Fake Skating

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you feel about Dani and Alec’s prospects as a couple? What misunderstandings between them did you find the most frustrating, and which moments made you happy for them?

2. Did you appreciate the author’s choice to employ dual perspectives for the story’s narration? Why or why not?

3. How did the setting of the Minnesota hockey town affect your understanding of the story and the characters?

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

1. Alec’s self-worth is tied to his performance. Have you ever had a similar feeling as a teenager? How did you handle this internal pressure?

2. Consider Dani’s struggles to fit in at her new school. Have you ever experienced a moment in which you found yourself somewhere new and finally felt like you belonged?

3. Dani and Alec must overcome a barrage of challenges before their relationship is healed. What is your reaction when someone you love lets you down or doesn’t understand your choices?

4. Have you ever experienced a misunderstanding in the past that has permanently affected a romantic relationship? How did you overcome it? How did your approach mirror (or differ) from the protagonists’ actions?

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

1. How accurately does the novel portray the idea that many small-town communities connect their identities to local sports?

2. What does the novel suggest about the pressures that young athletes face? Is Alec’s experience exceptional, or is it typical of high-performing athletes in similar positions?

3. How does the novel depict a teenager’s experience of trauma, such as the challenges of coping with divorce or a with parent’s health issues?

4. Discuss Alec’s “troublemaker” image. How does public perception impact teenagers’ emotional well-being and sense of self-worth?

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

1. Analyze the book’s dual first-person narrative structure. What is the benefit of having access to both Dani and Alec’s thoughts? How does this approach create examples of dramatic irony?

2. Discuss Dani’s evolving relationship with her grandfather. How do their dynamics illustrate the challenges of overcoming generational gaps and improving The Emotional Impact of Family Dynamics?

3. Explore the significance of the setting. How does moving to a small, hockey-focused town change Dani’s view of family and community?

4. Trace the various ways in which Dani and Alec have both experienced trauma that shapes personal identity.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If the novel were adapted for the screen, who would you cast in the lead and supporting roles, and why?

2. Imagine one of Dani and Alec’s “unsent” postcards. What would they say to each other if their communication had never been interrupted?