1. What were your first impressions when you started reading? Why is the first-person narrator so powerful for this story?

2. Why is the book divided into “History,” “Present,” and “Tomorrow”? What effect does this narrative structure have on the story while reading? What other unique narrative features did you notice?

3. What is the importance of Sebastian’s friendship with Aneesa? How is it different from his friendship with Evan? Why is the timing of his new friendship with Aneesa significant?

4. Sebastian describes his room as “a museum to the old, to things I love.” How does his room contrast with the rest of his house? How does he treat memories differently than his family? Why does Sebastian say his sister is in the memory hole, and does it affect how he treats his own things?

5. Why does Sebastian wait so long to tell Aneesa about his sister? Do you think it was a good idea?

6. This book is described as “ripped from the headlines.” Why is this story so important for people to read? What impact did it have on you emotionally?

7. Sebastian admits that he never believed the adage, “Time heals all wounds,” but has found a different kind of solution. Why is that phrase so commonly used as advice? Do you agree with Sebastian?

8. Why do we see the newspaper article at the end? Does it complete the story for the reader? Why or why not?