26 Best Gordon Korman Quotes

“I don't remember anything.”

Spoken by Chase Ambrose early in the book, this line establishes his amnesia, the central premise. It signifies his literal blank slate, setting the stage for his journey of self-discovery and transformation as he learns about his past and decides who he wants to be.

“A clean slate.”

This phrase is used by Dr. Fitzwilliam to describe Chase's amnesia. It highlights the unique opportunity Chase has to redefine himself, free from the memories of his past bullying actions. It's a key concept that drives the narrative, exploring whether someone can truly escape their past.

“I'm not going to let you ruin my life again.”

Joel Weber says this to Chase, expressing his deep-seated fear and resentment towards his former tormentor. It underscores the lasting impact of Chase's bullying and the challenge he faces in earning forgiveness and trust from those he hurt, particularly Joel and Shoshanna.

“He saved my life.”

Mr. Solway, the elderly Korean War veteran, says this about Chase during the trial. This pivotal statement reveals Chase's heroic act of saving Mr. Solway from a falling tree branch, dramatically shifting the perception of Chase from a bully to a potential hero and influencing the trial's outcome.

“I'm not a hero. I'm just a guy who fell off a roof.”

Chase says this towards the end of the book, reflecting on the praise he receives. It shows his humility and his struggle to reconcile the 'new' Chase with the 'old' Chase's reputation. He acknowledges his past mistakes and doesn't want to take credit for something he doesn't fully remember doing.

“The old Chase is gone.”

Shoshanna says this, expressing her belief in Chase's transformation. It signifies her growing trust and acceptance of the 'new' Chase, acknowledging that his amnesia has allowed him to develop into a kinder, more empathetic person, distinct from the bully he once was.

“We're going to make a movie about Mr. Solway.”

Brendan Espinoza says this, initiating the video club's project that brings Chase into a new social circle. This project becomes a catalyst for Chase's change, allowing him to discover new talents, build positive relationships, and contribute to something meaningful, contrasting with his past destructive behavior.

“It was the old Chase.”

Chase's father, Frank Ambrose, says this during the trial, attempting to defend his son by attributing the past bullying actions to a version of Chase that no longer exists. This highlights the father's struggle to accept his son's transformation and his desire to protect him.

“You're a good kid, Chase.”

Mr. Solway says this to Chase, offering a powerful affirmation of Chase's character. Coming from someone Chase helped, this statement validates Chase's efforts to be a better person and provides him with much-needed reassurance and acceptance, contrasting with the judgment he faces from others.

“He's still Chase Ambrose.”

Aaron and Bear, Chase's former friends, say this, expressing their skepticism about his transformation. They believe Chase is merely faking his amnesia or will eventually revert to his old bullying ways, highlighting the difficulty of changing perceptions and earning trust after a history of bad behavior.

“I'm not the person I was.”

Chase says this to various characters throughout the book, asserting his changed identity. It reflects his genuine desire to distance himself from his past as a bully and his commitment to being a better person, even as he struggles with the consequences of actions he can't remember.

“It’s like my life is a book, and I’ve only read the last chapter.”

Chase Ambrose reflecting on his amnesia and lack of past memories.

“The thing about amnesia is that you don't know what you've forgotten.”

Chase Ambrose contemplating the vast unknown of his past.

“You can’t just erase the past. You have to live with it.”

Shoshanna Weber expressing her skepticism about Chase's change and the impact of his past actions.

“I’m not the old Chase. I’m the new Chase.”

Chase Ambrose asserting his transformed identity to others and himself.

“No recuerdo nada de mi vida antes de caerme del tejado.”

Esta línea la dice Chase Ambrose al principio del libro, estableciendo la premisa central de su amnesia. Es crucial porque marca el inicio de su 'reinicio' y la oportunidad de reevaluar su identidad y sus acciones pasadas.

“No soy el mismo Chase. Soy una persona diferente.”

Chase expresa esta idea varias veces a lo largo de la historia. Refleja su lucha interna y su deseo de convencer a los demás, y a sí mismo, de que su amnesia le ha dado una nueva perspectiva y la oportunidad de cambiar su comportamiento de acosador.

“La gente no cambia. Solo se vuelven mejores en ocultar quiénes son realmente.”

Esta frase es dicha por Shoshanna Weber, quien inicialmente desconfía profundamente de Chase debido a su historial de acoso hacia su hermano, Joel. Representa el escepticismo y la dificultad de los demás para creer en la transformación de Chase.

“No se trata de lo que eras, sino de lo que eres ahora.”

Esta idea es un tema recurrente en el libro, a menudo implícita en las acciones de los personajes que empiezan a aceptar al 'nuevo' Chase. Subraya el mensaje de redención y la importancia de las acciones presentes sobre el pasado.

“El club de video es el único lugar donde me siento normal.”

Chase dice esto sobre el club de video, que se convierte en su refugio y en el catalizador de su cambio. Allí encuentra aceptación y un propósito, lo que le permite desarrollar nuevas amistades y habilidades lejos de su antigua pandilla.

“Mi memoria es como un rompecabezas con muchas piezas perdidas.”

Esta metáfora es usada por Chase para describir su condición de amnesia. Ilustra la frustración y la confusión que siente al intentar reconstruir su pasado y entender quién era antes del accidente.

“A veces, un reinicio es exactamente lo que necesitas.”

Esta frase encapsula el tema central del libro y el significado del título. Sugiere que, a pesar de las circunstancias difíciles, una segunda oportunidad puede ser beneficiosa para el crecimiento personal y la redención.

“No tengo ni idea de quién soy.”

Chase, al principio del libro, expresando su confusión y la completa pérdida de memoria tras el accidente.

“La gente no cambia. Solo se vuelven mejores en fingir.”

Joel o Shoshanna, expresando su escepticismo inicial sobre el aparente cambio de Chase, basándose en su experiencia pasada con él.

“Es como si tuviera dos vidas. Una que no recuerdo y otra que estoy viviendo ahora.”

Chase, reflexionando sobre la extraña dualidad de su existencia y la desconexión entre su pasado y su presente.

“No eres el mismo Chase. Lo sé.”

Shoshanna, reconociendo el cambio genuino en Chase después de pasar tiempo con él en el club de vídeo, a pesar de su desconfianza inicial.