One of the more impressive things Cam does while on his quest in Going Bovine—well, other than defeating fire giants and closing a wormhole to a parallel dimension—is undergoing a massive transformation in his perspective. He goes from being someone who would rather feel nothing at all to embracing emotions and people in their entirety. This is no small feat. And he's not the only one that changes throughout the course of the story. Death can have a huge effect on everyone it touches, and it leaves almost no one unscathed, even if they're still living in the end.
Questions About Transformation
- What are some of the ways Cameron helps himself stay numb and detached from those around him? Why does Cam have this need to remain uninvolved? How does that change throughout the course of the book?
- A lot of the changes Cam undergoes remain in the world of his delusions. What about the people who are left behind, though—do they change because of Cam's illness?
- Who makes the most dramatic transformation from the beginning of the book to the end? Why?
Chew on This
Cameron's transformation from sullen antisocial brat to a guy who cares about other people is worthless because he can't show his loved ones the changes he's undergone.
Even though his family can't see that he's changed, Cam's transformation is important because it allows him to finally live before he dies.