The Tell: A Memoir

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

1. The Tell describes explicit trauma and abuse and traces the lasting impact of these experiences on Amy’s life. What emotional reactions did you have as you read about these events? Which passages were especially emotional or difficult to read?

2. Through her healing journey, Amy discovers that being vulnerable and sharing her experience actually strengthens her relationships and builds her trust in herself. Do you have any experiences with sharing deep secrets or vulnerable information? How did you feel after sharing your story?

3. Much of Amy’s repression is built on shame and The Societal Pressures of Perfectionism. Have you ever felt a similar pressure? How did you deal with it?

4. Would you try psychedelic-assisted therapy? Why or why not?

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

1. How do people often deal with and talk about mental health struggles and trauma in modern society? How are these tendencies reflected in Amy’s story?

2. Discuss the culture in Amarillo, Texas. How did this culture contribute to Amy’s initial abuse and to her tendency to repress her memories?

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

1. The Tell is divided into three parts. How do these parts structure the memoir and relate to Amy’s journey?

2. How do Amy’s relationships with her family and friends change over the course of the text? What role do they play in supporting her throughout her healing?

3. What role does New York City play in Amy’s life and in the story? Why does she feel drawn to the city, and what is her life like there?

4. Identify and analyze Amy’s various “tells.” How has her repressed trauma manifested and affected her life?

5. Discuss Amy’s ambition and energy as a trauma response. How does the glorification of success and achievement hide the extent to which Amy is struggling?