Love, Mom

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Which of the novel’s major twists—Tonya posing as Elizabeth, John being Mackenzie’s biological father, and Dianne killing Tonya—did you find most surprising? Why?

2. Were you most interested in the chapters taking place in the present or the flashbacks narrated by Ben and Tonya? Why?

3. How does this novel compare with other psychological thrillers you have read?

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

1. Compare the novel’s depiction of grief to your own experiences. Did you find Mackenzie’s grief journey relatable? Why or why not?

2. Were you surprised that the novel ended with Mackenzie and EJ in a relationship? Do you think they are a good couple?

3. Nature and Nurture in Personal Development is an important theme in the novel. Which do you believe—nature or nurture—had a bigger effect on your life? Why?

4. Do you find the novel’s depiction of the literary community and fame for authors realistic? Why or why not?

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

1. The construction of E. V. Renge’s literary celebrity is an important part of the book. What commentary does the book make about fame in America, particularly literary fame?

2. Discuss Love, Mom’s portrayal of the American foster care system. How does Xander’s representation of foster care reflect the challenges that individuals face during and after foster care? Is her portrayal realistic?

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

1. Analyze the impact of the different timelines and narrative voices on the reading experience. How does the author use these changes in the narrative to build tension?

2. Explore Mackenzie’s character development throughout the novel. How is she changed by the discovery of her family’s secrets?

3. How might this novel be different if Mackenzie’s mother wrote a different genre of literature, such as romance or fantasy? Does the plot require her to be a thriller writer? Why or why not?

4. The debate about nature and nurture in adolescence is an important theme in the novel. Does the novel attribute Mackenzie’s personality to nature or nurture?

5. Much of the novel takes place in Nebraska, where Elizabeth was raised and where Elizabeth, Ben, and Tonya met. How does the setting of Nebraska affect the tone of the novel?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If this book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast in the roles of Mackenzie, EJ, and Elizabeth? Would you cast the same actress for Elizabeth and Tonya or use two different actresses?

2. Imagine a sequel to this story. What might Elizabeth’s recovery look like? Do you think she will write again? How do you think Mackenzie’s relationships with John and EJ will develop?

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