1. The name of the novel is MIKA IN REAL LIFE. Do you think it’s fair to say Mika has not been living a "real life" until now? Why or why not?

2. Mika and Penny reconnect through the wonders of the internet, and yet letters form an integral part of this story --- in Caroline connecting with Mika, and in Mika connecting with Penny. Why do you think the author chose to use letters to show the emotional connections among the characters?

3. Mika and her mother, Hiromi, have a very difficult relationship. In what ways could Mika be more understanding of her own mother? Should she even try to be?

4. Why do you think Hiromi seems to find it easier to relate to Penny, a grandchild she has never met before?

5. How did you feel when you learned the identity of Penny’s birth father?

6. Hana, Leif and Charlie are just three of the secondary characters we meet. Who is your favorite and why?

7. Was there any point where you feel Thomas was being unreasonable or overly cautious? Why?

8. Imagine Penny, Mika and Thomas five years from now. What do you think their lives will be like?