The Book of Two Ways

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of illness or death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What significance does the title The Book of Two Ways hold for you after finishing the novel? Does it represent something beyond the literal Egyptian artifact?

2. The novel weaves together death, archaeology, physics, and personal choices. Which of these elements resonated with you most strongly, and why?

3. Picoult explores two possible life trajectories in this novel, a concept similar to The Midnight Library by Matt Haig or the Peter Howitt film Sliding Doors. How does Picoult’s approach to the “two paths” structure differ from other narratives about alternate lives you’ve encountered?

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

1. Dawn works as a death doula, helping others navigate their final journey. Have you ever been present for someone’s end-of-life experience? How did that shape your perspective on mortality?

2. Throughout the novel, Dawn struggles with her identity as both an academic and a caregiver. When have you felt torn between different aspects of your identity or between passion and practicality?

3. Brian tells Dawn that love is a choice. Do you agree with this sentiment? In what ways have you experienced love as a choice rather than purely a feeling?

4. Dawn’s relationship with Meret evolves as she learns to address her daughter’s body image issues directly rather than avoiding difficult conversations. What challenging conversations have you had to navigate with loved ones that ultimately strengthened your relationship?

5. The novel suggests we all have paths not taken. Is there a Wyatt in your past—a passion, person, or career that you left behind? How has that loss shaped who you are today?

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

1. Dawn observes that Western society tends to avoid discussing death: “We use euphemisms and discuss pearly gates and angels while glossing over the fact that we have to die to get there” (129). How does our culture’s approach to death compare with the ancient Egyptian perspective presented in the novel?

2. The profession of death doula is relatively new but growing. What does the emergence of this role suggest about changing attitudes toward death and dying in contemporary society?

3. In what ways does Picoult use archaeology as a metaphor for uncovering buried aspects of ourselves? How might this connect to broader cultural attitudes about self-discovery and personal history?

Examine the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The novel appears to follow a “two paths” narrative but ultimately reveals itself to be something else. What effect did this structural choice have on your reading experience?

2. Win functions as a foil for Dawn throughout the novel. How do their parallel stories illuminate each other, and what do we learn from their similarities and differences?

3. Dawn often describes Wyatt using imagery of gold and royalty. What does this symbolism suggest about her perception of him and their relationship?

4. How does Brian’s work in quantum physics relate to the theme of alternate lives in the novel? In what ways does Picoult use scientific concepts to explore emotional realities?

5. The book explores the theme of living with death through multiple perspectives. How do Dawn’s two professions—Egyptologist and death doula—offer complementary views on mortality?

6. Superstition appears repeatedly throughout the novel. How does this motif underscore the characters’ attempts to control their lives?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine Dawn five years after the novel ends. Write a brief journal entry from her perspective reflecting on the choices she made and where her life has taken her.

2. The ancient Egyptians created elaborate maps and instructions for the afterlife. Create your own Book of Two Ways as a guide for your afterlife journey—what would it include?

3. The novel ends ambiguously with Dawn poised to make a decision. Write your own epilogue that resolves Dawn’s choice between her two possible lives. Which path would you choose for her and why?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources