How does the novel play with the conventions of the romance genre, and why?

What argument does the novel make about how empathy relates to love? Use examples from Don’s relationships with Daphne, Gene, Claudia, and Rosie.

Compare Don’s search for love with Rosie’s search for her father. What is each character hoping to find, and what does this say about them—and the novel’s broader meaning?

How is Don’s inner transformation reflected outwardly? Describe three instances where he demonstrates changed behavior because of his new insights.

Discuss Don’s unreliability as a narrator. What causes it, and what alerts readers to it?

Consider Don as an example of representation of people with autism. What is the novel trying to do with this portrayal? Why do you think he is never officially diagnosed?

At the beginning of the novel, Don has very fixed—but idiosyncratic—views of ethics, rules, and morality. How do his views change throughout the novel?

Discuss the Gene and Claudia subplot. How does their love story serve as a counterpoint to Don and Rosie’s?