Discussion Questions for When You’re Gone by Brooke Harris (By Nicole Thomas)

 

Discussion Questions for When You’re Gone by Brooke Harris

1.       What did you like about this book?  What did you not like? Who was your favorite character?

2. Did you like the dual timelines the author used to tell the story by alternating between Annie in 1959 and Holly in the present day?  If not, how would you have told the story?  
3. Did you have a special relationship with a grandparent?  What role did Annie play in Holly’s life?  Do you think Holly’s life would have turned out differently if she hadn’t spent those last two days with her grandmother?
4. Do you consider Annie’s mother, Mary to be selfish?  Do you think she could have done more to protect Annie from her husband?  What do you think gave her the courage to leave when she did?  How have things changed for women and children in the last sixty years?
5. What did you know about Edward’s Syndrome prior to reading this story?
6. Do you have any favorite quotes from the book?
7. Did you catch that Annie named her daughter Blair after Sketch’s mother?  And Holly’s baby was named Arty after Sketch (Arthur). Were there any other interesting twists and details you made notes of?
8. (p. 260) Compare 1950s medical care in Ireland, that was described in the story, to United States medical care you might receive today. 
9. Do you think this book could give a woman considering an abortion a different perspective? At one point, Nate says; “We need to make decisions.” (p. 108) (p. 150-1) What sort of decisions do you think he was referring to?  Discuss the dangers of making decisions while enduring emotional turmoil.
10.  What would you say was the “theme” of the story?  Time? Love?  (p.11) For example, take the quote; You can’t save time...so spend it wisely.”  -Nana
11. (p.19) Nana says, “True love...you don’t find it, Holly.  It finds you.  And it never lets go.  Ever.”  Discuss this statement.
12. Ben and Holly found themselves “snooping” in their Grandma’s attic.  (p. 34)   Did you find this inappropriate?  Have you ever sifted through old family stuff and found treasure?
13.   Nana is often described as having a hard time talking, she sleeps a lot, and must be in an upright position.  Many of the other characters find themselves asking questions that if Nana could easily answer, they would find out easily.  How does this aspect (of open-ended questions) add to the story?  
14.  (p. 146) Nana’s (Annie’s story) is a unique story to tell, to pass forward.  How do you view your history, your past?  Is it something you’d like to be passed forward and learned from?
15.  (p. 205) Turning 21, was considered by Annie’s mother as “becoming a man”.  Do you think this was typical of the time?  Typical of Europe?  Why would this be an odd concept in today’s time?
16.  (p 281) Ben compares Annie and Sketch’s lack of communication to the lack of communication between Holly and Nate.  Do you believe this played as big of a role as what the author was attempting?
17.  Discuss the similarities and differences between Annie and Holly. (p. 282-3)
18.  While recognizing the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, would you categorize this as a love story?  
19. (P. 284-5) Holly often referred to her predicament with Nate as “complicated” however, her Nana’s response was; “It’s only complicated if you let it be.”  Nana continues; “It’s never about how long you love someone, Holly.  It’s about how much.”  Do you agree with Holly’s perspective?  Do you agree with Nana’s?
20.  ((p. 325) How would you describe Sketch’s friendship with Bridgett?  What do you think became of her?
21.  (p. 341) Discuss how the author articulates Sketch’s death.    
22. How does the quote; “When it rains, think of me.” resonate within the story?