An Instant New York Times Bestseller

From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a young adult thriller about a world where happiness is contagious but the risks of catching it may be just as dangerous as the cure.

A deadly and unprecedented virus is spreading. But those who survive it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen before: utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.

More and more people begin to revel in the mass unburdening. But not everyone. People in power—who depend on malcontents and prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince others they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos. Campaigns start up to convince people that being eternally happy is dangerous. The race to find a vaccine begins. Meanwhile, a growing movement of Recoverees plan ways to spread the virus as fast as they can, in the name of saving the world.

It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their agenda. Three teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in very different ways find themselves at the center of a power play that could change humanity forever.

Reading Group Guide

Reading Group Guide

All Better Now

By Neal Shusterman

About the Book
It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their agenda. In this thrilling speculative novel, three teens from very different backgrounds have their lives upended in very different ways, finding themselves at the center of a power play that could change humanity forever.

Discussion Questions

1. As All Better Now opens, readers are introduced to Mariel and her mother as Mariel shares, “It was the wrong time to be living on the streets.” (Chapter one) How does the harsh reality of being unhomed during the time of another spreading pandemic set the stage for a life-changing encounter with Rón, a seemingly wealthy, enigmatic young man?

2. When considering his family’s wealth and the ways in which it impacts how they interact in the world and how they are perceived, Rón offers, “When you have as much money as the Escobedos, it becomes a Victorian corset. Wear your wealth long enough and it cuts off your circulation until you can barely breathe.” (Chapter two) In what ways is the extreme wealth of the Escobedo family both a blessing and a curse, especially to Rón? How has this reality kept him from feeling like he has a purpose? Consider and discuss how wealth and power influence the motivations, actions, and relationships of other characters and shape their actions throughout the novel.

3. Based on the early parts of All Better Now, what do you believe defines Rón’s relationship with his father, Blas Escobedo? What are some ways their relationship changes as the novel progresses? How is the relationship between Mariel and her mother different? Compare the two different parenting styles and discuss how that affects Mariel and Rón.

4. How would you describe Dame Havilland and Morgan Willmon-Wu? In what ways are they similar? What are the specific tactics Dame Havilland uses to test Morgan’s resourcefulness before their meeting? Do you believe she’s smart to do so? Why or why not?

5. After his recovery from Crown Royale and their departure from the Pier Peer Collective, Rón tells Mariel, “‘I’ve been alone a lot of my life, but I want to be—I need to be—around people now. Lots of people. Because there’s tons of good I can do out there, Mariel. Tons of good!’” (Chapter eighteen) Compare Rón’s desire for purpose to his father’s mission for him before he caught Crown Royale. In what ways are these drives to “help others” different? Considering the quote above, why does his use of “I” instead of “we” bother Mariel so much? Do you think she has a right to be concerned?

6. Zee tells Rón, “‘I won’t ask you to do anything you don’t want to do, son. I won’t put you in that position. . . But if it’s in your heart to go out there into the world . . . I won’t stop you.’” (Chapter sixteen) Discuss the differences between a mandate, or giving an order, and giving permission. To what degree do you see Zee’s words having power over Rón, if at all? How do you think this discussion with Zee influenced the decisions Rón makes throughout the rest of the novel?

7. As Zee preps Mariel for what she’ll need to do to keep Rón safe on their journey, he tells her, “‘Be his eyes, Mariel. His own are distracted by all the new he can see. He could miss things. Basic survival sorts of things.’” She retorts, “‘Survival’s my specialty.’” (Chapter eighteen) How has Mariel already proven this throughout the novel? Given Rón’s experiences in life thus far, why is he at a disadvantage?

8. In All Better Now, the Crown Royale virus reduces negative emotions such as fear, anger, and ambition, resulting in widespread contentment, a decline in consumerism and desire for material positions, and a strong urge to seek experiences, activity, and forward momentum. Why is this shift in behavior feared by industries and business leaders? Do you think they are right to be concerned? Why or why not?

9. Despite their differing beliefs on how they should proceed, Rón remains resolved to “share” Crown Royale widely, regardless of Mariel’s deep concerns. She compromises with him: “‘I get to choose who you expose, and when. . . That way it’s on my head as much as it’s on yours. Then we’ll really be a team.’” (Chapter twenty-two) Given Mariel’s feelings, why are the pair at such odds with his decision? Despite the seemingly positive effects, what is the ethical dilemma of spreading the virus?

10. Consider what you learn about Mariel and Rón throughout the novel. In what ways are they similar and how are they different? Which character do you identify most with, and why?

11. Explore the theme of identity in All Better Now. How do characters like Rón, Morgan, Dame Havilland, and Blas Escobedo grapple with defining themselves in the face of external pressures and personal challenges? Consider the actions, beliefs, and motivations that define the three main characters—Rón, Mariel, and Morgan—throughout the entire novel. How do they view their existence next to Crown Royale? Is the virus a friend, a foe, or something else entirely? At the end, is each character the same person you met at the beginning of the novel? How so?

12. Considering how Rón and Mariel wrestle with the implications of their actions and how those actions affect others, describe how All Better Now highlights the tension between their personal desires and the needs of the wider community.

13. Despite being a Crown Royale recoveree, Dame Havilland remains dogged in her mission to stop Morgan from executing her plan to eradicate the virus altogether. How does she work around both her own stopgaps to prevent herself from interfering in Morgan’s mission and the peaceful, nonviolent nature of Crown Royale survivors? In what ways does she rationalize her actions? Do you see her justifications as appropriate? Explain your answer. Furthermore, discuss the ways in which a recoveree’s nature changes, but their personalities remain true to who they were before catching the virus.

14. As they discuss how Rón is to move forward, Jarrick Javins tells Rón, “‘I have powerful visions of a day when the world as it is now is so strange to us, so primitive, as to be incomprehensible. All thanks to the virus that evolves us.’” (Chapter thirty-seven) Why does Javins believe Rón has such a pivotal role to play in the future of humanity? What causes him to believe that Rón must help spread the virus further to achieve a greater good?

15. Explore the concept of recovery as presented in the novel. How does Crown Royale redefine “recovery” in the context of both individual characters and society as a whole? The emergence of terms like “recoverees,” “unembraced,” and “viral spider,” among others, creates a stark division within society. Describe how this polarization fuels suspicion, prejudice, and violence among the population as those who fear Crown Royale’s effects seek to control or eliminate those who have been infected.

16. As she makes her case for getting Mariel’s assistance in the creation of a vaccine that will eradicate Crown Royale, Morgan tells Mariel, “‘You and I—we could be partners in bringing something important to the world! . . . Imagine it! Crown Royale defeated by two women!’” (Chapter thirty-six) How does Morgan’s statement showcase her ambition and drive to be recognized for her achievements? Based on what you’ve read about her, why might Mariel be attracted to the idea of making a mark on the world?

17. Discuss the significance of family relationships in the novel. How do familial bonds both support and hinder the characters’ journeys?

18. Dr. Nødtvedt, the curator of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a genetic safe room of sorts, tells Morgan, “‘There are little doomsdays all the time, Miss Willmon-Wu.’” (Chapter nineteen) How does Dr. Nødtvedt’s perspective provide a greater understanding of the other risks to mankind and the planet besides Crown Royale, and why is it an important one?

19. Beyond the impact on individual characters, examine the ethical implications of spreading Crown Royale. Be sure to include in your explanation the extents to which some people seem willing to go in order to spread the virus. Consider the perspectives of various characters, and evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of a world where everyone is infected with the virus.

20. Analyze the ending of All Better Now. Would you describe it as optimistic, pessimistic, or ambiguous? Using textual evidence, explain your position and share what you believe will happen next.

Extension Activities

1. In All Better Now, Crown Royale is a contagious virus that eliminates selfishness and aggression in its victims, turning them into altruistic individuals. It possesses the extraordinary ability to irrevocably alter human behavior and perception. Based on what you’ve learned from your reading of the novel, do you see Crown Royale as a blessing or a curse? Select one of the characters in the novel and write a personal letter to them sharing your perspective.

2. The difference between hero and villain is not always clear. Are there ways in which the characters in Shusterman’s All Better Now are symbolic of humanity as a whole? Using textual evidence from the novel, craft an essay where you make a case for a particular character. Do you see them as a hero? A villain? A combination of both?

3. In All Better Now, critics of Crown Royale warn of the possibility for its effects to be exploited for malicious purposes. In the novel, Morgan Willmon-Wu manipulates public perception of the virus through disinformation campaigns to further her own agenda through strategic social and public media outreach. Why should there be concerns about the potential for powerful individuals or governments to control and exploit the altered behavior of recoverees for their own gain? Consider and discuss this technique, and find contemporary real-world examples of similar disinformation campaigns. Why are these so problematic? Are there effective ways to counter these? Brainstorm ideas to do so.

4. Shusterman infuses this story with rich, powerful, figurative language. Embark on a literary scavenger hunt throughout the book to locate your favorite quotes. Create a sharable digital quote card image to be published on an approved and appropriate social media platform of your choice (remember to attribute appropriately).

5. Through his nuanced and layered storytelling in All Better Now, Shusterman offers readers multiple complex themes to consider. Select one of the following themes to explore further: wealth and its impact; legacy and purpose; social disruption and economic upheaval; loss of agency and ambition; choice and free will. Using a medium of choice (including digital tools) or creative writing, create a product that showcases your understanding of this theme from the novel.

6. While featured in Shusterman’s fictional novel, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a real-world facility designed to preserve plant biodiversity in the event of a global catastrophe, and it becomes a symbolic battleground in the story. Using trusted online and library resources, research to learn more about this facility. After doing so, consider the following: In what ways does the Svalbard Global Seed Vault represent both hope for the future and the potential for catastrophic loss? Share your findings and thoughts with others.

7. Grab a hat or a bag and fill it with twenty-five blue balls and five yellow balls (or cards, or marbles—anything that can be blue or yellow). Have everyone in your class or group reach in to select a ball—make sure they’re not looking! Whoever gets a yellow ball is a “recoveree” for twenty-four hours and must spend the next day following only their most positive, most loving, most altruistic instincts. Afterward, the class should discuss how everyone was affected by the recoverees’ actions. The recoverees should also be prepared to discuss how this changed their own decision-making processes, and if it affected their schedule or relationships in any significant way.

This guide was created by Dr. Rose Brock[NS6] , an associate professor in Library Science and Technology Department in the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Brock holds a Ph.D. in Library Science, specializing in children’s and young adult literature.

This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes. For more Simon & Schuster guides and classroom materials, please visit simonandschuster.net or https://www.simonandschuster.net/m/prek12-teachers-librarians/the-book-pantry.

About The Author

Neal Shusterman

Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including the Unwind dystology, the Skinjacker trilogy, Downsiders, and Challenger Deep, which won the National Book Award. Scythe, the first book in his series Arc of a Scythe is a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows. Neal is the father of four, all of whom are talented writers and artists themselves. Visit Neal at StoryMan.com and Facebook.com/NealShusterman.