5. In chapter 4, Beckie discusses racism with Justin. How does Justin react? How might the conversation have gone differently had the two been in California? In Justin’s home timeline?
6. Explain the troubles between Ohio and Virginia. How does this lead to the virus attack? Do you think that the use of a virus as a weapon should be allowed—even in warfare? Why or why not? How might the risks of viral warfare be compared with the dynamics of nuclear warfare?
7. How does the death of Mrs. Snodgrass mark a critical moment in the novel? How does it affect the thoughts and actions of Mr. Snodgrass, Beckie, and Justin?
8. Do you agree with Beckie and Justin when, at various points in the action, they agree that theirs is a relationship unlikely to work out in the long run? Had you been Beckie or Justin, might you have approached the relationship differently? If so, how and why—or, why not?
9. What happens when Justin puts on the Virginia soldier’s uniform? What does it teach him about loyalty? About the reality of Beckie’s alternate? About the value of life?
10. What does Justin come to realize about Mr. Brooks’ past at the end of the novel? To what “club” do both Justin and Mr. Brooks now belong? How do you think you would feel to be a part of that club?
11. Near the end of the novel, Justin persuades Crosstime Traffic to send a viral antidote to save Beckie’s gran. Describe the argument Justin makes. Had you been the Crosstime staff member corresponding with Justin, would you have been persuaded to send the antidote? Why or why not?
12. Can reading The Disunited States of America offer us lessons in handling situations involving racial inequality or other problems in our world today? Explain your answer.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
THE DISUNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Copyright © 2006 by Harry Turtledove
All rights reserved.
A Tor Teen Book
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com
Tor® is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
eISBN 9781429965613
First eBook Edition : July 2011
The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:
Turtledove, Harry.
The disunited states of America / Harry Turtledove.—1st ed. p. cm.
“A Tom Doherty Associates book.”
1. Time travel—Fiction. 2. Virginia—Fiction. 3. Ohio—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3570.U76D58 2006
813’.54—dc22
2006044467
ISBN 978-0-7653-2824-3 (trade paperback)
First Edition: September 2006
First Tor Teen Edition: May 2011
The Disunited States of America Page 26