READERS GUIDE

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. The chapters of the novel are interspersed with brief “research notebook” sections. How did these chapters contribute to the overall story? Did you have a favorite fact or example?  
2. In what ways did her move with Tommy from the city to the suburban beach town impact Mona’s situation of overnight parenthood?
3. How do you think Mona sees herself? How do the other characters see her? Did your feelings about her change as the story evolved?  
   
4. Mona and Darya repair their friendship after it had gone cold following the birth of Darya’s child. Do you think they would have reestablished a friendship if Miles had never come into Mona’s care? Have you ever experienced a second round of friendship with someone following a major disappointment or disagreement? 
5. In addition to Darya, Mona’s new situation with Miles also offers an opportunity for her to revisit her relationship with her mother. Do you think that Mona treats her mother fairly? Do you believe their relationship will continue to grow? What gives you that impression?
6. During a lecture, Mona muses on the different expectations infused in the phrase “to mother” versus “to father” and “to parent.” Did the differences highlighted there resonate? If so, how? 
7. Parenting aside, gender and power play a role in the story generally. Could you relate to/recognize the ways in which Mona encounters misogyny (e.g. in her medical journey, the disrespect from a male student, or in the way she is treated by the visiting professor)? What was one example? 
8. Mona’s research focuses on beginnings and endings in words. This work leads her to reflect more broadly on transitions. Can you relate to her hesitancy to embrace change? If so, in what way? 
9. Why do you think the author ended with a “research notebook” section, rather than Mona going into surgery? Do you agree with that choice? 
10. When Miles eventually grows up and leaves home, do you think Mona will feel good about the choice she made to care for Miles? How do you think she will feel about him leaving their home?