We Love You, Bunny

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Have you read Bunny? If not, are you more or less interested in reading it now? Do you typically enjoy reading sequels/prequels?

2. We Love You, Bunny revolves around events on a college campus. Why do you think readers are drawn to campus novels? If you have been a college student in the past (or are currently studying), how did the novel reflect or not reflect your experiences as a student?

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

1. The novel is driven initially by the Bunnies’ desire to share their version of events and challenge Samantha’s narrative. Has there ever been a time when you felt that your side of the story wasn’t being heard? How did this experience make you feel?

2. The Bunnies believe that the feedback they receive from Allan is harsh and unfair. When you have received feedback in the past, what has made it easier or more challenging to receive? How do you approach giving feedback to others, especially if you have a responsibility to give constructive criticism?

3. Throughout the novel, the Bunnies are tormented by Aerius not sharing in their love and desire for him. Have you ever had an unrequited crush? How did you cope?

4. Aerius struggles to maintain independence and agency, as many individuals around him want to possess and control him. Has there ever been a time when it was hard for you to maintain agency and others had competing agendas? How did you respond to this conflict?

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

1. The novel explores and occasionally satirizes aspects of campus activism and “cancel culture.” To what extent do you think educational institutions should balance free speech, academic freedom, and the goal of being “safe spaces”? Do you think that different generations have different understandings of the goals of higher education?

2. Consent is a key motif in the novel, as Aerius is repeatedly subjected to unwanted sexual advances from female characters, including the Bunnies and Ursula. Do you think that women are typically more or less aware of the importance of consent than men? What makes it harder or easier for men to assert boundaries when they receive unwanted advances from women?

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

1. The novel is told from the perspective of multiple narrators. What do these differing perspectives add to the text, and how do they shape the exploration of key themes and ideas?

2. Discuss the character of Allan. How do different characters perceive him? What is his role and wider significance in the text?

3. Awad uses allusions to both classic literary texts, such as Frankenstein, and to contemporary pop culture, such as the music of Kate Bush and Chapell Roan, throughout the novel. How do these allusions function in the text?

4. Samantha never speaks in the novel. How does the novel explore the idea of silence and having a voice more generally?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel alludes to a playlist that the Bunnies create for Aerius, as well as books and films that they curate for him. Create your own customized list of music, films, and books that you would want to share with someone who otherwise has no prior experience of art. What would you hope for them to gain from consuming these works of art?

2. We Love You, Bunny provides new insights into characters who are depicted as villains in Awad’s earlier novel. Choose another novel and imagine what a prequel or sequel told from the perspective of the villain would discuss.