1. “Life without music would be a mistake” (Friedrich Nietzche)
Starseeker –a guide
“Life without music would be a mistake” (Friedrich Nietzche)

2. What readers say:
'Starseeker is amazing! It's a page turner. I loved how lots of stories are going on at the same time. It's not ALL about Luke. It's an amazing effect.' Fiona   'One of the best books I've ever read. It should be compulsory that everyone reads this book.' Dan   'I have only read one book - Starseeker- and it made me cry. This means it must have been written with large amounts of emotion (I think), so how do you write with emotion? Amazing book, it has a very unique storyline, one I've never ever seen before. Very good, out of 10.' Sharn   'I just wanted to say that Starseeker is my favourite book ever! I actually play the piano and I found this book very inspirational. It makes me very happy and I recommend this book to everyone.' Stephanie   'I recently read Starseeker and I was blown away. I'm a musician, bassist to be more specific, and the way you wrote about how Luke heard music was incredible. It truly sums up what it's like when music's a huge part of your life. Thank you for such a brilliant story.' Bev   'I'm a school librarian and all the students to whom I introduce your books love them. My favourite isStarseeker- it took me on a very emotional journey. I can't think of anything else in this field that recognizes the value and the glory of music in our lives.' Alan   'Starseeker is the most inspiring book I have ever read, making me appreciate friends,family, music and life in general more than I had previously. I am glad that your books can reach out to teenagers such as myself as well as adults.' Joel

3. IDEAS Family Loss and bereavement Relationships and friends Choices
Music
Growing up

4. Plotlines Excitement Romance Teenage angst Bullies and victims
Innocence and Experience

5. Backgrounds: Tim Bowler's website @tim_bowler twitter feed
MUSIC: all the music in the novel can be found on Bowler’s website if you follow the links to Starseeker… listen to the pieces for yourselves.
Or are you already prejudiced against classical music?

6. Stimuli:
Imagine that you had to make a box to contain your most valuable memories. What would you put in it?

7. Synaesthesia
As we read, you will be asked to research this idea. Here are some suggestions:
a selection of activities
synaesthesia and music
Many musicians have had this condition – the Russian Alexander Scriabin is possibly the most famous.
Scriabin in performance

8. NO spoilers!
You will be reading the text in class and will be expected to keep up with the reading. There are regular tasks for each chapter and a term project to complete!