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1.Alex’s thoughts often contradict what she
says on Facebook and in e-mails to her parents. Why do you think this
is? Do you think the author is making a statement about social media
culture? Why or why not?
2.Discuss the relationship between Kate and the families in Part One of
the book. How does this relationship change after Kate learns who the
possible survivor is?
3.Examine Kate’s relationship with her fellow journalists before and
after she learns about the possible survivor and suspect. Do you think
she is unfair to them? Do you think they are unfair to her? Why or why
not?
4.It is a common perception that journalists often need to detach
themselves from a situation in order to do their jobs. At one point,
when learning details about the case, Kate thinks, "But this is us. Not
some story to be picked over for the best quote." Do you think the
events of the novel will impact Kate’s career in the future? How?
5.A major theme in the novel is that parents might not know their
children as well as they think they do. Discuss the ways this idea is
explored in the novel. Do you think that this is inherent in
parent-child relationships?
6.Similarly, Alex and Jake both end up in trouble because of their
unwillingness to tell their parents about the trouble they’re in.
Discuss the relationship they each have with their parents. Did their
actions surprise you? Why or why not?
7.What role does the media play in the book? As in The Widow and The
Child, the media is inextricably linked with the police investigation.
Do you think the author is conveying a broader message about the role of
journalism and news organizations? If you have read The Widow and/or The
Child, do you think that Kate’s being a core part of the story in The
Suspect dramatically changes the perception of the media in this novel
when compared to the two other novels?
8.Discuss the character of Lesley. What did you think of her at the
beginning of the story? Did your opinion change over the course of the
novel? Were you surprised by her desired punishment for the person
responsible for her daughter’s death? Why or why not?
9.Discuss Kate’s actions at the very end of the novel. Why do you think
she chose not to confront her son? Do you agree with her decision?
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