Taming 7

While the novel is heavily focused on trauma, the narrative also contains flashes of humor. What different forms of humor appear in the text? How does humor aid characterization, advance the plot, and/or work to illuminate certain key ideas?

Compare and contrast Taming 7 with one of the other novels in the series. What key themes and ideas do the texts share in common? How does Taming 7 advance the series?

What role does forgiveness play in the novel? What theme is conveyed through Gibsie and Claire’s forgiveness of each other, and/or other characters’ lack of forgiveness?

Select a secondary or minor character in the novel, such as Shannon, Johnny, Dee, Mark, or Lizzie. How is he/she characterized? How is he/she different or similar to the protagonists? What is his/her wider role in the text?

Taming 7 and the other books in the series have faced some criticism, with some accusing the series of being sensationalistic and insensitive in its depiction of issues like sexual abuse. How does Taming 7 explore sexual abuse and its effects? What is accurate about the novel’s depiction, and what aspects might be considered problematic?

What does the treehouse symbolize in the novel? What is its role and wider significance in the text?

Through Gibsie and Claire’s relationship, Walsh conveys the idea that love conquers everything. Which characters challenge this idea? How does the novel explore different experiences of love?

Analyze how the text explores ideas of masculinity and femininity, such as through Gibsie’s characterization. How do these characters reinforce, or diverge from, gender stereotypes?