discussion guide

Discussion Questions for Monsters! Incidental Wedding Guests

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  1. It is said that Kennedy has been practising and taking martial arts lessons. How does that show in both her confidence and abilities when fighting the monsters?
  2. Kennedy has obviously been trying to integrate herself more into the Aetherborn Community. How well has she succeeded?
  3. Jason has changed his leadership style from ‘brooding and aloof’ to ‘happier and hands-on’. How do you think this will be received by the Community as a whole? Are there any indications of that in the text?
  4. In this book, Kennedy and Jason have a lot going on. Do you think that the monster attacks are adding stress or acting as stress relief?
  5. Lilah’s behaviour appears manipulative and controlling. Do you think this comes from her caring about the couple or about appearances?
  6. A major theme in the book is family relationships, especially healing. Which pair or character do you relate to the most and why?
  7. Repatriation of cultural artifacts is a heated topic. Do you believe that the living descendents have a claim to ancient artifacts?
  8. The person creating the monsters had their reasons. What do you think of those reasons, and were their methods justified?
  9. There are multiple examples of creation (eg. the lace, the dress, new fertilizer, museum replicas, etc). How does this help to create a more well-rounded setting? Why?
  10. Do you have a favourite secondary character? Who do you wish got more attention in the story?
  11. Suppose Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers became a movie or a TV show. Who would you pick to play the roles? (You can check out our dream casting for ideas) What aspects of the book would you want to see more of? What would be the most difficult part of filming?

Monsters! Incidental Wedding Guests by Jen and Éric Desmarais is available now!

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Discussion Questions for The Mystery of the Dancing Lights

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  1. Early in the novel we see that Jackie has grown, how is this paralleled by his growth regarding magic? Do either affect his confidence?
  2. Jack, in 1989, is taken out of his regular school in order to attend a special magic school. He didn’t want to go, do you think his parents made the right choice and why?
  3. The Aetherborn, who are first introduced in A Case of Synchronicity, play a larger role in this novel. How would you feel if you discovered that some of your classmates were mythical characters brought to life with magic?
  4. The time loop gives Elizabeth the opportunity to work through the traumatic events of the previous book. Does she use that opportunity? Why or why not?
  5. When Jack first meets Morgan, he seems to trust her completely. Why do you think that is?
  6. Elizabeth travels back in time, again, this novel. There are some major differences in how it plays out. How and why do you think that is?
  7. Each Elizabeth novel relies on imagery of abandoned undergrounds. How does that reflect the theme of a “hidden magical world”?
  8. We see Jack, in 1989, lose his temper and melt perfect footprints into the rock floor. Do you think you’d have the strength of will to control that sort of power? What would make you lose that control?
  9. Time loops can be fun. If you were stuck in a loop, what books would you want to read? And what instrument would you want to learn?
  10. In each novel, Elizabeth succeeds through planning, knowledge, her friends, and luck. Why do you think this combination is more successful than the power or strength of her opponents?
  11. Suppose this book became a movie or a TV show. Who would you pick to play the roles? What aspects of the book would you want to see more of? What would be the most difficult part of filming?

The Mystery of the Dancing Lights by Éric Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version

Discussion Questions for Crushing It

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Crushing It

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  1. Crushing It is set in 2003. How would the story be different if it was set in the present day?
  2. Throughout the book, Tommy is completely unaware of the magical world surrounding him in Westmeath. Do you think it would have changed anything if he had noticed?
  3. Tommy and his mother are at odds at the beginning of the book. Who do you feel more empathy for? Can you see the other’s point of view?
  4. Icebreakers are a staple of camps. How do they make you feel? What type do you prefer?
  5. Do you think Tommy’s reactions and feelings when he realized he was gay were relatable? Have you ever had a crush on someone you didn’t expect? How did you feel and react?
  6. The technology in Westmeath is much more advanced than it was in real life in 2003. How does this affect the story?
  7. We only see Carter’s point of view at three points during the book. How would the story have been different if it had been equal parts from his POV?
  8. Long distance relationships are difficult, but in what ways is it a good thing for Tommy and Carter? How is it a struggle?
  9. Two themes that tie the book together are music and science. Can you think of more?
  10. The world isn’t ending in the book. Do you think it being low-stakes, or cosy, is a strength or a weakness?
  11. Suppose Crushing It became a movie or a TV show. Who would you pick to play the roles? (You can check out my dream casting for ideas) What aspects of the book would you want to see more of? What would be the most difficult part of filming?
Cover art by @pinkpiggy93 on Tumblr and Instagram

Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!

Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version