Restart Questions & Answers

The main premise of "Restart" is about a middle school football star, Chase Ambrose, who falls off his roof and suffers amnesia. He wakes up with no memory of his past, including his reputation as a notorious bully. This "clean slate" allows him to experience life from a new perspective, make new friends, and discover the kind of person he truly wants to be, forcing him and others to confront whether someone can truly change and be forgiven for past actions.

At the beginning of the book, before his amnesia, Chase Ambrose is the popular, athletic captain of the football team at Hiawassee Middle School. He is known for being a charismatic but also a severe bully, often leading his friends Aaron and Bear in tormenting other students, particularly those in the video club and Joel Weber. He is admired by some for his athletic prowess but feared and disliked by many others for his cruel behavior.

Chase's amnesia is caused by a fall from the roof of his house. He was attempting to retrieve a football when he slipped and fell, hitting his head. This accident results in a concussion and complete memory loss of his life before the fall, setting the stage for his journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Chase's amnesia completely alters his personality. Without memories of his past bullying, he becomes a kinder, more empathetic, and genuinely curious individual. He is confused by the negative reactions he receives from some students and is open to forming new, positive relationships. He develops a passion for filmmaking and helps others, contrasting sharply with his former aggressive and destructive self.

Chase's old friends are Aaron Hakimian and Bear Bratsky. They are also football players and were his partners in bullying. They are loyal to the 'old' Chase and are skeptical of his transformation, believing he is faking his amnesia or will eventually revert to his old ways. They try to pull him back into their old habits and are resentful of his new friendships and interests, especially his involvement with the video club.

Chase's new friends include Brendan Espinoza, Shoshanna Weber, and Joel Weber. Brendan is the president of the video club, who initially feared Chase but later becomes his collaborator and friend. Shoshanna is Joel's twin sister, who slowly warms up to Chase after seeing his genuine change. Joel, the primary target of Chase's past bullying, eventually forms a tentative friendship with Chase after witnessing his efforts to make amends.

The video club is an after-school activity run by Brendan Espinoza, focused on creating films. It's important to Chase because it becomes his new social circle and a creative outlet. Through the club, he discovers a talent for filming and editing, develops positive relationships with Brendan, Shoshanna, and Joel, and contributes to meaningful projects, which helps him redefine his identity away from his past as a bully.

Mr. Solway is an elderly Korean War veteran living in a local assisted living facility. He becomes the subject of the video club's documentary project. His significance lies in his past as a war hero, his friendship with the 'new' Chase, and his crucial testimony during Chase's trial. He reveals that Chase saved his life from a falling tree branch, a heroic act that dramatically influences the perception of Chase and the outcome of his legal troubles.

"The Hydra" video is a humiliating and cruel video created by the 'old' Chase, Aaron, and Bear. It features Joel Weber's head superimposed onto a multi-headed monster, being attacked by the three boys. This video was the final straw that led to Joel being sent away to boarding school, highlighting the severity of Chase's past bullying and serving as a painful reminder of his former actions.

At the band room, Aaron and Bear attempt to steal Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor, which Chase had found and returned to him. Chase, having no memory of stealing it initially, tries to stop them. In the ensuing struggle, a fire extinguisher is discharged, causing damage. Chase is blamed for the incident, leading to his arrest and trial, despite his efforts to prevent the theft and protect Mr. Solway's medal.

Joel Weber returns to Hiawassee because his parents believe that with Chase's amnesia, the bullying threat is gone, and he can safely return home from boarding school. His return is a test of Chase's transformation and forces both Joel and Chase to confront their past. Joel initially fears and distrusts Chase but gradually witnesses his genuine change and begins to form a new, tentative relationship with him.

Spoiler: Chase is found not guilty of stealing Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor. During the trial, Mr. Solway testifies that Chase had previously returned the medal to him, and crucially, that Chase saved his life from a falling tree branch. This testimony, combined with the evidence that Aaron and Bear were the ones attempting to steal the medal in the band room, convinces the judge of Chase's innocence regarding the theft and his changed character. Aaron and Bear are sentenced to community service.

Chase's mother is relieved and supportive of his transformation, happy to see him become a kinder person. His father, Frank, struggles more, initially wanting the 'old' athletic Chase back and downplaying his past bullying. He tries to defend Chase by attributing his past actions to a different person. His younger brother, Johnny, looks up to the 'new' Chase, seeing him as a hero, which helps solidify Chase's commitment to his new self.

The main theme of "Restart" is the idea of second chances and whether people can truly change. It explores whether a person's past actions define them forever, or if they can overcome their history and redefine themselves. The book also delves into themes of identity, forgiveness, empathy, and the power of choice in shaping one's character, regardless of what one remembers or has done before.

The book explores second chances through Chase's amnesia, which literally gives him a "clean slate" to restart his life. He gets a chance to make new friends, pursue new interests, and act with kindness instead of cruelty. It also shows that second chances aren't just given but earned through consistent positive actions, empathy, and a genuine desire to make amends, as seen in his efforts to gain the trust of those he once bullied.

Kimberly Tooley is a popular girl who has a crush on the 'old' Chase. She tries to get close to the 'new' Chase, hoping he will revert to his former self and notice her. She is initially dismissive of his new friends and interests, particularly the video club. Her role highlights the superficiality of some relationships and the pressure Chase faces to conform to his past identity, contrasting with his genuine desire for change.

The title "Restart" directly reflects Chase Ambrose's situation. His amnesia provides him with a literal restart to his life, wiping away his past memories and allowing him to begin anew without the burden of his former reputation as a bully. It signifies the opportunity for personal transformation, the chance to make different choices, and the possibility of redemption, emphasizing that one can always choose to change their path.

Chase tries to make amends by actively choosing kindness and empathy. He helps Brendan with the video club, defends Joel from Aaron and Bear, and returns Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor. He also expresses genuine remorse for the pain he caused, even though he doesn't remember doing it. His actions demonstrate a commitment to being a better person, earning the trust and forgiveness of those he once wronged, particularly Shoshanna and Joel.

By the end of the book, Chase learns that his identity is not solely defined by his past actions or what others remember of him. He discovers he has the capacity for kindness, empathy, and heroism, and that he can choose who he wants to be. He understands the importance of making amends and earning trust, realizing that true character is built on present choices and actions, not just past reputation or forgotten memories.

Gordon Korman conveys the message that people are capable of change and redemption, and that everyone deserves a second chance. The book emphasizes the power of choice in shaping one's character and the importance of empathy and forgiveness. It suggests that while the past cannot be erased, individuals can choose to learn from it and build a better future, demonstrating that true heroism lies in kindness and standing up for what is right.