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All Better Now
By: Neal Shusterman
My Rating: THREE out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 14 and up

All Better Now: Or are we?

Welcome to post-Covid America and the NEXT great pandemic! Neal Shusterman’s All Better Now presents a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding pandemic management. It’s a fascinating premise, one that delves into the complexities of public health, individual liberties, and the difficult choices we face during times of crisis.

All Better Now is a brilliant, provocative, and timely exploration of a world grappling with the aftermath of a unique pandemic, “Crown Royale.” Set in a near-future that mirrors our own, the novel confronts readers with a fascinating paradox: Crown Royale is a virus that kills 1 in 25 people it infects, but also bestows euphoric bliss upon its survivors. No more sadness, no more ill will, no more selfishness. Only love, extreme empathy, a permanently sunny outlook (even in the face of tragedy), and happiness to the extreme. As marvelous as that sounds, it doesn’t jive very well with a society built on ambition and material wealth. What happens when no one wants to buy things anymore? What happens when wealthy people just walk away from their fortunes? What happens when no one cares about self anymore?

And so, the dilemma. Is Crown Royale good? Or is it bad? Should we cure everyone? Or infect everyone?

How’s that for a moral conundrum?

This isn’t just another post-apocalyptic tale; it’s a deeply original and thought-provoking examination of ethical dilemmas and societal structures. The “Crown Royale” virus, while offering a sense of peace and happiness, threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of productivity and economic stability, forcing characters and readers alike to confront difficult questions about the nature of prosperity and the role of ambition.

The story follows a group of clever and engaging characters, each with their own unique perspectives on the crisis. As the characters navigate this complex landscape, they are forced to confront their own beliefs and grapple with the gray areas of morality and societal responsibility.
Through their intertwined stories, Shusterman explores the central question: is the pursuit of material wealth and societal advancement inherently linked to inequality and hardship? The novel delves into the complex ramifications of a world where traditional economic models are challenged, and the very definition of success is redefined.

Shusterman’s rotating third-person perspective allows readers to analyze these issues from multiple angles, encouraging active participation in the ethical debates at the core of the story. Like his previous works, All Better Now subtly weaves in activist warnings without resorting to heavy-handed moralizing. It’s a book that demands and deserves debate, inviting readers to ponder the delicate balance between happiness, societal stability, and the complexities of human nature.

What did I love?

Ethical Exploration: The book offers a unique and timely examination of the ethical challenges inherent in pandemic management. It forces readers to consider the difficult trade-offs between public health and individual freedom.
Engaging Characters: Shusterman has created a cast of clever and fun-to-read characters who bring the complex issues to life.
Moral Ambiguity: Throughout the book, I found myself constantly shifting between the two primary perspectives, unsure of where I stood. This moral ambiguity is a strength of the novel, as it encourages readers to think critically about the issues and form their own opinions.

What didn’t I love?

The Ending (or Lack Thereof): My biggest complaint is a significant one: the ending. Or, rather, the absence of one. I was eager to see how Shusterman would resolve the central conflict and tie up the loose ends. Unfortunately, the book ends abruptly, leaving all conflicts unresolved and no decisions made. It feels like an unfinished story, a frustratingly untied shoelace that trips over itself.

Sensitive Content

Language: There is some occasional use of strong language.
Violence: There are scenes of mild violence.
Illness: The book deals with the effects of a pandemic, including descriptions of sick people.
Trigger Warnings: All Better Now deals with the loss of loved ones during an epidemic, which may be emotionally challenging for those who have experienced similar losses. The novel also references the decline of a parent due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Should you read it?

All Better Now is a thought-provoking read that will leave you pondering the complexities of pandemic ethics. While the lack of a resolution is a major drawback, the book’s exploration of these timely issues is still valuable. This dad says All Better Now is best for readers 14 and up.

Happy Reading!