Reading Guide Questions

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Beauty and thinness are touted to be everything in society. Carey is thin with a beautiful face. Would you trade your life for hers, to have those two things?
2. The author has described civilization as being like a photograph, and Carey's life, the photonegative. What do you think she means by that?
3. In society today, it's all too easy to pigeonhole or stereotype people. Carey knew great misfortune. But she also knew great gifts. What were they?
4. Abuse is a sad fact in modern society. Carey eventually told. Did she do the right thing? What would you do?
5. Throughout the novel, the reader is shown how books and music became soothing touchstones for Carey, in an unpredictable world. What are your touchstones?
6. Many people remark on Delaney. Is she really a mean girl, or is she also struggling to find where she fits in this new, unexpected family?
7. Shorty and Jenessa fit together like Leggo. Why do you suppose this dog was so healing?
8. Carey wants the love of her new family so much, it hurts. Have you ever wanted something so much, it hurts?
9. Carey has been described as a strong, brave, resourceful heroine. Would she have been the same if she'd kept her secret?
10. The premise of this book is that love heals. Agree? Disagree?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of St. Martin's Griffin. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.