Research the principles of the modern “death positivity” movement. How does Teresa McNair’s role as a death doula embody these principles? In what ways does her personal journey challenge or complicate them?

Teresa is a professional who guides others through endings but fears making new beginnings in her own life. How does her friendship with Flo help resolve this internal conflict?

How does the recurring setting of Flo’s front porch function to develop the novel’s focus on building community?

How does Berg’s technique of embedding life stories in mundane objects redefine what constitutes a meaningful life?

Compare Life to Berg’s novel The Story of Arthur Truluv, in which she also focuses on an elderly protagonist, Arthur Moses, who builds a new community. How do Flo and Arthur redefine family and purpose late in life?

Terrence is presented entirely through Flo’s memories. To what extent does this create a reliable portrait? Does the novel depict Terrence as he was, or as Flo remembers him?

The epilogue reveals that most of Flo’s cherished possessions are given away or discarded. What argument does the novel ultimately make about the connection between physical objects and the memories they hold?

Does Flo’s model of forgiveness represent an act of deep strength or a form of self-erasure? Use examples from the text to explain your answer.