Becoming Hero is about a comic book character who shoots his author–lots of opportunity for thinky philosophical stuff amidst the action. Here are some of our favorite quotes:
- “Main character is just a point of view.” One of the side-characters challenges the reader, frustrated when she finds out she’s not important to the story. The reader, Jace, insists that the character not let the author define her life’s purpose.
2. This is one of my favorite moments between Jackie and Skye, when Skye’s discouraged–and they talk about the impermanence of life. How at any moment you could get killed off by the author. But there’s beauty in impermanence. (#hiesabi Japanese principle)
3. Jace starts the book being pretty pacifist, and manages to hold his own regarding nonviolence through a lot of struggles. This is his response to his dad telling him to “man up” and fight his own battles.
4. Natasha’s the tough, inspiring superheroine featured in the foreground. This is how she encourages Skye when he’s about to go down.
5. Because it’s a book about a character out to kill his creator, there’s some back and forth about various people with different opinions on God. It’s tasteful–every character is given a chance to be right, without preaching–but it gets intense. Jace is opening up to Skye about his mother’s death.
6. Almost spoilers, but Skye meets something whose writing he likes (it’s not his author). This is what he has to say–I think every reader can identify with the last line.
7. We see what we believe is possible. After working as a physician I believe this is profoundly true. You know people didn’t believe in the radio at first, because it sounded too outlandish?
8. And of course, this is how heroes do.
Okay, maybe the last one isn’t thought-provoking, but it’s still kinda badass. Feel free to share. = P
And if you’d like the first few chapters of Becoming Hero to see what the fuss is about, you can get them here!
