Love, Theoretically

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The academic world portrayed in Love, Theoretically is full of politics, rivalries, and power struggles. What was your overall impression of this picture of academia? Did it strike you as realistic or exaggerated compared to novels like Donna Tartt’s The Secret History or Ann Liang’s I Hope This Doesn’t Find You that present similar competitive environments?

2. What did you think about Elsie’s APE—“Assess the need […] Plan a response […] Enact”41)—protocol? Do you think that such a protocol is helpful? 

3. The novel balances romance with commentary on gender discrimination in STEM fields. Which element of the story resonated with you most strongly, and why?

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

1. When have you felt pressure to present different sides of yourself in various contexts, and how does this compare to Elsie’s use of her numerous personas?

2. Jack tells Elsie, “Every single one of your interactions is a lie” (108). Where would you draw the line between normal social code-switching and the kind of people-pleasing that Elsie engages in? Have you ever caught yourself crossing that line?

3. Elsie’s Type 1 diabetes represents both a physical challenge and the root of her insecurity about being a “burden” to others. Has a personal challenge or condition influenced how you approach relationships in ways that resonated with Elsie’s experience?

4. The novel explores how difficult it can be to establish boundaries with authority figures. What personal boundaries have been the hardest for you to establish in professional or academic settings?

5. Throughout the novel, Elsie gradually learns to value her own opinions and needs. What moment in your life marked a similar shift in prioritizing your authentic self over others’ expectations?

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

1. What does Elsie’s experience as an adjunct professor reveal about the economic realities of academia? How do these labor conditions connect to broader conversations about job security and fair compensation in other industries?

2. The novel portrays George and Elsie transforming from perceived rivals to supportive colleagues. In what ways does this challenge common media portrayals of professional women as competitors rather than allies?

3. Misogyny in STEM fields appears repeatedly throughout the novel. What recent progress or continued challenges do you see in addressing gender bias in professional environments traditionally dominated by men?

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

1. The title Love, Theoretically plays on the protagonist’s field of study. What significance does theoretical physics have as both Elsie’s discipline and as a metaphor throughout the novel? How do scientific concepts mirror the emotional developments in the story?

2. Jack’s infamous article functions as a pivotal symbol that transforms throughout the story. How does its meaning evolve from the beginning to the end of the novel, and what does its evolution reveal about the theme of perspective?

3. Did you notice Hazelwood’s use of classic romance tropes like fake dating and enemies-to-lovers? How do these familiar frameworks help explore deeper themes about authenticity and self-worth in the story?

4. The concept of revenge drives multiple characters’ actions, from Jack’s teenage article to Laurendeau’s isolation of Elsie. How does the text distinguish between revenge and justice? What commentary does this distinction offer about power dynamics in academia?

5. Elsie narrates the entire story from her first-person perspective. What insights do you gain from this limited viewpoint, and what aspects of the story remain obscured because you don’t access other characters’ thoughts?

6. Throughout the novel, both Jack and Elsie develop meaningful connections outside their biological families. How does this concept of chosen family contrast with the biological families portrayed? What does Hazelwood suggest about the nature of familial relationships?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Write Elsie’s diary entry one year after the epilogue, what professional and personal developments would she record? What lingering challenges might she still face?

2. Imagine a spin-off novel following George’s story before she meets Elsie. What challenges might she have faced as a queer woman of color in experimental physics, and what would her journey to success look like?

3. The APE protocol represents Elsie’s systematic approach to social interaction. Design your own protocol for navigating a challenging aspect of your life, inspired by her methodical approach but addressing your own priorities and values.

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