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1. What are the main themes of
the novel? Which do you find most thought provoking?
2. While Beth is deciding whether to meet Sam for dinner in Chapter 1,
Sunshine urges her, "Let go of your inhibitions, live free, fall in
love; make the most of this opportunity." In addition to meeting Sam, in
what other situations does Beth embrace Sunshine’s advice? How does it
transform her by the end of the book?
3. Compare and contrast the atmosphere of Beth and Sam’s first blind
date with the atmosphere in Beth’s hospital room during their private
conversation while she’s recovering from the accident. How did the
accident act as a catalyst for their relationship? Even though it
brought them together, did it create any hurdles for Beth and Sam?
4. Loyalty is a running theme throughout the novel. Discuss how loyalty,
and the occasional lack thereof, affects the relationships between Beth,
Sam, Ellie, and Sunshine.
5. How would the story have been different if Sam had a 9-5 office job
instead of being a mechanic? Do you think Beth would have fallen for him
just the same? How does the difference in their careers make the end of
the story even more satisfying?
6. So much of this book is about control: taking charge of it where
possible, and letting go when necessary. How is that different for each
character? Who are the best examples of each?
7. Discuss how Ellie tends to misconstrue situations because of her
falling out with Sunshine. How does her negative outlook create a ripple
effect into other areas of her life? What is the author trying to tell
us about perspective?
8. The title of this book seems to gain significance as the story
progresses. How did your understanding of it grow and change between the
first and last chapters of the book?
9. In many ways, it seems like Beth’s and Sam’s differences are what
ultimately bring them together. This is in stark contrast to how the
differences between Ellie and Sunshine drive them apart. Compare and
contrast these relationships. What can be learned from each?
10. Discuss how Sam’s relationships with Trish and Luci impacts how he
interacts with Beth. Do you think Sam’s reaction was appropriate when
Beth took him to Luci’s piano recital? Why or why not?
11. How did you feel about Sunshine’s reunion with Peter? What events
set the stage for them getting back together?
12. The closing line of the novel reads, "Warning label or not, she was
lost." This passage refers to Beth being lost in love with Sam, but what
other areas of her life could it also speak to?
13. Discuss the role of art, both visual and audible, for each
character. How does it change your perception of them?
14. Have you ever taken a big risk, like Beth did in moving to Portland?
How did you grow from that experience? What would you do differently?
15. Which character did you most easily relate to? How are you similar?
Different?
16. Who would you cast to play each character in a movie adaptation of
If Not for You? Why?
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