Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What did you think about Atwood’s portrayal of her life and work? If you’ve read any of her novels—for instance, The Handmaid’s Tale—how did reading a work of nonfiction compare?

2. Which anecdotes of the author’s interested you the most? Why?

3. Atwood describes many people in her life, from family, to friends, to colleagues. Which figures seemed to be the most important to her life story? Why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Have you ever drawn creative inspiration from your personal experiences? What does that process look like for you?

2. Atwood’s childhood in Quebec and Ontario left a strong impression on her. Do you feel a similar connection to the place(s) where you grew up? Why or why not?

3. Atwood describes several instances where she feels she or her work was caricatured or otherwise treated unfairly. When have you found yourself dealing with others’ misperceptions of your work and identity? How did you respond?

4. Atwood describes how birdwatching became a pivotal part of her relationship with Graeme. What hobbies have helped you connect with others—or with yourself?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Reflect on Atwood’s thoughts about sexist bias against women writers. Do you think this issue has been resolved? Why or why not?

2. What critiques does the memoir offer of both the political right and left? What real-world events or trends does Atwood’s commentary gesture toward, implicitly or explicitly?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does Atwood structure her memoir? Did you find this approach effective?

2. Which people in Atwood’s life are the most nuanced “characters” in her story? What kind of qualities did they have, and how did they affect her development as a person and writer?

3. Atwood explains that villains are essential to a good story. Who have been the “villains” in her life, according to her? How does she portray them?

4. Atwood’s tone changes as she discusses different memories. Choose three different anecdotes from the book and evaluate their tone. How did each inform your mood as the reader?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. A few of Atwood’s novels have been adapted into films or television series. If her own life were made into a movie, whom would you choose to direct it and act in it? Would it be primarily a comedy, drama, romance, or other genre? Explain your choices.

2. Select an image or song that you feel relates strongly to one of Atwood’s experiences. Explain why this would be an appropriate cover design or soundtrack for the book.