Cure for the Common Universe By Christian Mckay Heidicker

Haotian Jiang

Plot Summary

A boy named Jaxon is sent to video game rehab because his dad is tired of his laziness and disrespectful attitude. Later on, Jaxon tries to escape the video game rehab by cheating in the games so that he can go on his first date with a mysterious girl who’s “anti-technology”.

Critical Evaluation

I give this book a 10 out of 10 because, although the book itself is funny, it still shows the readers that how harmful it can get when you become addicted to video games. The lesson I learned from the book is that what you learn in the real world is much more useful than what you learn in a fiction world. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down.

Cure For The Common Universe by Christian McKay Heidicker

Gordon Jack

Plot Summary

For the first time in his young adult life, Jaxon has made a girl laugh. Unfortunately for him, he secures a date with the girl on the same day his dad commits him to video game rehab. Now he must find a way to earn enough points to exit the program so he can hook up with this stranger who may actually like him. Problem is, there are people at the rehab camp who Jaxon has pissed off, either online or in person, and want to see him fail. Now he must see if he can level up in the real world as well as he can in the game world.

Critical Evaluation

I gave this book to my 14-year-old, game-obsessed son and he actually put down the Xbox controller to read the book. Twice. For this reason, I was very intrigued and read the book with interest. Heidicker understands the gaming world well, but more importantly, he understands teens. His characters are all wonderfully flawed and trying their best to improve their lives and relationships with others. The story has a lot of great twists and unexpected surprises that kept me thoroughly entertained. A funny and moving story that I recommend wholeheartedly.