lack of a response! Yeah, I just gotta get up in the morning and write my thoughts on the chapter. After WHATSHISFACE, I've had enough Shakespeare for a lifetime; and I just finished reading Macbeth at school (I got to be Macduff!) I really like the deadline thing that happens in every book. It's very helpful, adds stakes, and is interesting. Was there one in MASTERMINDS? Yeah. I just feel really bad for the Webers, now. Shoshanna absolutely hates Chase, new or old, and new Chase is confused. But old Chase was a witch, and he totured her brother! Imagine that. Imagine letting that kid do that stuff and be happy about it! Consensus: Frank Ambrose is not a great guy for encouraging that behavior and I really hope Helene doesn't turn out like a female version of the old-Chase. Ah, the Positive Action Group. SLACKER & LEVEL 13 were really good. And I just noticed that Both of those titles are all lowercase. Goes to show that Cam really was a slacker... lol.

J.R., can't wait to have you here!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Hey, RESTART book clubbers! To avoid getting too far ahead, I’m holding my Chapter 8 thoughts until others catch up! But I thought it would be fun to look at a RESTART-related topic that has been at the back of my mind. It’s not a spoiler, more like RESTART trivia, so now seems to be a good time to share what I’m thinking.

One of my favorite things about books is the artwork on their covers. With that in mind, I love to see the different cover illustrations on books in different parts of the world. Sometimes, foreign publishers stick with the original cover design. Other times, the covers are completely different. 

GRK’s most popular story has been translated into a bunch of languages. I’ve seen RESTART as a print book in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Persian, Russian, and Italian. Plus two different French translations (one in Canada, one in France). I’m really surprised not to find it in two other specific languages, though: I’m not aware of an edition en español (though there are rumors a Spanish translation is coming soon), and no version auf Deutsch despite how popular GRK’s books are in Germany.

Has anyone else seen any of the RESTART books in another language? Or have you seen the RESTART audiobook? There’s a different cover illustration for the mp3/CD version. It's always kinda weird to see a version of RESTART without the trademark broken eyeglasses on an orange background!

[Logan]

Jade - I relate to feeling bad for the Webers. Chase is a good guy now, but before the accident he really wasn’t.

Raymond - I agree that Chase doesn’t seem to be doing anything bad so far. We just have to wait and see.

J.R. - I hope to see your thoughts soon!

Sorry for the lack of elaboration, I just wasn’t able to write that much today. I wanted to get my thoughts out, but chapter 8 and 9 will be out tomorrow for me.

[Jade]

Hey! Jade here. Chapter 8:

So, Chase manning the stands at the scrimmage but instead of as a player, as a kid... in the geek club... making videos, right where Joel or anyone else would be. Right. I can see why his buds would have a problem with that. It's so awkward though! Seeing Frank at a game made me like him a lot more... supporting his son even when his son can't play. It was also just so ironic! Maybe, he's also having nostalgia to back when he was top dawg at Hiawassee Middle... or whatever the school's called. Reminds me a lot of Theo's dad in MIXED UP. It was funny how he brought Helene. I've seen this way more than once. It was very very interesting to see their comments on the game, especially when I hear this stuff a lot from the other cheer girls in real life. It got me very excited for our season this year! But... it brought a smile on my face to see how Chase remembers. He's working perfectly well, he just doesn't have access to his personalized memories. But he knows how the game works, and I bet he's darn good at it (still) too. Woah! Flashback to a memory? I'm sorry Helene! Now I understand why she's scared of him, and stuff like that (as a little kid) can mess you up. I feel like this is only a glimpse into all of the bad things the old Chase did, and that the new Chase has to deal with. He's lucky he didn't have this mindshift into a good guy when he still had all his dark past. He'd be swimming in guilt for years--he still will, probably! Sadly, this was quite a short chapter, so I don't have a very long post... sorry guys. I can't wait to see what you think. And I posted this so early for you, Raymond, so you had some thoughts to chew on too!

Be blessed,

Jade

[Jade]

Okay! Maybe I should have read the messages posted after mine today!

@Raymond You have some great thoughts. I've seen the RESTART audiobook but I've not listened to it, and I don't really notice the covers. This orange w/ the glasses is the only I've seen! It would be very odd to see something different. No, I don't have any translations in different languages because unfortunately I only speak English. I ought to get some Spanish ones if they're out there, I'm learning that. It's insane to me how there's a Persian translation, but not Spanish? Gord's audience is so diverse, that's awesome!

@Logan Yep. Waiting and seeing. We are going to be doing a lot of waiting and seeing, until the real action gets here! Can't wait for more thoughts, bro.

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 8

> The scrimmage opponent—East Norwich middle school—makes me wonder if Hiawassee really is in Georgia or if it’s part of Long Island, where the real East Norwich is located. 

> When Chase is at the scrimmage to capture some video yearbook footage, he starts out by saying it all feels unfamiliar—the video camera he’s carrying, and also the whole football field. But pretty soon he’s vividly remembering the mechanics of playing football.

> Chase seemed to be acting like such a great big brother when he was filming Helene with her Barbie dolls. I thought he may have been having an important moment when he remembered her from the past—and how he had decapitated her favorite teddy bear. It seemed like he was about to realize what a jerk he had been and start to feel bad for his old behavior. But then he seems to get swept up in the rush of football fantasies and the “growing moment” screeches to a halt.

@Jade: “I feel like this is only a glimpse into all of the bad things the old Chase did.” — Right?!? He seems to have sprouted a conscience along with the concussion, and it’s pretty clear he was a rotten kid before that happened. You know it’s not going to be a smooth re-entry when his memories flood back. … You are giving Frank more credit for “being there” than I did. I kind of saw it as Frank likes to watch football, even if Chase isn’t part of it, but it’s a good way for him and Chase to bond, so I’m happy they share it, too.

[Logan]

I loved this chapter personally. Chase gets a memory back and makes more with Helene.

We get more about the dad talking about football. At this point I don’t even know if chase wants to do football. Maybe only because people say he likes it. Did he ever enjoy football or was it just his dad?

“That’s another thing amnesia made me forget- how much I like his approval.” This quote really stood out to me due to the fact that Chase has always liked his father and never disliked him. I don’t know if I can say the same for the mom or Johnny.

The football playing is a nice addition, and so is this chapter to the overall story.

[Logan]

Chapter Nine: I also really enjoyed this chapter. Mr Solway is very moody but seems like a good person. I think we might go back into the center.

The whole locker room segment was something I really liked. I feel like all the football players besides Chase felt so offended he was hanging around “nerds”. Aaron and Bear wouldn’t buy it but I liked the part.

I don’t dislike Aaron and Bear yet but they haven’t shown many good qualities except for staying loyal to Chase. Maybe they will do something very brave to save him or the video crew.

 

[Logan]

-Jade Frank and Theo’s Dad do show a lot of similar qualities. I was also intrigued by the fact that he remembered so much about football.

-Raymond I am very excited to see what else he remembers. The memory of Helene and her teddy bears definitely shook him up but I think he made up for it being nice now.

[Jade]

@Raymond At this point, I'm not even sure if this "universe" is a real place! But schools can have some pretty wacky names. I think that chapter really captured how weird it felt to live life... and that's good. I also think Chase was being a wonderful big brother! It makes me wonder if my sister and brother did stuff like that when I was little. It was just a really sweet moment. And yeah, Frank could just be watching football because he likes it. But I doubt he'd watch some middle schoolers over real players! You've got me thinking that he's there to re-live his old glory days.

@Logan Mr. Solway is so awesome! The introduction to him got me not liking him, though. You're so right, he is very, very moody. I know it would hurt to interact with him if it were me. The locker room scene was awesome. It really shows some actual, realistic dynamics of nerds/geeks and jocks. Sad to say it but that's how they're treated at my school, except it's less funny and more awkward and plain sad. Shame. I think Gord captured the chaos and destruction of the locker room pretty well. And holy guacamole! It's so interesting to see the locker room from the perspective of the top dawg rather than the loner wolf, like Kaden in SLUGFEST. Gosh, that hurts, knowing both sides. That it means nothing to the jocks but is torture to everyone else.

@J.R. I hope you get your book soon!

The sad thing is, I like Aaron and Bear. And to, "Maybe they will do something very brave to save him or the video crew." we'll see! :D

Chapter 9:

I like how the boys were defending Chase from the others. They really are loyal, you know? Holy guacamole, it was awesome to see another setting! I was getting pretty tired of Hiawassee Middle School. The Assisted Living Residence was pretty nice, I like how it's described... kind of like a hospital but they're trying. It doesn't help that hospitals scare me. :( I like how many characters there are! Some stories can just feel empty without the extra random people, but I like Nurse Duncan. I like "Cloud Ten".  And the Aaron and Bear characterization this chapter was phenomenal! I really wish they'd be good guys, and it saddens me that I would probably never be friends with them in real life. Now that I think about it, why did Chase have this huge personality shift? Maybe it's just me, but I know maybe two kids my age (and younger) who would actually care if a guy got the Medal of Honor. We'd be like "cool" and then move on. But Chase gets real caught up on it, wonder why.

I like how Chase stayed behind with Mr. Solway. Who is this guy? Shows how Chase can be more adamant and the new, "restarted" Chase actually does have a personality! Curiosity! 

"I’ve already forgotten more than he’ll ever know" was such a devastating line. Sometimes, I forget the exact weight of what he's going through, but dang. Wow. It's gonna be alright. At least since we know Chase was not a good guy in the past, that he doesn't have to have that to remember. I wouldn't exactly want to remember being a jerk. But... I'm sad he forgot all of his happy moments too. Hm. Restarts can be for good and for bad, and a lot of GK characters can attest to that!

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 9

Locker rooms tend to magnify character—so we see more loyalty from Aaron and Bear, more timidity from Hugo, more rowdy behavior from the other football players. And more introspection from Chase: He's feeling some of the football vibe, but he isn’t hiding the hurt he feels by the video club’s low expectations of him. 

The description of the Portland Street Assisted Living Residence—Graybeard Motel—is perfect. I can see it and smell it as Chase and his buddies arrive there.

So far, RESTART has tempted us with Fig Newtons, Oreos, gingersnaps. Anyone enjoying a cookie while reading?

I’m liking the Harry Potter references in the book. Dumbledora!! Ha!

“The A-bomb test at Yucca Flat” is unexpected trivia for Bear to use to dis the Graybeard Motel residents’ old age.

New funniest line of the book so far: “Remember Achilles? I was the one who got him right in the heel.” 

So, Mr. Solway’s story in RESTART came out in 2017. Was GRK already starting to think about the mixed bag of wartime heroics that turned into WAR STORIES a few years later?

@Logan: Interesting thought about Chase’s connection to football: Does he love it, or is he just learning that other people think he loves it? (Or that they want him to love it?)

@Logan and @Jade: It sounds like you both initially got turned off by Grumpypants Solway and his snarky comments. It’s been a long time since I read RESTART for the first time, but when I reread Solway’s first words now, I am reminded of the idea that “hurt people hurt people.” Of course, it’s easier to see that when he’s being mean to someone else and not to me!

@Jade: Fair point on the RESTART universe. I love researching things and looking for clues and symbolism and interconnections and callbacks. That’s one reason I delighted in the early “Korman classics,” where some recurring jokes made it fun to find Easter eggs while reading or rereading one of his books. And I know GRK likes multilayered stories with interconnected plot lines like Catch-22 and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and The Sirens of Titan. (I haven’t heard him mention Infinite Jest or Good Omens but they’re also along those lines.) Of course, sometimes not everything has a deeper meaning. So maybe Hiawassee and East Norwich are neighbors, somewhere in space-time.

@J.R. and @Marlo: Hope to hear some of your thoughts soon!

[Jade]

Hey guys!

@Raymond Ah, locker scenes. Just locker scenes. I agree that the description of the Casa de Ancianos was good! I could imagine it too. Oh, and "Dumbledora" made me laugh out loud! Gord makes it hard not to like these boys, all until they start acting like jerks. And yeah, Mr. Solway was quite funny! That's what made me start liking him, and I think the "hurt people hurt people" is very true. He might be trying to protect himself from others! He's quite a bit scary. 

You're very good for checking on the deep-side of things! These "interconnections and callbacks" are awesome, especially when you bring them to light and what they mean for the story. Unfortunately, I haven't read any of those books so I don't really get it, but I think it's cool anyways. May have to ask my friend about it!

Chapter 10:

Okay, Kimberly! New girl, is she important? Cool! When I'm first introduced to her, I already like her. I like pep rallies too! I like her school spirit, and I like her crush on Chase. However, I don't like her crush on the old Chase. She knows he was a bully, right? Thing is about Kimberly is that I don't know what kind of Kimberly she is. Is she the popular one, like Kim Kardashian? Or is she like, a nerd? I don't know where she fits in. I see that she laughs at Brendan's clumsiness... hm. Negative points for Kimberly. 

Ah, the football boys playing with thousand-dollar equiment. Perfect. Beautiful. Tragic. Annoying. I'm glad they got that to stop! But... the "we" the video club and "you" the team comment was pretty ostracizing. It's showing where the new Chase's identity lies. Ruh roh. I'm glad nobody got in a fight, but Shoshanna's back at it again, getting on my nerves with her loud, angry comments. Like, girl! Be quiet! We get it, you hate him! But that's old news. I like Kimberly's comment about how the stuff seems innocent until people go too far and torture a poor kid like Joel. Great point. Ooh, Chase not knowing about Joel? Classic. Imagine if Joel had been there, he'd be so mad! (Torture me my whole middle school years and you can't even remember that I exist?) Classic old Chase. But just sad, now.

Ugh, this ending! "Kimmy"? Girl, please. Chase is so susceptible! And her wanting to join the video club ASAP? Yeah, that's funny.

Overall, I liked this chapter. Short, sweet, and interesting! Got a snippet of our man Brendan too, so I enjoyed that. Great work. Can't wait to see what y'all think!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 10

Good to meet ya, Kimberly Tooley. You sure seem starstruck by Chase Ambrose. (And you do love your parenthetical asides, don’t you?)

An outsider is a good choice to narrate the scene with Brendan, the football team, and Chase. Even with her Chase infatuation, she’s probably the one with the least biased perspective on what was happening.

Chase is quickly growing apart from his football buddies. I see this incident as a continuation of the locker room scene—where he decides on his own who he wants to be, rather than acting the way others expect him to.

@Jade: You nicely crystallized the same things I was thinking about Kimmy. Rah rah, yay for her school spirit. But if she liked the old Chase, what does that say about her judgment?

[J.R.]

\" Guys look amazing in shoulder pads\"

Sounds like to me Kimberly likes Chase because Chase is popular and good looking. 

\"It\'s one thing for Chase to be off the team. It\'s another for him to join the video club. (Those kids are basically nerds\"

Anyway, I loooveee the encounter with Aaron, Bear, and Chase. It really shows the standpoint of the characters at this tense point in time. And it shows us Bear and Aaron are complete hypocrites 👍 

Then, we see that after Chase\'s choice of words splits up him from the football team, the view on Chase changes dramatically. It goes from Teammate to \"Who is this kid\"

Shoshanna here has a hard time letting go of the past. Oh wait, I forgot! She isn\'t even trying let go of it.

I guess that is all I have

~Jade~

That may have been the funniest thing I have ever read. I agree with you on the ending. It was a spectacular way to continue on Kimberly\'s hunt for Chase\'s attention.

~Raymond~

I agree with you on Chase\'s fastly decaying relationships with the football team members. At this point they must accept the fact he can\'t remember a thing.

~J.R.~

 

 

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 11

> I love that Aaron went to Wikipedia to confirm amnesia is a real thing. Hope he contributed $3 to their fundraising campaign.

> So, Aaron worries about Chase that “he has something that belongs to all three of us.” Hmmm.

> Bear seems like a typical goon: a big dumb jock. Judging by his introspection and evidence of his intelligence in this chapter, though, Aaron clearly has a little more nuance. 

@Jade: I meant to follow up on your comment yesterday about Kimmy: “And her wanting to join the video club ASAP? Yeah, that's funny.” I am reminded of all the “slugs” joining the investigative journalism class, and then the Slugfest football team. And I think it was @Asher who compared that part of SLUGFEST with Bruno’s committee in THE WAR WITH MR. WIZZLE, when they didn’t all join at once but had to have their own reasons for taking part.

@J.R.: Definitely true that Chase’s actions are not landing well with his old buddies! As for Shoshanna, "forgive and forget" is probably going to require more than a couple of “nice guy” gestures while she still has a brother in exile. I don’t think I’d be ready to forgive yet if I were her!

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 12

> It’s hard not to feel dread when Chase starts to remember some of his life “before.” Not a lot of bright spots there.

> This chapter shows the “after” Chase experiencing empathy. Maybe for the first time in his life? He’s imagining how his brother might have felt, how the Portland Street retirees feel.

> Mr. Solway’s backstory is touching. But when Chase tells him he has “plenty of friends” at Portland Street, Solway points out he really, really doesn’t. That’s got to make Chase think about his own situation and wonder if he really has friends at Hiawassee Middle.

> The big question mark of Who is the girl in the blue dress? feels like it’s becoming more urgent to Chase.

> Ooh! Chase’s community service and Shoshanna’s video journalism contest are about to collide head-on!

Alright, Gordon Korman Forum Book Clubbers. With 12 chapters down out of 30 in RESTART, we're at about the 40 percent mark already! I'm going to make sure I don't get too far ahead. I hope everyone's got some time this weekend to catch up! 

[Jade]

Huge apologies. I had a reply this morning but that didn't happen. Very sorry for the late and absent thoughts, especially on these chapters.
@Raymond Your comparisons to SLUGFEST and THE WAR WITH MR. WIZZLE were really good! I hadn't thought of that but I like that. Aaron going to Wikipedia is so funny. There's a little nerd hidden in that muscular heart. I'm seeing that there's more reasons for Aaron and Bear feeling so bad about Chase than just being friends... hm. And I agree! Aaron is so much more complex than I thought. Bear is still quite funny. 

Shoshanna is so right for not forgiving Chase. But oh, I wish she would.

Yeah! Chase is just so compassionate now it hurts to know he used to be bad and now he has to deal with/remember that. This chapter is what made me like Mr. Solway, a lot. He's a softy on the inside. Chase and Mr. Solway are so similar. I agree that Chase is caring about the blonde girl more, and I hope he figures out who it is soon. A good mystery right there! and I'm so excited for the collision! 

How are we 40% done already? That sounds crazy to me! Maybe I should've thought of not trying to get too far ahead... I kind of read all of it. Again. So worth it, though. It was so funny.

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

@Jade: I think these book club discussions are casual, no need to feel bad when there’s a gap between posts. I’m looking forward to @Logan and @Marlo and @J.R. jumping back in when they have a chance. And I hope maybe even some other Forum readers will post, even if it’s just once or twice to drop a different perspective or to pose a good question. In the meantime, I think we fell behind schedule, so I’m going to catch up through chapter 16!

Chapter 13

> Shoshanna has got to feel bad about lying (or at least misleading) her brother about Chase. You know that whole situation is going to boil over at some point.

> Mr. Solway’s yelling insults at the newspeople on TV reminds me of Gramps and his love/hate relationship with the Weather Channel (A SEMESTER IN THE LIFE OF A GARBAGE BAG).

> Every good story recounts how characters work their way out of a predicament. Part of the fun of GRK’s writing is there’s usually a fun way they got INTO the situation to begin with. Shoshanna would never team up with Chase. No way, no how. But, when it’s the only way Mr. Solway will give her the interview she needs to compete in the journalism contest… well, it looks like the inglorious partnership is going to need to happen. (That’s a lot more fun than just having Ms. DeLeo assign them to be partners!)

Chapter 14

> Chase is feeling conflicted—his memory flashes are reminding him it was pretty good being king of the school, but that feeling is inextricable from all the bullying he did.

> Shoshanna “sometimes slips up and treats [Chase] like a fellow human.”  😉

> The missing medal! Chase’s realization it was probably stolen! And his worry his buddies may be the culprits! We just dove deep into the central story, with defrosting enemies Shoshanna and Chase right at the heart of it.

Chapter 15

> Brendan never fails to surprise, and a Casablanca paraphrase is definitely unexpected. But a fun way to say he’s got a crush on Kimberly!

> Leaf Man!

> I love that Chase is unable to contain his laughter while manning Camera Two. I firmly believe a truly bad guy could not have a good sense of humor.

Chapter 16

> The Webers’ dog Mitzi needing a bath after mysteriously returning home covered in syrup and leaves: classic!

> Whoa, are Mr. and Mrs. Weber m-a-d about Shosh and her secret video project partner!

> Will Joel get to come home? What a great chapter-ending cliffhanger to have Shoshanna start a new “come clean” text message to her brother.

[J.R.]

Chapter 12 and 13

More memories? Nice.

Oh man that is a terrible memory.

No football even though his concussion is clear? I agree Cooperman. I have a feeling Chase's dad won't though.

T-34 after a grenade just smoked everybody inside to heaven? That is a terrible sight.

More about Kimmy, blah blah blah

And then that Shoshanna person. 

Let's see what she has in store for Chase.

Insults, blah blah blah...

Mr. Solway?

I hope she takes the suggestion.

~J.R.~

 

 

 

[Jade]

I can't believe I missed Leaf Man! Yeah, I have some catching up to do. Leaf Man was amazing, that made me so happy. I really like how all the dogs came, and I love how Kimberly was not impressed... at all. But still, Chase was cackling again. I wonder if it's easy to get him to laugh that much or if Brendan is just really funny. Both are equally possible. Still shocking to me how homie held the camera greatly the whole time!
The dog part was hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. Also ,the name Mitzi keeps reminding me of the artist, Mitski in whom my bestie is a huge fan of. So everytime I see the dog's name, I think of "washing machine heart". Sigh. And oh my goodness! The parents reaction! I can't believe Shoshanna became partners with Chase, and even more, I can't believe she's beginning to, like, be normal to him! I'm so glad Shoshanna is beginning to treat Chase well. And, hello? The nickname is gone! Wow! He's not Public Enemy #1 anymore, he's Chase! Chase Ambrose! The "she's not my girlfriend" part violently reminded me that no, they are not chill. But... they're becoming chill. Oh, how much I love Mr. Solway in this! This part really made me want to volunteer at a resident home. And. Oh. My. Goodness. The mother.

 

“How dare you speak to me?” she seethes, her entire body shaking. “Everyone in my family is off-limits to you! If I had my way, you and your filthy friends would be in juvenile hall!”

 

The anger in my body. The anger in my body. This part absolutely infuriated me. "How dare you speak to me?" You and your "filthy friends" in jail. I.

First of all, ma'am, how old are you? What? Forty-something? Maybe fifty-something? And do you remember that this is a little kid you're speaking to? A middle schooler? Yeah, he's an absolute brat and he tortured your kid. Point. But he is a baby. He's not even a highschooler. How much class must you lack to scream this kind of stuff at a little kid compared to you!? That's so immature! I absolutely hate when adults act like that! Grow. Up. If this is Shoshanna's mom, I'm surprised that Shoshanna has not actually murdered Chase at this point.

I'm not saying it's wrong to be upset. I'm not saying she's wrong in her emotions--Chase did horrible things. But she is so wrong in her behavior. That's so embarrassing. Imagine screaming this mess at a child in public. Oh, look over there! The class superhero kid is getting screamed off by some old lady! Eh?! Tactless. Classless. The lack of self-control. The lack of self-respect. "How dare you talk to me?!"

It would have been so much easier to grab her child's arm and walk. the world. away. Just leave. No words. Goodness, even ignore the child. But not only was he trying to be polite (WHAT?!) this woman screamed him off! If that were me, I would cry! It's just so embarrassing that an adult like her acted like that. And it's so embarrassing that adults act like this in real life too.

Some children are actual demons. But that doesn't mean an adult with decades, scores of experience should scream at them. Should say these things to him. That's so... calling children filthy? What? This was infuriating.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

@Jade: You and I had *totally* different reactions to Mrs. Weber's scene at Heaven on Ice! I’m glad you pointed out how upset it made you. I was really thinking more that Shoshanna’s mom was reacting out of fear rather than anger, so I was giving her a pass on her actions. In her mind, she’s looking at a man-sized person who had tormented and terrorized her son to the point he had to escape the town and move away from family. It wasn’t little pranks, either—he and his buddies planted mini bombs to detonate while Joel was in a vulnerable place. Then, Mrs. Weber catches the same bully seemingly working on his next target: her daughter! I’m sure she thought Chase was setting up Shoshanna for embarrassment, or maybe being inappropriate with her. But you’re right, of course—Mrs. Weber is the adult, and Chase is still a kid. Mrs. Weber had a right to “rescue” her daughter from what she thought was an emergency situation, but once Shoshanna was safe, Mrs. Weber should have held her words for Chase’s parents or the Hiawassee Middle principal.

@J.R. “More about Kimmy, blah blah blah” – Ha! I’m guessing Ms. Tooley isn’t your favorite video club nerd.  😉

Chapter 17

> We hear from Joel! When I saw his name as chapter narrator, I assumed we were going to “visit” him in Melton, but that got cleared up almost immediately. He’s back home!

> “Actually, my whole life is out of tune….” That’s heartbreaking.

> Even after hearing about the bullying from Shoshanna and Brendan, and slightly differently from Aaron and Kimberly, it’s distressing to get some of Joel’s perspective. His whole life revolves around the terror of what comes next in an endless loop of being picked on.

[Logan]

Sorry for the lack of posting, I just have t had time lately.

chapter 17:Joel’s chapter was great. I liked seeing him back.i really do feel bad for Joel.

[J.R.]

Chapter 13

I like the scene where Shoshanna first meets Solway. Love how the video club contest was mentioned earlier but first gained importance now.

Anyway, That is all I have to say about this chapter. Tomorrow I will do 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 all together so get ready for a lot of reading

J.R.

 

[Jade]

I'm glad that Joel's back home. I don't really know what he's going to bring to the story, but I'm so happy that he gets to have a "semblance" of a normal life. This made me really sad that he was bullied so badly because I know that stuff sticks with you for years, if not decades, if not your whole life. Having a good childhood is integral. Your childhood sticks with you forever. This chapter was actually very, very short. I wonder why its there. Still, great to see Joel.

@Raymond It's very cool to see another perspective. Her speaking/acting out of fear is also very, very viable... and that adds a different tone of voice to her interactions. Hm! 

@J.R. So glad to have you here! Yay!

@Logan Glad to have you back.

Chapter 18:

No!! NOt Chase's bad memories coming back even more! It's like this horrendous downspiral and the more he discovers, the worse he realizes he was. He's beginning to realize he wasn't just that guy that picked on people. He was a monster.

Oh my goodness. Brendan's scar. That made my heart break for the both of them. To scar someone so thoroughly and not even see their face. Not even know who they were. Brendan was basically a nobody and that must have scarred worse--realizing your assaulter couldn't care enough to know your name, to know your face. You were just some kid. Also, imagine the medical bill? In America that's so much extra money for what?! My parents would be so, so mad. 

"That's how nothing it was. That's how nothing I was." 

Wow. Middle school is no joke. I feel like people are the most feral in those days. 

Also, oh my goodness, the Webers. Again. He was literally attacked by your dog. Y'all are smiling. These people are monstrous and reading about them makes me want to put the book down. How much hatred must you have in your heart to laugh and smile at a boy being attacked by your dog? "I suppose we can't leave you like that." Not even an apology? What? You do know that humans can get life-threatening infections from dog bites. Why does Chase be friends with Shoshanna? At that point, it wouldn't be worth it. Her family is too spiteful and too evil. This part:

"It’s the worst agony I can remember since I fell off the roof, and I can’t shake the feeling that Mrs. Weber is loving supplying it. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Joel smile. Even Shoshanna is grinning a little, although she tries to disguise it as sympathy. I don’t know what’s worse—the pain or the reason they’re enjoying watching me suffer."

WhAT?! What kind of friend? Shoshanna, what is wrong with you? The mother? Once again a grown woman happy at hurting a child! A child! What kind of psychopath? Okay, I get it, he bullied your child. That was disgusting. But reminder. If he's normal 8th grader age, he's thirteen. You're forty-something. What is your problem?! Something is wrong with these people.

Also, what the heck? Shoshanna literally grinning? Grinning? Your "partner", your "friend", and you know exactly how much of a good person he is now that he doesn't remember jack about his past--and you're grinning at him being in the worst pain since FALLING OFF A ROOF?? Duly noted that Chase could have very well died falling from the second story that far off the roof. What? What?

What kind of friend? What kind of person? And I know for a fact that all middle schoolers are not that evil, not in this story, because Brendan exists.

Brendan shows this level of kindness that is so beautiful and mature for his age, just giving Chase a second chance. Inviting him to movie club. Doing all the stuff he does in the future. He's such. A good. guy.

But Shoshanna? Other than, of course, making death threats all of the time, she laughs as he is literally in pain. Imagine being treated by this whole... oh my goodness.

And of course we're not going to talk about how putting rubbing alcohol in your wounds is actually bad for you and can exacerbate injuries--not about how you're supposed to clean them with soap and warm water. (This means that Mrs. Weber was actually torturing Chase for no good reason.)

They're all crazy. I know that if I were in that situation, I would have cried. These are the kind of people that would make Chase turn into a bad guy again. Thank God for Brendan.

I despise the Webers. Sorry Shoshanna, that includes you. IDK why nobody talks about such bad people they are.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 18

> Steven Beresford Bratsky (as written in the court paperwork): Well, I guess we know how “Bear” got his nickname. Wonder if GRK has an association with Manhattan’s The Beresford apartment building, whose coat of arms features a bear.

> Brendan’s eyebrow scar is real, but also symbolic of all the emotional scars from Chase’s bullying past.

> New best line of the book?: “Good dog, Mitzi,” is Joel’s comment. after Chase’s encounter with the barberry bush.

> Chase Ambrose being welcomed into the Webers’ house? (Or, at least, not attacked when Shoshanna leads him in.) Whoa!

 @Logan: Agreed on Joel being a good (and important!) perspective for the chapter when he returns to Hiawassee.

@J.R.: The foreshadowing of the video contest increased the anticipation, right? And yay! on getting caught up on chapters and book club commenting. I’m eager to see RESTART through your eyes.

@Jade: You nailed it—Chase is recognizing his former self as a monster. Scary. … It’s such an eye-opener to learn your super-empathetic response to Chase’s comments about the Webers and their behavior after his cuts-and-scrapes ordeal. It really makes me recognize that I am nowhere near as pure of heart as you are. Reading that passage, I sort of laughed along. (Well, not sort of. I totally laughed along.) Here’s how I saw it: Chase gets nicked up by some little plant thorns—enough to scratch the skin and draw some blood, but not super serious. He said Mitzi had attacked the denim of his pants but was specific she hadn’t broken his skin, so no real concern about dog bite infections. And I knew this chapter was HIS perspective, so he was probably being a little dramatic about his mortal peril. Unreliable narrator, and all. As for the Webers, I suspect some of their laughter came from how b-i-z-a-r-r-e the situation was. Here they are, with the school’s biggest bully (and Joel’s personal tormenter) in their own house, and they’re mending him up and trying to wrap their heads around how quickly the world shifted on them. I really think if they were hateful and awful, they would have told him to head home and doctor himself. I actually see their laughter as a small but important step towards acceptance of him as a person they can laugh around instead of just seething (Mrs. Weber and Shoshanna) or living in fear (Joel). I may be overstating it, but I think they’re almost “laughing with him, not at him.” And in the very next scene, when Joel opens the window so Chase can hear him practice piano, he's literally and figuratively removing some of the wall between him and Chase, which tells me the barberry bush incident brought them a step closer to a normal relationship. Okay, so I just spent 200-odd words saying I disagree with you—but I sincerely love that you have such a different way of seeing this scene, and that you presented such a strong case for it. And I’ll admit, I’m probably downplaying Chase’s discomfort, and I probably should be more worried about him. (Though, honestly, stubbing his toe would also have qualified as “the worst agony” since falling off the roof, since he hasn’t actually been in any pain since then.) I can't wait to hear whether you forgive the Webers going forward or if you now see THEM as bullies who can't be fully trusted.

[Jade]

@Raymond Thank you, thank you. "Okay, so I just spent 200-odd words saying I disagree with you—but I sincerely love that you have such a different way of seeing this scene, and that you presented such a strong case for it." And I really appreciate it too--ditto! Your vastly different perspective is making me think, maybe, maybe I'm being a little overdramatic. I just really like Chase. You rise a wonderful point about him being an unreliable narrator... I know quite a few thirteen-year-old boys and many of them were just as enthusiastic about any given situation as Chase. And "pure of heart", maybe you are just much, much more "lighthearted" since you saw it as a much brighter and welcoming situation than I did.

My eyes: Demonic family is ready to torture young, innocent boy after he falls into their trap perpetrated by their monstrous wolfhound.

Your eyes: A family becomes more forgiving and welcoming to their son's ex-bully by taking care of him after an accidental run-in with a bush.

I quite liked when Joel opened the window. In my eyes, it was kind of like him saying "yeah, I know I'm good" (because he is!) just slightly while also welcoming in Chase, showing that they're on the path to forgiveness, which is always beautiful. And we all know I could never truly hate Shoshanna. Even when she tries me. I can, now, appreciate how the Webers did actually help Chase. They did invite him into their home. Hm. Maybe it's not as dramatic as I make it seem. Because also, I imagine Chase makes it a little dramatic and then I make it double dramatic because he's my precious wittle Chasey-poo.

I thought it was awesome to find Bear's nickname! And Brendan's scar is a great metaphor (motif?) for how Chase was. And with the mending of that scar comes the mending of his and Chase's relationship. Lol. I'm beginning to realize that Brendan is the single reason that the Webers and Chase are now, ahem, getting along.

Chapter 19:

Bear! Awesome! First time, interesting. Nice to see you. "Get Out of Jail Free Card" is an amazing analogy for assymblies! At least, it was before I became a Cheerleader and had to perform a dance. Sigh. Sacrifices... but still! So cool! I understand so deeply getting ready to sleep in a school assembly. Ooh, I feel the distaste from Aaron and Bear when they realize that their ex-best friend went behind their back, took the sister of that kid who got them in community service, and did a whole movie with her on this Dumbledore that treated them horribly. Now, of course, that's a biased way to view it, but I understand the boys. And oh my goodness, how foreboding? They're cooking up something absolutely terrible and I'm afraid it's gonna have horrible effects on Chase and his life...

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

Chapter 18: 

Raymond and Jade - I also really liked the metaphor the scar brought. Surely Chase has seen it before but probably never thought it was his doings.

I agree with Raymond about how the laughing was most likely just of how random it was. The helping wasn’t the nicest though.

 

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 19

> I wonder if Bear Bratsky would’ve picked on Cam Boxer (SLACKER) or given him a pass. Based on Bear’s comment about gaming until 3 a.m., they’re both video game addicts, but Cam was a lot closer to “nerd” than “jock,” wasn’t he?

> Interesting that Bear thinks Chase “fell on his head and suddenly became smart”—instead of “responsible” or “virtuous.” It's almost like calling someone intelligent is an insult.

> This chapter fits Bear’s personality: It’s short, with a lot of tough guy talk and a lack of much wit or wisdom. Just enough of a look inside that dim-witted and ever-enraged mind to know some trouble is brewing for Chase.

@Jade: Your My eyes/Your eyes summary was perfect. And good point that the window-opening was partially Joel showing off. So true! And yes, foreboding is the exact right word for Bear’s chapter.

[J.R.]

Well, I logged in to see your responses and figured out my post containing chapters 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 were deleted. So I guess I'll do it again tonight.

J.R.

Hi, J.R.,

Sorry about that! I'm not sure what happened. I know the website was off-line for a couple of hours yesterday during the day, but I never dreamed it would dare to remove what you promised would be a tour-de-force! I'm really sorry. I hope it's not too tough for you to redo it -- I'm anxious to have your input.                                           --GK--

[J.R.]

Chapter 14, 

This chapter perfectly defines Chase's Dad and brings new light onto the football situation by mentioning Dr. Nyugen.

And then I got a laugh out of Mr. Solway's stories, but a HUGE shock was yet to come. THE MEDAL CASE WAS FOUND... but the medal was not inside! I bet $100 dollars it was Bear and Aaron.

Chapter 15

You like Tooley, Brandon? I am deeply disappointed in you. Deeply.

And then we get LEAF MAN introduced! I loved that part.

 

Chapter 16

We see that Shoshanna is now lying to Joel, and there is a big source of conflict when Weber Mother catches them at Heaven on Ice. And... WAIT JOEL IS COMING HOME?

 

Chapter 17

We have this chapter by Joel's perspective, and it is sad. Chase makes his Apology, but Joel doesn't seem to appreciate it.

 

Well, my hands were hurting after writing this three times over, but that is another story. Hoped you guys Enjoyed it!

J.R.

Hi, J.R.,

I don't know about the 3 times over, but I really was pleased by your impressions, which make it right to the core of the story! And anyone who enjoys "Leaf Man" is a friend of mine!  Thanks!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                --GK--

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 20

> Brendan’s philosophy on compatibility is pretty flexible. But his enthusiasm and determination are strong when daydreaming of Kimberly.

> Shoe polish to make a grey suit morph into a tux. Sure, what could go wrong?

> Kimberly is the kind of person who either makes you laugh or tests your patience. “I know this song. … How come you picked such a lousy song?”

> Joel tells Brendan “somebody” dropped the regular-sized tuba down the stairs. I’m guessing that somebody was named Slim Kroy (DON’T CARE HIGH) and that the tuba didn’t miss a step as it fell, “saying clang, bang, p-toom, boing, rattle, bam, fettuh-fettuh, futtuh-futtuh, clunk” during the denting process.

> But good news! Bruno and Boots (THE ZUCCHINI WARRIORS) know a great way to repurpose a broken tuba (if you also happen to have seven vacuum cleaner hoses available).

> Aaron and Bear’s obliteration of the band room is sickening. This isn’t a prank gone too far: It’s malicious and dangerous behavior, with injury and destruction clearly intended. And Principal Fitzwallace goes down several rungs in my estimation for letting the boys skate on a clear lie.

> Brendan makes sense as the choice to narrate the “One Man Band” chapter, of course—but it’s brilliant to have his perspective of Chase’s arrival and involvement in the band room disaster. It’s so heartening to see Brendan’s first inclination is to trust that Chase is not part of the attack. And so gutting when he starts to doubt.

> At least the chapter ends on a bright note. Kimberly Tooley, I didn’t think you had it in you to show up for Brendan in his darkest hour.

> With 20 chapters down in a 30-chapter book, the math is easy: We’re two-thirds of the way through RESTART.

@J.R. The universe seems to be throwing obstacles at you during this book club. But in “The Universe vs. J.R.,” my money’s on J.R. Even if you are anti-Kimberly. Where’s your youthful spirit of enigmatic affection? Unfathomable infatuation? Inexplicable puppy love?

[Jade]

And guess who forgot to make a response today! Totally not moi.

@J.R. We're so glad to have you, and now we're all on the same page! Can't believe you typed up your responses so many times. Thank you so much. So happy to have your thoughts too!

@Raymond Yeah, I don't know what Bear's getting up to... but it's gonna be bad.

Chapter 20 (Wow!):

Leaf Man. Oh, goodness. I can't believe Kimberly didn't eat that up! What a shame, honestly. If I used my dad's show polish on a rented tux, I would probably be grounded for years.

Kimberly was honestly hilarious to me. Like, what is she doing? Brendan has some really good ideas but the prank was terrible!

The "obliteration" was terrible! I was thinking so much about how much money is that going to cost?! Those instruments!? Oh goodness gracious. And Chase! He didn't do it, please! Guys, believe him.

Kimberly was actually quite sweet in this chapter!

'It’s so heartening to see Brendan’s first inclination is to trust that Chase is not part of the attack. And so gutting when he starts to doubt." Just another reason that I love Brendan. He's so forgiving. Many people don't have that trait nowadays.

Also, the tuba! That was the only one! What the heck?
I couldn't help but laugh at some of the parts of the prank, though. Taking myself out of it, and appreciating that this never actually happened, it was kind of funny how Aaron and Bear were like "hey bozos! Guess who's back?" but it was so bad how they got Chase into it! Also, watching this from Brendan's perspective was so intelligent. That was just a great choice in general. Couldn't have been better!

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

@Jade: “I couldn't help but laugh at some of the parts of the prank, though.” – Yes! Dousing the video club dweebs with the fire extinguisher could’ve been funny—if it was a prank committed by friends and with a minimum of collateral damage. In fact, GRK has had characters use a fire extinguisher in other humorous and dramatic scenes. As a cudgel to open a locked door in SLACKER. Used for its intended purpose in ISLAND—but then itself succumbing to fire. In the form of a can of orange soda in THE HYPNOTISTS. As a chicken-saving threat/weapon in THE CHICKEN DOESN’T SKATE. Again as a weapon—this time to ward off an assassin—in ON THE RUN: PUBLIC ENEMIES. Contributing to an award-winning photo entry for Cathy Burton in GO JUMP IN THE POOL! (poor Miss Scrimmage!). Again in its intended purpose—and credited by Captain Smith for saving the titular vessel—in TITANIC. As a last-ditch effort to save Chipmunk Adelman’s evidence in SLAPSHOTS: THE FACE-OFF PHONY. And best of all (and where my mind goes instantly whenever someone says “fire extinguisher”): as Wendy Orr’s final act of physical effrontery against Simon in SON OF INTERFLUX. (“Land?!”)

Chapter 21

> Chase’s analysis of the degree of pending punishment is spot-on: The amount of damage clearly wasn’t in line with an attempt to put out a fire so miniscule there’s no sign one occurred. Even for students without a rap sheet a mile long, the police would be involved and expulsion would be on the table. For the terrible trio of A-B-C, that should be enough for school administrators to make a statement about what’s not acceptable at Hiawassee Middle. Aaron and Bear aren’t so bright that their scheme should succeed.

> Principal Fitzwallace, your star has faded for me. You’re not there to do what’s easy, you’re there to create an environment of safety and learning. That haven of education is tarnished by the great music room cover-up.

> And Chase: Confirming Aaron’s lie is a bad look for you and your new “good guy” brand. (But at least he recognizes it’s not as cool as his dad thinks it is.)

> So, the video clubbers mostly think Chase is guilty, and even Brendan is unable to completely believe he’s innocent. 💔

> I’m still laughing at: “…Dr. Nguyen, who would have signed a paper certifying I was pregnant with triplets if my father had paid him enough.”

> Chase’s final words are so important. He’s recognizing he likes the post-amnesia life he built for himself more than the pre-amnesia “king of the school” reputation he keeps hearing about.

[J.R.]

Chapter 18

This chapter starts off with a rather dramatic note by adding in Chase's official court sentence. Then, when Chase is crossing the lawn following Joel\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s music like a moth to a light. I laughed when the Webers started smiling while Chase suffered. Funny, but creepy. And when he goes into the house and stands there! It is like a silent acceptance of Chase.

Chapter 19 

WHAT IS BEAR PLANNING? Like what. WHAT. I got so tempted to read ahead... oh wait I already did.

Chapter 20

This chapter is crazy. All of the pranks we heard of so far have been all memories or recollections from Chase as he slowly recovers his brain from Amnesia. But this is a real time example. Obviously there will be and already has a lot of conflict.

 

Chapter 21

This chapter is so sad and highlights the consequences-deserved or not deserved-that was given to the boys-I don't know what to call them but definitely not friends.

We get that Dr. Nyugen poo. So Chase will play football now. MORE CONFLCIT!

 

Raymond,

Puppy love? I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'m 12 now. There is no puppy love left in me anymore. I don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t get how everybody is not hating on this Kimmy person right now! Am I ranting? Well too bad so sad. I didn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t care or ask. Wait, I did ask. Anyway, like who the heck does she think she is that little @$#%^@%$# think she is?

 

Jade,

Thanks for giving me a laugh 

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"bozos guess who\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s back?\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"

And I am glad to finally be able to catch up with you guys! This is fun!

 

~J.R.~

 

 

[Raymond Jardine]

@J.R.: Yes, good recognition that Mr. Ambrose’s Nguyen “win” brings more conflict! So much could happen. Will Chase get re-injured? Will his mom go apewire when she finds out he’s playing full-contact football? Will Chase have an on-the-field run-in with Bear and Aaron?

 Chapter 22

> Okay, Shoshanna feels cheated and misled and just plain burned by Chase. And with her hair-trigger personality, that means the pendulum of her feelings about Alpha Rat swings immediately and fully to “anti-Chase.”

> So interesting how much of an impression Chase made on the video club members—after only a few weeks, he’s become the yardstick against which so much (camera and audio work, shot selection, story brainstorming) is measured, even in his absence.

> “I’m not going to be ‘chased’ out of town again.” – Joel, I’m punderstruck. That one almost went punder the radar. The ultimate punderdog story.

[Jade]

Greatest apologies. I will get my stuff on here tomorrow, I’d forgotten! 

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 23

> Is this the first chapter we learn the name of Hiawassee Middle’s football coach? Coach Davenport, good to meet you.

> “… the cuts and jukes come back to me…” – I could figure out “jukes” by context but I looked it up to be sure. I wasn’t familiar with that definition. It’s always fun to get introduced to new words.

> “And how much do I care about hurting their delicate feelings? Well, you could fit that inside the nucleus of a carbon atom.” – Proof positive of inflation! Back in my day, it was half the nucleus of a carbon atom. (“Farewell and adieu, Secaucus! It does not grieve Jardine half the nucleus of a carbon atom to see you go!”)

> Chase learns the truth about the Medal of Honor—and can’t outrun his shame and self-loathing.  

[Jade]

Okay, so, tomorrow didn’t happen. Sigh, this is gonna take a while.

Chapter 21:

This was good, but sad. Unlike Raymond, I liked the Principal more for what he did for Chase. No, he shouldn’t have wanted a coverup. But that’s my Chase. Literally everyone was trying to get him in trouble and the whole world was against him. I’m glad he had one person despite how incorrect it was. He cares about my boy, even if it’s for the wrong reasons. 
Chase was between a rock and a hard place. He’s a really good friend (and smart with situations) to decide to lie. Wrong move, but I can’t blame him. It was pretty clear that his theatre friends weren’t going to believe him if he told the truth, which made me upset. Whole world against him, easy way out. Wrong, but so were his “friends”.

— This is not to say anyone should do this. Preferably, never make friends with peoppe like Aaron and Bear in the first place. Only friend you should have, and the only real friends in this whole story are Brendan and Chase. 

Yes! Football! I’m really glad Chase can go back. By y’all’s comments I’m beginning to realize that maybe he shouldn’t… whoops.

Chapter 22:

Shoshanna is so fake. I really, really dislike her. She’s literally off her rocker. The stuff she says is so innapropriate and it’s kind of crazy how she jumps to accusations. Okay, it’s not crazy at all, but not even a sliver of faith? Like, come on. Just another showcase of how Brendan is one of the best characters of all time. Forgiving. Empathetic. If only I had a friend like Brendan. This is a lesson of how we need to be Brendan’s and not Shoshannas. That little girl is going to eat her words later on. It was just disgusting how fast she went from Chase’s friend to his enemy, especially when she was not there.

But it makes sense. Makes sense; her brother got beat up again and Chase lied. But still, disgusting.

Raymond, if you want to see a bunch of puns that went pundar the raydar, check my last posts on the MIXED UP Book Club. 

Ah, my precious Chase.

Chapter 23:

Chase! No! I didn’t even remmeber it being that early/late in the book! J.R. I’m afraid it wasn’t Aaron and Bear. It was yours truly! Ahhh! Okay, but why don’t we talk about Chase’s depression from losing his friends? Imagine this. Your “best friends” who you can’t even remember betray you, think it’s funny, and lose you all of your actual friends; showing that you never had any real friends in the first place. Real friends stick together. Not that Chase made the right decision to lie—that was not it, and also a good reason for his friends to be mad at him. But they were already against him before he got the chance to lie and they were there. It’s honestly just sad overall. Brendan’s the only one who thought Chase might be okay! Which, makes sense; he was the one who spent the most time with the new Chase, other than Shoshanna who just backstabbed him! What? But anyways. I feel bad for my precious Chase.

 Chapter 24:

ATM i can’t get my hands on the book, I’m at a summer camp. I’ll try again later

 

Again, sorry this stuff is so late!?!?!?!?!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

It’s Ray J’s catch-up day so here are chapters 24-25. Warning: Tangents ahead.

> Starting with Brendan in chapter 24: Poor Brendan. “Losing” Kimmy and Chase at the same time. Pretty impressive maturity level to recognize “the truth is, I probably miss Chase even more than I miss Kimberly.”

> Brendan refers to Aaron and Bear as Chase’s “Neanderthal pals.” I remember that putdown from when I was in school. For the past several years, I’ve been seeing fairly frequent mentions of how paleoanthropologists are trying to correct misperceptions of Neanderthal intelligence and culture, so I decided to look up the history of anti-Neanderthal sentiment. Apparently, the world of science has been having this debate for several decades. One of the stories I remember reading when it came out was a New York Times feature called “Neanderthals Were People, Too” from 2017—the same year as RESTART. Another good simple overview is a story in Time called “Much of What We Thought About Neanderthals Was Wrong. Here’s Why That Matters.” (ß Story titles are linked)

> I’m so relieved that Brendan is holding out hope for Chase to still be a good guy.

> Slugfest! Brendan’s brainstorm of ideas for his new video has a GREAT potential name. Of course, the book SLUGFEST probably was a better story than watching Sluggo crawl up a wall!

> Anyhow, that reminds me of another GRK book title I've seen out of context. The book OLD SCHOOL, which comes out in January 2025, is going to cause an interesting conundrum. If you go to the “The Books” section of this website, you’ll find a listing of GRK’s books under various categories. So, the big question: Will OLD SCHOOL fall under “Hot Off the Press”? Or should it be in “Classics,” which specifically tells readers to GO OLD SCHOOL to see the full list of Korman Classics?

> I’m amused by the verb “millimetering” that Brendan uses to describe the slug’s pace. I’m about 95 percent certain that Americans don’t want to give up on imperial measurements only because they’re too important to our idioms. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure… the whole nine yards… wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole…. Well, that’s my yardstick—but, hey: YKMV (your kilometerage may vary).

> When Brendan realizes he captured the music room attack on video, his first thought is to mend the Chase-Joel-Shoshanna-Video Club relationship, not to use the evidence to get Aaron and Bear in trouble. Brendan’s a pretty great guy.

> Moving along to Chase in chapter 25: Poor Chase. He gets a glimmer of hope with Brendan’s text message to meet him about “something important you have to see.” But he’s so bummed about the theft of Mr. Solway’s medal, he can’t even enjoy the possible thawing of tensions.

> The girl in the blue dress! Thank you, Mrs. Tottenham!

> (Did everyone google “Renoir girl in blue dress with watering can” to see the painting Chase was remembering?)

> We find out exactly what caused Chase to fall off the roof! And we get an answer to what happened to the missing medal!

> “Have you forgotten what happened to you last summer? Do you have amnesia about the amnesia?” – Mrs. Ambrose.  😊

@Jade: “Football! I’m really glad Chase can go back. By y’all’s comments I’m beginning to realize that maybe he shouldn’t… whoops.” Interesting point. I think I partially have been anti-football for Chase because Dr. Cooperman said it would be safer to take off the season, and partially because Mr. Ambrose is so keen on Chase’s quick return. (Since I dislike most of what Mr. Ambrose says and does, my kneejerk is to disagree with him on this!) But giving it some more thought, I wonder if I’m associating “old Chase” with football, and I worry that football could trigger a return of some of his previous personality. And I’m so glad you brought up Chase’s sadness about losing his friends. Forming those friendships with the vidiots was the best proof that Chase had really changed. Now, he’s doubting himself and doesn’t have any friends—old or new—to turn to.

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 26

> Joel responds with remarkable maturity to his whole “bully is back” reality. Melton may have been miserable, but he walked away with some grit.

> “’Wow, Chase must be really strong,’ is what Kimberly gets out of it.”  😁

> The world is converging on Portland Street Assisted Living Residence. It feels like things are going to start happening quickly.

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 27

> My wife wanted to see Thelma last weekend. The movie has a heartrending subtext of eldercare, so Aaron and Bear’s treatment of the Portland Street “Dumbledora” feels like even more of a gut punch.

> Chase’s former friends are bullying him now—physically and emotionally.

> Truly a Presidential Medal of Honor: presented to Mr. Solway by Truman and then cleaned up by Hoover.

[Marlo]

I’m alive, but slightly traumatized (you hear faint whispers saying “No Wi-Fi… 2 weeks”) but I’m ok…ish

[Jade]

I guess my message didn’t work. That’s okay. Brendan is just so freaking mature! You have no idea how happy I was when thag all turned out to be on video. And how awesome Brendan had to be to show them all at once, immediately! Funny video in the beginning too. Kimberly is soooo fake. But she’s kinda funny. Yeah, the way the boys treat the elderly are so bad! This has got to be a really sore and low point for Chase. Imagine what kinda guy he had to be to lead these meanies… sigh. I didn’t really like the Joel chapter. IMO he seems kind of bland; but he has some really good points. I get bullying affecting you for, like, ever. Some girls messed with me for maybe a year or two six to seven years ago and it still messes with me! He’s being very charitable to Chase. The “my face just got in the way” comment was sweet. Nice to see he’s not blinded by his own perception. Shoshanna is eating her words now; I’n glad she’s feeling repentant. Personally, I didn’t really notice the mistreatment of the elderly other than it being “bad”, so I’m glad you have pointed that out. And now? Aaron and Bear have been bullying Chase for a while but now they’re being blunt about it. Talk about being loyal! This and life lessons have taught me things; even if your friend is wrong, don’t abandon people when things get tough. I’d say more but it’s just the old stuff: Chase is realizing how bad he was. He’s trying to do something about it. And my guy got kicked out of the vidiots by the teacher herself! Heartwrenching, anyone?

@Marlo So glad to have you back. I’m so sorry; I think I’d die if that happened to me.

@Raymond Basically this whole message was a reply to you. Also, wife? Lore drop! Hope y’all enjoyed that show. Never heard of it but it sounds good.

Be blessed,

Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Oh, yay! I was worried I was going to get a Connect-4 and win the game. Glad to see you’re amongst the living, @Marlo. I’m with @Jade, though: Is it really worth existing if you don’t have internet access? Hope you get it sorted out quickly and get back on here to point out lots of good RESTART topics we've missed or gotten wrong.

Chapter 28

> I like that Shoshanna recognizes so many things: That it’s hard to take back mean things you’ve said… that Chase’s actions are a “mix of good and bad” (oh, Shosh, you'd better get used to it—life’s like that!)… that innocent bystanders can be hurt when two people are in a fight (like Mr. Solway being ignored when Chase and Shoshanna are at odds).

> The brawl in the hall was a great action-packed payoff to the whole question of how the medal will make its way back to Mr. Solway, and how Aaron and Bear will try to make sure that doesn't happen.

> Chase’s dejection is so clear as he does the right thing and comes clean. (And so cool he "comes clean" by becoming dirty—tearing open a vacuum cleaner bag makes a dusty mess!)

> The ending scene is Chase at his lowest, and the silence from everyone present makes Chase feel completely alone in the world. I love that we, as readers, get to understand that the witnesses to the scene all have their own reasons for staying silent, even though Chase thinks they’re blaming and judging him. 

@Jade: I forgot to mention it, but I’m still laughing about “punder the raydar”—well played! … Lore drop, love it, that’s a new one to me. … Good insights about Joel. He’s definitely a “meek shall inherit the Earth” kind of guy. I could totally seem him as the star of his own GRK book, in a slightly alternate universe. … You called it: Ms. DeLeo is the perfect one to deliver the mortal blow to Chase (video club membership). And I’ll say the same about Nurse Duncan calling the police. Both of these women knew who Chase used to be, and had allowed themselves to be fans of who he had become, so their loss of faith in him just hits harder.

[Jade]

Yesterday’s chapter is by far my favorite because of that epic battle scene! I mean, come on ,vidiots vs Aaron and Bear? The vacuum thing was soo smart and the action was really good in my opinion. I liked what Brendan was doing, I liked seein Chase’s powers be used for good. I liked (oncr again) how awesome Brendan was and that Kimberly got to see that. 

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 29

> Whoa—so, Chase is wallowing. He just sees himself as an irredeemable miscreant, and he assumes everyone else sees him as a villain as well.

> Have I mentioned recently how much I like Corinne?

> “… it’s pretty clear that the old me and the new me aren’t two separate Chases. Can I really claim to be ‘no longer the same person’?” – Chase’s introspection (and what he says to Judge Garfinkle right after) reminds me a lot of "Red" Redding’s interview with the parole board in Shawshank Redemption.

> This chapter starts with Chase saying “There are worse things than falling off a roof.” as he starts his inner monologue of self-reproach and self-loathing. It finishes with a similar thought, but one that’s so much happier: “Falling on my head was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Guys! Only one more chapter!

[Jade]

I LIVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Corrine!!! Also Chase is over here breaking my heart? Goodness, it’s like a mountainclimbing downward! Like it was bad and it just kept getting worse… I can not believe everyone went to his hearing. But overall, Chase was just really hurting my heart in this one. You HAVE changed. Chase!!! But Corrinne is sooo goated for what she did. Otherwise Chase would so be in Juvie

[Marlo]

Ok so I’m not doing pretty much the whole book NOW so I’m going to recap the events so far

 Leaf Man. Need I say more? It was the best video in the whole book. I MUST SEE THIS IN REAL LIFE. BRENDAN, YOU ARE THE WORLD’S BEST INFLUENCE. One man band was also super good.

CHASE YOU DIRTY LIAR I TRUSTED YOU AARON AND BEAR ARE A BAD EXAMPLE YOU ARE GROUNDED! YOU LIED TO YOUR BEST FRIENDS!

And Chase stole the medal. I was so surprised when that happened. CHASE YOU’RE GROUNDED FOR LONGER!

Mr Soloway. Wow. Jade, what do you think? Rivals Brendan or not? A true war hero. I bet he will have some more War Stories to tell. CHASE DON’T GO OUT OF THAT ROOM YOU ARE STILL VERY MUCH GROUNDED!

 

[Logan]

I’ve been very busy so I’ll do what Mario did-

Leaf Man is a cinematic masterpiece even though I never visually watched it.

I felt so bad for Joel and Brendan and even Chase too..

I like how Chase owned up to his mistake. He really did change.

it was amazing to see everyone come together for him.

[Raymond Jardine]

Chapter 30

> This is it! I suspect @Jade will be thrilled that Brendan gets the final say in RESTART.

> Lots of ‘shipping to close out the story. Shoshanna and Chase are the classic oil-and-water, opposites-attract, love-or-hate-no-middle-ground type of couple, along the lines of Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy or Hermione and Ron.

> Brendan and Kimberly? They’re more Belle and Beast or Lady Sybil and chauffeur Tom in Downton Abbey—they may be magic together, but it’s harder to imagine it from the outside.

> If you had asked me halfway through the book if Chase would be playing football this season, I’d’ve said No way! Score one for Mr. Ambrose.

> Brendan’s review of the past year in video club comes closest to "the real treasure was the friends we made along the way" of anything I’ve read from GRK.

> Brendan’s conclusion that “anything is possible” in life is the PERFECT way to end this story.

@J.R., @Logan, @Marlo: It was so cool to read your thoughts on the story. Hope we bump into each other elsewhere in the Forum!

@Jade: It’s been a blast as always! You made me see some of RESTART in a different way. I fully expect GRK and I will be bookclubbing one of your stories in a few years.

@GRK: Rereading RESTART reminded me why it’s so popular. Thanks for continuing to write stuff that still makes me lose myself in the story and laugh a lot. Now, on to FAKER!

[Logan]

I’m just going to give my initial thoughts on the story. It really is genuinely great and has amazing moments. I did read the book although there were some chapters I couldn’t get to due to being busy, and I really do apologize. When we do the “FAKER” book club I will try my hardest to find a simple time in the day to write my thoughts. For the most part and times I did get to do it it was really fun.

I will now do my RESTART awards.

Best character: Brendan Espinoza, do I need to say more?

Least favorite character(s): Aaron and Bear, they had so many moments to be redeemable and didn’t use them to their advantage.

Favorite moment: Leaf Man or maybe when everyone comes together for Chase in the end.

This story is a great tale about having a restart and sometimes that is the best decision. Everyone makes mistakes, but everyone deserves a chance to change.

[Marlo]

It’s a me MARLO, not Mario, Logan.

 

[Jade]

Restart was amazing. This book made me laugh so many times and just the shenanigans these guys got up to were so hilarious! Chase is a great MC. I rarely like the MC this much but he would have definitely been my favorite had not put one of his best written characters of all time, Brendan, in this story. Brendan was so, so awesome and so supportive. I very much so enjoy how this last chapter went to him. I like how everything wraps up, I really appreciate the denoument. I like how Chase’s memories don’t just magically return similar to how [Spoiler; MIXED UP] Coral Reef’s memories of his mom don’t return. They’re finding their way into this new normal and Chase has a whole new life ahead of him! Brendan got the girl, even if she is Kimberly! I’m glad she found the truth and realized how awesome Brendan was. I like how Shoshanna and Chase made up, though he’s very quick to befriend her again. I’m all for forgiveness but there’s no need to continue to befriend someone who has repeatedly gone over how they would like you to die. Not safe. 

I so liked this story. You guys are all awesome. @Raymond, @Logan, @Marlo, & @J.R. thank you so much for participating despite the wifi issues, the not-having-the-book issues, catching up, life, everything. You guys rock. I suspect I’ll be seeing you in a couple weeks for the FAKER book club?

@Marlo, this was such a great idea. I’m glad everyone participated, especially in this book. And we have over a hundred more books go pick from for the next-next one! Overall, you guys rock.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Jade]

~~Psst, Happy Independence Day to Gord and all Canadians! (Just ‘cuz you left Canada don’t mean the Canada left you! 🍁)

[Logan]

I deeply apologize Marlo. I guess I just read it wrong and my horrible eyesight failed me.

A very embarrassed and sorry,

Logan

[Mario]

No, it’s ok, that happens to me when I’m playing Roblox too. You don’t have to be sorry Logan. It’s actually kind of hilarious when I read back on it.

Jade, thank you. It just occurred to me one day. The book club idea. I cant wait for Faker!

[Marlo]

Oh Raymond, I forgot to ask, how was your trip to Theamalpos? Was it lucky?

Jade had it right -- you guys rock!

Thanks, everybody, for dissecting RESTART and putting it back together again. I am humbled and grateful, and also very proud that you all seemed to like the book so much.

                                                Best,                                                             -----Gordon Korman-----

[Jade]

Thanks, Gord. Can you believe all the interest we're getting for the FAKER Book Club? This is going awesomely! Of course we liked RESTART. It's hard not to!

@Marlo: I see how you named yourself "Mario" in your second-to-last reply. Niiice. Also, you play Roblox? I play it too. What's your username? (I'm Sprinki1e, "Nickname" is Sprinkle.

[Raymond Jardine]

Hey, Book Clubbers. We were ahead of our time: The actress Sarah Michelle Gellar just included RESTART on her list of summer reading recommendations. (LINK)