Discussion Guide

[Lory]

I couldn't find a discussion guide for this literary treasure anywhere, so I created my own.
1. The prologue begins with the sentence ‘My life is not a thriller’. Talks about chase scenes, and then Daniel says “My life is nothing but small moments, and so is yours. We don’t live in a series of plot points. We should be thankful for that. We should realize how lucky we are.” In what ways does Daniel feel lucky? Do you think Daniel’s notion of being lucky changes by the end of the book?

2. Chapter 4 opens with Daniel saying, “One of the many annoying things about being disabled is the obligation I always feel to make you feel better about your reactions to me.” Did any details of Daniel’s life with SMA make you uncomfortable? Did Daniel make you feel more comfortable about his life with SMA?

3. What did you think about Daniel’s ability to communicate wordlessly with Travis and Marjani? Is it believable?

4. What does Daniel’s job mean to him?

5. In what way could the city of Athens and the university be perceived as characters in the book?

6. Why does Daniel have empathy for Jonathan?

7. How does the author address the marginalization of people with disabilities? What will you take away from that?

8. Were you able to create imagery for any of the characters? Can you visualize the Wooly Mammoth? Daniel’s apartment?

9. What sticks with you about the friendship between Daniel and Travis? (The Wooly Mammoth needs a mention here)

10. Describe the significance of the Summer Camp and Daniel’s relationship with Kim.

11. What do you think of Daniel’s need for independence versus his need for his mother?