The Love of My Afterlife

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your initial reaction to the concept of Evermore as a brightly colored laundromat? How did Greenwood’s portrayal of the afterlife compare to other fictional afterlife depictions you might have encountered, such as Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones or Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall?

2. Did you find the blend of supernatural elements with romantic comedy tropes enhanced your appreciation of the story? Which aspects of this genre combination proved most compelling to you?

3. The Love of My Afterlife uses humor to explore death and afterlife bureaucracy similar Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. How does Greenwood’s approach differ from Gaiman and Pratchett’s?

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

1. Delphie spends years hiding her true self after being bullied for her art and appearance. When have you felt pressured to conceal parts of your identity to fit in or avoid criticism?

2. The narrative reveals how easy it is to misinterpret others’ intentions as Delphie does with Cooper, Leanne, and Aled. Think about a time when you misjudged someone based on limited information. What helped you recognize your error?

3. It’s not uncommon for people build emotional walls after experiencing rejection or betrayal. Do you relate to Delphie’s fear of forming close connections? What has helped you take risks in relationships despite past hurts?

4. What activities or interests have you abandoned that might be worth rediscovering, similar to the way Delphie reconnects with her passion for drawing?

5. Delphie is shocked to learn that Gen hasn’t thought about their high school conflicts in years. Have you ever realized that something weighing heavily on your mind hasn’t had the same impact on others involved? How did this realization affect you?

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

1. What critique of performative activism do you see in Gen’s use of an anti-bullying charity to enhance her public image while distorting the truth about her own past? How does this element reflect similar behaviors in our social media-driven culture?

2. How does the bureaucracy of Evermore mirror real-world institutions? Do the afterlife’s rules, hierarchy, and office politics reflect social structures we encounter in everyday life?

3. In what ways does the novel’s portrayal of childhood bullying’s long-term impacts compare to contemporary conversations about this issue? Does Greenwood offer any fresh insights or perspectives on this topic?

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

1. How does Greenwood use Merritt’s obsession with romance novels to create a metafictional commentary on the genre itself? What effect does this self-awareness about tropes like enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity have on your reading experience?

2. Drawing functions as a powerful motif throughout the novel, representing both Delphie’s authentic self and her growth. What other symbols did you notice, and how do they reinforce the novel’s themes?

3. Through Mr. Yoon’s party and Delphie’s art exhibition, the concept of “witnessing” a life emerges as a central theme. In what ways does this idea develop throughout the story? What statement does it make about human connection and legacy?

4. What significance does the 10-day countdown have on the novel’s pacing? How does this limited timeframe intensify the story’s exploration of living fully and your investment in Delphie’s journey?

5. Why do you think Greenwood structured the romantic plot so that Delphie initially believes Jonah is her soulmate while overlooking Cooper? How does this misdirection serve the novel’s themes about authentic connection versus idealized romance?

6. Consider the contrast between Delphie’s isolated pre-death existence and her increasingly connected life during her second chance. How does this before-and-after structure reinforce the novel’s message about embracing community?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Design your own version of Evermore — what would it look like? Consider how your ideal afterlife waiting room might differ from Merritt’s laundromat approach.

2. Choose a character from the book to send back to Earth for 10 days if you were an Afterlife Therapist. What lesson would you want them to learn, and what challenges might they face?

3. Describe what you think happens in the year following the novel’s conclusion. How might Delphie and Cooper’s relationship evolve, and what new adventures or challenges might they encounter?

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