The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

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

1. Mika is conflicted about getting close to others because she fears rejection and betrayal. When have you found it difficult to be vulnerable with others, and what helped you overcome this fear?

2. Throughout the novel, Mika grapples with feelings of not being “enough” for anyone. Have you experienced similar feelings of inadequacy, and what helped you move past them?

3. The residents of Nowhere House form a “found family” composed of people who have no blood relationships but deeply care for one another. How has your understanding of family evolved throughout your life?

4. Mika is drawn to the sea because of its consistency and permanence: “It knew all her secrets. It knew her. And it stayed” (43). What provides you with a similar sense of comfort or constancy in your life?

5. Jamie and Mika’s traumatic childhoods affect how they form relationships as adults. How have your past experiences influenced your approach to trust and vulnerability?

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

1. In the novel, witches live in fear of persecution if their identities are discovered. How does this parallel real-world experiences of marginalized communities who must hide aspects of their identity for safety?

2. Ian and Ken mention the challenges they faced as a gay couple when it wasn’t safe or legal to be out. How does the novel address themes of acceptance and inclusion across different forms of identity?

3. The book explores the tension between adhering to tradition (Primrose’s rules) and embracing change (Mika’s approach). Where do you see similar tensions between tradition and progress in contemporary society?

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

1. The novel develops three main themes: Letting Others In, The Importance of Family, and Freedom Versus Safety. Which theme resonated with you most, and how did Mandanna develop it through specific characters and plot points?

2. As a significant motif in the novel, windows represent openness to connection. Other symbols or motifs include the sea, which represents consistency, and flowers that bloom out of season, which symbolize secrecy. Did you notice any additional symbols or motifs, and how did they enhance the story?

3. The narrative structure follows Mika’s journey from isolation to connection. What significant moments mark her transformation, and how do these moments reflect the novel’s central message?

4. The story contrasts Primrose and Lillian’s responses to trauma: the former through isolation and the latter through connection. What does the novel ultimately suggest about processing difficult past experiences?

5. Jamie and Mika’s relationship conveys the “grumpy versus sunshine” romantic trope. How does this dynamic serve the novel’s themes, and does it offer any fresh perspective on this popular romance convention?

6. How does Mandanna use the three young witches (Rosetta, Terracotta, and Altamira) and their unique personalities to explore different aspects of magic and growth?