Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Time to read and discuss the world of Cinder

Summary:
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future


Discussion questions from http://www.marissameyer.com/, which do include spoilers hence why they are behind a tag.

(view spoiler)[1. What parallels can you draw between CINDER and the Cinderella fairy tale? What is the symbolism behind the glass slipper, the pumpkin carriage, the ball? Is there a fairy godmother in CINDER, and if so, who is it?

2. What does it mean to be human? Is it primarily physiological? Cultural? Emotional? What do you think could have led to cyborgs being perceived as less than human in Cinder’s world? What about Lunars, who evolved from a human colony? What real-world parallels can you draw between the discrimination against cyborgs and Lunars to that of race, disability, and class?

3. Cinder has many unique abilities—the ability to detect lies, to download information directly into her head, to overlay her eyesight with helpful diagrams, etc. What kinds of abilities might we want to develop from future technology? What cyborg skill would you like to have today?

4. In Cinder’s future, Earth has been conglomerated into six countries who have formed an alliance called the Earthen Union. Though Cinder lives in Asia (the Eastern Commonwealth), there is much evidence of western influence (ex., the ball gowns that are made for Peony and Pearl). Do you think this mixing of cultures is a believable result of the Earthen Union? How do you foresee cultures changing (or not) as a result of the increased communication and travel we have access to today?

5. Propaganda is used as a political tool both by Luna (ex., Sybil’s claim that the history of peace on Luna is a result of the totalitarian regime) and the Eastern Commonwealth (ex., being selected as a cyborg draft subject is an “honor”). When is it justified for a government or institution to use propaganda? When should the people of a society question what information they’re given?

6. Dr. Erland compares the arrival of Lunars and the spread of letumosis to rats carrying the bubonic plague to Europe and the Spanish conquistadors bringing smallpox to the Native Americans. Do you think these are accurate comparisons? Why or why not?

7. What is the importance of beauty (real or deceptive) in Cinder’s world? Compare the perceived beauty and/or ugliness of Queen Levana and Cinder and how this has effected how they’re treated by those around them. How is this similar or different from the way beauty is treated today?

8. In chapter 24, Prince Kai asks Cinder, "Imagine there was a cure, but finding it would cost you everything. It would completely ruin your life. What would you do?" Both Kai and Cinder face decisions that could result in sacrificing their own lives for what they perceive as a greater good. Do you believe that a person is obligated to sacrifice themselves for the sake of many? How does self-sacrifice compare to the imposed sacrifices made by cyborg draft subjects?

9. Was it right for Cinder to try to deliver the antidote to Peony first, even though there were others who also needed it? Was it right for Dr. Erland to offer her first access to the antidote? What would you have done in either situation?

10. Marissa Meyer got the idea for implanted ID chips when she saw a religious propaganda flier warning people against imbedded computer chips that would signal the coming of the apocalypse. In Cinder’s world, ID chips are so necessary to everyday life that to be without one is to stop existing on some level. What would be some of the benefits of having such an ID chip implanted in your body? What are some potential dangers?

11. What are your thoughts on Kai’s reaction when he discovered that Cinder is both a cyborg and a Lunar? How do you think he would have reacted if Cinder had told him the truth earlier in the book? Can you speculate how his feelings might change (toward Cinder, Lunars, or the cyborg draft) after the shock has worn off?

12. Each book in The Lunar Chronicles will be inspired by a different fairy tale. Can you spot references to any tales besides Cinderella within CINDER? (hide spoiler)]

It's time!!!!! :)

Yeah, that's great, I loved that book, I have so many thoughts about it, I want to wait a little bit for others to read most of it, not to spoil fun of discovering things :D

I'm almost half way through this book. I think I've guessed one of the major plot twist really early in the book and that's caused me to feel like the story is dragging. Maybe because I want to hurry up and get to the part that I already know is going to happen?

Regardless, I am (again) impressed with the author's ability to write in such detail about an imaginary place & time filled with imaginary objects. Amazing.

I didn't think the twists were difficult to figure out in this book, but I still thought it was a fun read. I can't wait to see what everyone else's thoughts are on this book.

I'm on the seventh chapter and its really good so far. I can pretty much predict whats going to happen in the hospital

Oh, I really wish I could join in on reading this with everyone but I'm stuck in the middle of two huge reads already :-(

I absolutely love this book! Yeah it was a little predictable but still; it's not really meant to be a mystery so I was fine with it being that way. It was a quick read for me because I got so into it and could not put it down.

I really liked this book. Found it fascinating with the cyborg, sci fi mix. Like Ashley, I had trouble putting this one down too. The story just pulls you in. Great characters. I gave it 5 stars.

I also gave this one 5 stars...one of my favorite reads this year!

I totally agree Alycia, I have it as my favourite too. What's more, I wasn't daunted by the predictibility of the story. It is based on a well known concept of Cindirella, which was exploited so many times both in books and films that I didn't expect anything new in terms of the plot. What I really value in this book are the ideas of cyborgs, Lunars and earthens, issues between them (that remaind me a lot of racial issues in our reality) and various moral choices that the characters have to make. And of course, the love story :)

Anima- Precisely! :)

Well put Anima :)

Anima wrote: "I totally agree Alycia, I have it as my favourite too. What's more, I wasn't daunted by the predictibility of the story. It is based on a well known concept of Cindirella, which was exploited so ma..."

I agree, well put. BUT, I still have to say that the reason the predictability bothered me was because the major difference between Cinder and Cinderella (cyborg doesn't count, that is actually similar, she is considered second class), the surprise that changed the ending of the story, was given away in the first 70 pages. It seemed odd you would start with a well-known plot, give it a twist, and then give that away at the beginning.

The flu plotline I particularly liked, though. The way it unfolded was a surprise to me, and it was interesting because I don't think there is any parallel in the Cinderella story.

I loved this book! I've read the second one, Scarlet, too. Can't wait till Cress!

We should do Scarlet some time, it's my favorite so far. It's not as predictable as Cinder and the love story is so much better!

I want to read Scarlet. I'm with you.

I just read through the Discussion Questions and I find the first one to be interesting especially the last part. :

What parallels can you draw between CINDER and the Cinderella fairy tale? What is the symbolism behind the glass slipper, the pumpkin carriage, the ball? Is there a fairy godmother in CINDER, and if so, who is it?

I think Dr. Erland could be classified as the "fairy godmother." He was the only one to really help Cinder out throughout the whole story.

What do you guys think?

Ashley, I totally agree with you. He was the only person knowing the truth about Cinder, both about her being cyborg and this second 'thing' (I don't want to spoil fun for those who are still reading ;)).

The old-fashioned car Cinder was repairing was the pumpkin carriage, and the glass slipper I think were Cinder's artificial parts.

Michael, I think that my view is somehow due to the fact, that I wasn't sure about the ending till the last page :)

And to second and third all above, I read Scarlet last month and I think it is even better than Cinder, and I would love to discuss this part with the group as well, it evoked various thoughts and emotions I definitely want to share :)

Ashley - I agree with your thoughts on Dr. Erland and Anima with your thoughts as to the other correlations as well. I think her foot specifically was the glass slipper. (view spoiler)[ It even fell off as she tried to run away from the ball. (hide spoiler)]

I think you guys should put the Scarlet idea into the buddy thread and start a buddy read.

Ok, now I'm anxious to read Scarlet! I've been putting it off cause I don't want to wait a whole year for Cress when I get done with it, but I think my patience is wearing thin. I'll have a child free afternoon today....guess what I'll be doing? ;)

I definitely agree about the car, foot etc. being the ties to the fairy tale. I wasn't entirely sure who the fairy godmother would be until you mentioned the doctor. He definitely is! I was being very literal in my thinking and trying to find a woman to fit the role. ha ha

The third question is interesting in the discussion Q's. I think there would be many benefits to being cyborg...for one, knowing that someone is lying would be a huge plus for me. The instant access to any kind of data, in my head, would be too distracting for me though. Besides we basically have that with smart phones nowadays. :)

(view spoiler)[The last question asks if you can spot any other fairy tale references in Cinder...I see Snow White and Rapunzel for sure. Snow White with the evil queen and her obsession with mirrors and, for Rapunzel, when Cinder has the conversation on the port screen with the girl who's locked up in a room and she has long hair. I'm loving how the author is tying in all these different facets! It reminds me of the TV show, which I LOVE, Once Upon a Time. :) (hide spoiler)]

Blurb for Cress:
Rapunzel's tower is a satellite. She can't let down her hair - or her guard. This book will feature Cinder and Rapunzel and will take place in the Sahara Desert.

And then Winter takes place on the Moon and involves Snow White.

I love that she is basically collecting fairy tale heroines to go to war together! lol I hope she keeps them all in all of the books - so, Cinder, Scarlet, and Rapunzel all in the third book, then add Snow White in the fourth...

Karlee (view spoiler)[ For Snow White did you see the evil queen as the evil, magical queen from Snow White? I hadn't thought of that, but it makes a lot of sense, especially since the last book is set on the moon with Snow White! Did you notice any other references to Snow White? I missed it, but totally agree now that you mentioned it. (hide spoiler)]

Marissa has said that Rapunzel and Snow White are the next girls, Cress and White. I really think the last book with be about White and Levana more but hopefully with feature all of them taking her down and Cinder taking her rightful place. I don't think Marissa is really trying to give too much away as to the next couple of books in the first one. Cinder only meets Cress and there is no mention of Scarlet or White in it.

Here's a question though not related to the above:

What do you think will happen with Cinder and Kai?

I love these fairy tales paralels :), and I think they are done in a very skillful way. I can't wait to read Cress and White!! When it comes to Snow White, I think it is too early to tell what other characters from this fairy tale are going to be incorporated into the story.

I keep my fingers crossed for Kai and Cinder, I hope that they can be married after Cinder takes her rightful place on the Moon.

Ashley - I have the same thoughts about Winter (view spoiler)[ I think they will take down Levana, Cinder will take her rightful place and end up with Kai, forming an Alliance. (hide spoiler)]. I am basing my thoughts of where she is going with Cress / Winter based on the way she ended Scarlet & the mini synopsis I posted, but I haven't heard or read any interviews with Marissa. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series regardless of where she takes it.

Ashley wrote: "I think Dr. Erland could be classified as the "fairy godmother." He was the only one to really help Cinder out throughout the whole story. "

That's brilliant! Now I remember that he was the one that triggered the mechanism in her spine, which basically allowed her to do "magic", that's a great parallel.

The other aspect I liked, was that in this version, it is her careful saving of her allowance that got her slipper (foot), and her talent and keen eye that enabled her to create a pumpkin (car) for herself, claiming her own freedom. And her robot friend saved the dress that she wore, am I remembering correctly?

Anima wrote: "Michael, I think that my view is somehow due to the fact, that I wasn't sure about the ending till the last page :)
"

Yes, the ending was complicated enough that there were still surprises, I admit. My biggest surprise was that it was basically "to be continued", though. Aaaargh!

Michael, you're right about the dress, and I also love the idea of Cinder gaining her "pumpkin" and "shoe" due to her own skills and resourcefulness!

Kristie wrote: "Karlee (view spoiler)[ For Snow White did you see the evil queen as the evil, magical queen from Snow White? I hadn't thought of that, but it makes a lot of sense, especially since the last book is set on the moon with Snow White! Did you notice any other references to Snow White?" (hide spoiler)]

The mirror aspect was amplified by the fact that (view spoiler)[the moon Queen immediately wanted to kill anyone who shattered her ability to create an illusion, just like wanting to kill Snow White who destroyed the mirror's illusion that she was "the fairest of them all." (hide spoiler)]

Bless you all for doing my job for me and discussing the questions while I'm on holiday (as I don't really have time to do anything other than check in) :)

As for reading the next instalments, well you know what to ....... nominate them for additional reads or set up a buddy read.

Lynn wrote: "Bless you all for doing my job for me and discussing the questions while I'm on holiday (as I don't really have time to do anything other than check in) :)

As for reading the next instalments, wel..."

"You know you're a book nerd when..." lol

Enjoy your vacation Lynn! We ninjas have it covered. ;)

::like::

Kristie wrote: "Blurb for Cress:
Rapunzel's tower is a satellite. She can't let down her hair - or her guard. This book will feature Cinder and Rapunzel and will take place in the Sahara Desert.

And then Winter t..."

Kristie, I didn't read your spoiler yet. We've had a death in the family so I haven't been able to read any of Cinder yet. I'm going to start tonight and hopefully finish this weekend. I'll read your spoiler then. ;)

What's the deal with the name "Cress"? Seems funny when the other 3 names for the books seem to relate to the original fairytale names. Wouldn't "Tress" be more appropriate for Rapunzel! Even "Zel/Zella" would be a good name. Does mustard (cress) grow on a vine, or am I missing another meaning for cress?

Karlee wrote: "Kristie, I didn't read your spoiler yet. We've had a death in the family so I haven't been able to read any of Cinder yet. I'm going to start tonight and hopefully finish this weekend. I'll read your spoiler then. ;)"

Karlee so sorry for your loss. No hurry here of course, read it when you can!

Michael, that's a good question. When I first got Cinder it had the list of the other books and I could tell who Scarlet and White were based off of but not Cress. I do like Zella though.

Alycia wrote: "Ok, now I'm anxious to read Scarlet! I've been putting it off cause I don't want to wait a whole year for Cress when I get done with it, but I think my patience is wearing thin. I'll have a child f..."

Good call on the spoiler. I wasn't really looking for those references, so didn't catch any initially, but after you mentioned it, it makes complete sense. Oddly enough, the spoiler that I mentioned above (message #22) that I directed at Karlee was a response to this spoiler. Karlee - I'm not sure why I posted that to you. I must have done it on my phone and thought that you posted the spoiler for some reason. Sorry about that!

lol Kristie...I wondered if you meant me! I've been reading too many detective stories lately I guess. Always trying to find the double meaning behind everything. ;)

Hahaha... Too funny! You were right this time though! I blame it on lack of sleep. Too many overnight shifts! ;)

The Lunar Chronicles
"Guess what fans!?!?! We'll be releasing Chapter One of CRESS early next week! Stay tuned for details!"

Just read this on facebook!

Wow, that's awesome :)

Ashley wrote: "The Lunar Chronicles
"Guess what fans!?!?! We'll be releasing Chapter One of CRESS early next week! Stay tuned for details!"

Just read this on facebook!"

That's excellent!

Yay! Exciting!!! :)

Here you go (picture):
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...

Edit: Also, from her website.
http://www.marissameyer.com/blogtype/...

Thanks Ashley! That's great!! I'm so happy it will be our in February. :) I'd love to get my hands on one of those ARCs!

What is ARC? I tried googling is cause I've seen it before but I don't get anything useful.

Advanced Reader Copy. They're books that they give out for people to review before the book is published. (When they can still make changes, if needed.)

How do you get one of those?

Sometimes authors will post that they are looking for reviewers on their blog or on Goodreads and you can request one. Other times you can win them on First Reads or other sites. The link you posted has an email address to request to be a reviewer. There is no guarantee you'll be chosen, but it's worth a shot if you're interested.