Woke Up Like This

Compare Woke Up Like This to another text that includes glimpses of the future, like A Christmas Carol. How is Char and J. T.’s leap into the future similar or different?

What perspectives does this novel offer about female friendship?

How does Lea portray physical intimacy in the novel? What is the effect of this?

Uncle Larry’s reverse grandfather paradox theory suggests that the future cannot be changed, no matter what happens in the present. Classical texts often pit fate against humanity’s free will. How does the novel explore this dichotomy of fate and free will?

Consider the role of names in the text. Char’s mom is never named, though her father—who plays a much smaller physical role in her life—and her father’s girlfriend, Alexandra, are. Char refers to J. T. as “Renner” most of the time. What is the significance of characters’ names, or lack thereof?

What is the effect of the allusions to celebrities, music, and movies in the text? Find examples and explain how they influence your understanding of the characters.

Consider the ways in which social media is used by the characters to navigate complex social dynamics. How does the novel represent social media?

How does Char’s perspective on adulthood change throughout the text? What is the significance of her change of perspective?