SuitabookThe future of us
Jay Asher
- Reading
- Read alongside a conversation about whether knowing possible outcomes improves decision-making. Pause over changes in the displayed futures, and discuss how the characters’ choices affect friendship and trust.
- Themes
- Choices and possible futures: Emma and Josh see possible versions of their future lives, and those displays change as they act in the present. The story presents attention to present choices as meaningful and consequential, with the future used as a test of judgement.
- Friendship, romance and expectations: Emma and Josh were long-time friends before an awkward kiss altered their relationship; their possible future love lives become a major focus. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Technology and real-world connection: Teenagers in 1996 encounter Facebook before it exists and use its future information to understand their lives and choices. The speculative device contrasts an offline 1996 with later social-media culture and raises questions about private information and real-world relationships.
- Worth knowing
- The relationship material includes an earlier kiss that made the friends’ relationship awkward, unrequited feelings, future marriage concerns and references to possible adultery or loveless marriage.