Questions About Beside Myself

by Ann Morgan (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (3)

What was the purpose of the second person perspective within the novel in the middle of Helen's flashbacks? (Im on the fence if I found it annoying or genius)

Vicky D I heard Ann Morgan answer this in an interview. The change from first person (I) to second person (you) happens after a significant and traumatic even…moreI heard Ann Morgan answer this in an interview. The change from first person (I) to second person (you) happens after a significant and traumatic event, which I won’t mention due to spoilers. This serves to distance the main character from herself, as she steps out of herself to cope with the trauma. Further, by the time she is an adult, she is described as “she”, as she is even more distant from the person she had once been, from her sense of self. (less)

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Why does Ellie refer to Horace as Arkela?

Laura Akela is a term for a Scout leader. The twins had met him in the community (the narrator mentions games in the park) before he moved in, and thought t…moreAkela is a term for a Scout leader. The twins had met him in the community (the narrator mentions games in the park) before he moved in, and thought that the title "Akela" was his actual name.(less)

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What is the age suggestion for this?

Kira FlowerChild I would say 16 and up, not necessarily because of the profanity, but because of the complexity of the novel with the varying flashbacks and the mental…moreI would say 16 and up, not necessarily because of the profanity, but because of the complexity of the novel with the varying flashbacks and the mental illness of the main character. (less)

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