We sit down with Neal Shusterman to discuss his latest Young Adult novel, All Better Now, which speculates on what could happen if there was another pandemic, but this time, of a virus that brings contentment to its recoverees. We have a lot to talk about including what a happiness virus would really entail, and its impacts on characters with lived experience of mental ill-health – as well as Neal’s writing and character development.
Listen here, or on your favourite pod player.
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covid-19 pandemic; depression; suicidal ideation; cult; psychosis
Show Notes
About All Better Now
A deadly and unprecedented virus is spreading. But those who survive it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen before: utter contentment.
More and more people begin to revel in the mass unburdening. But not everyone. 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.
All Better Now is out now through Walker Books Australia (or Simon & Schuster for US listeners).
About the Author
Neal Shusterman is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including Challenger Deep and the Arc of a Scythe series.
We reviewed Challenger Deep as part of Season 3’s book club, so please check out that episode!
Neal’s book recommendations include:
- Starter Villain by John Scalzi
- When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi
- This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
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