Some of It Was Real Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The Psychic Industry in the United States and our BookBrowse Review of Some of It Was Real.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Sylvie and Thomas both struggle with Impostor Syndrome—the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved. Have you ever suffered from Impostor Syndrome? If so, how did you overcome your fears and embrace your abilities?
2. Early in the novel, Sylvie calls Thomas "Doubting Thomas" because he only believes what he can see, touch, and prove. Do you require proof to believe things, or can you rely on faith?
3. Sylvie has no memories before the age of six until she unlocks her past. What is the earliest memory you have? Have your first memories shaped your perception of who you are in the world?

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