Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of illness, mental illness, ableism, and gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Did you believe that Ursa was a real alien? Did you want to believe this? Why or why not?

2. Did the ending of the story surprise you? How did it compare to what you were expecting?

3. Have you read other works (fiction or nonfiction) that deal with the aftermath of cancer or another life-threatening illness or event—for instance, Suleika Jaouad’s Between Two Kingdoms? How does this novel compare?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Ursa manages her traumatic experience through storytelling and imagination. Have you ever created an imagined scenario to deal with a difficult time?

2. Which character did you identify with most, and why?

3. How did the forest setting affect your reading of the novel? Is Jo’s cottage somewhere you’d like to spend your summer, or would you find the loneliness oppressive?

4. Several characters benefit from the healing power of love.