Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Callous gamer wises up in smart rehab tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Hard-core gamer Jaxon, 16, can't believe his luck: He met a gorgeous girl, she seems to like him, and they have a date in four days. Moments later, though, his dad and stepmom pack him off to video game rehab. Jaxon, certain the best way to change his life for the better would be to go on his date, decides to game the system to try to get released in record time. Luckily for him, the program is modeled on games: He needs to complete challenges with his guild and earn one million points to get out of "V-hab." But the closer he gets to his goal, the more he alienates his teammates and enrages his rivals, leaving a trail of angry, hurt feelings in his wake. Winning in real life, Jaxon begins to realize, is nothing like winning in a game world.
Is It Any Good?
This funny, well-told story makes the case that compulsive gaming is just as devastating as other addictions, letting gamers tune out troubles in favor of predictable, satisfying virtual interaction. Christian McKay Heidicker's CURE FOR THE COMMON UNIVERSE is a sure win for gamers, full of smart references and understanding for all the highs and lows of gaming culture.
There's terrific fodder here for talking about how our relationship with technology affects our self-awareness and connections to each other. Wonderfully developed supporting characters give the book heart and depth. The sticky issue is that Jaxon's moment of clarity feels like too little, too late. By the time he takes a good, hard look at himself, he's alienated everyone around him -- including readers. The focus on privilege is interesting, if a bit forced. Jaxon clearly still has a lot of work to tackle on his own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about when and how we use technology. Do you ever feel you're turning to technology to avoid dealing with something troublesome in real life? How can you maintain healthy media habits? (For guidance, find out what parents need to know about technology addiction.)
What do you think about the level of coarse language in The Cure for the Common Universe? Is it necessary to tell the story and create realistic characters? Do the characters talk like teens you know?
How do you think violence in video games and other media affects you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : June 14, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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