READERS GUIDE

Reader’s Guide
Such Familiar Magic by Natasha Ngan
Discussion Questions:


1.         In Laila’s world, magic is linked to culture and traditions. What aspect of your cultural background would you like to have as a magic? How might it manifest?

2.         Laila chooses to compartmentalize herself to make it easier to shift between the different parts of her life and the people she needs to be for others. Do you think it’s a healthy mechanism? If you were Laila’s therapist, what would you tell her to help her navigate all the things pulling her focus in different directions?

3.         Elvis the tortoise has a shell enchanted to sparkle. If you could give your pet a magical glow-up, what would it be?

4.         What is your connection to your childhood hometown? Do you feel you can be fully yourself there, or like Laila, do you find it hard not to slip back into old ways?

5.         Laila has to face uncomfortable truths about herself on her journey to restore the potion. Do you enjoy a flawed narrator? Did you find Laila frustrating at times?

6.         At the magical market, Laila and Anthony enjoy exploring the vendors’ unusual wares. Which of them would you be most interested to try?

7.         One of Laila’s biggest struggles is creating lasting friendships. Why do you think she has so much difficulty with this, and can you relate?

8.         Have you ever experienced burnout? Do you think Yasmine’s approach to work/life balance will help Laila stay healthy in the long run?

9.         Laila describes her life as Blindfolded-Chimpanzee Jenga, while Anthony’s as a neat stack of dominoes. If your life was a game, what would it be and why?

10.       During the Qingming ceremony at the beach, the Cosmic Crew each honor someone beloved they have lost. Who would you choose to honor? And what object would you use to represent them?

11.        Laila and Anthony call each other “weird human things.” What is one of your favorite weird traits of someone you love?

12.       Silverwood Cove isn’t a real place, but it’s based upon small seaside villages in the UK. If you could invent your dream cozy town, what would it be like and what would you name it?