Part of Your World

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How did you feel about the novel’s central romance? Did you find it satisfying? How does it compare to relationships in other romances you’ve encountered?
• What is the significance of the novel’s title? Did your understanding of it change over the course of the novel?
• Did you resonate with the fairytale elements of the story? Did you spot the Disney allusions layered within the plot?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• How did you feel about the author’s handling of sensitive topics such as cycles of abuse?
• Consider Jimenez’s portrayal of the struggle to balance career ambitions and personal fulfillment. Have you ever felt this tension? Did you find the novel’s depiction realistic?
• Do you agree with Alexie’s choices? How would you have reacted differently in certain situations?
• Did you resonate with Alexis’s struggle to fulfill her parents’ expectations? Have you ever felt pressured by your family to maintain a particular lifestyle despite it conflicting with your values?
• Before reading the book, what were your perceptions of small-town life? How did reading about Daniel’s life in Wakan uphold or change those perceptions?
• How did you feel about the age gap between Alexis and Daniel? Do you think you’d feel differently if Daniel were the older partner?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does the novel depict stereotypes, misunderstandings, and cultural gaps between urban and rural America? Does Jimenez offer a path toward harmony?
• Is the idea of upholding a family legacy an outdated notion? Discuss the way the novel approaches societal expectations of familial obligation. 
• Discuss how Alexis and Daniel differ in their views about the division of household labor. Does the novel challenge or support traditional gender roles in contemporary relationships?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does the dual first-person narrative structure affect the story's tone and aid in developing the two lead characters? 
• How does Jimenez employ the “opposites attract” trope through her use of setting? How do the alternate settings reflect each character’s strengths and weaknesses?
• What elements of magical realism does Jimenez incorporate into the story, and how do these elements contribute to the tone and themes of the novel?
• What does The Grant House symbolize to Daniel? Similarly, what is the symbolism of Royaume Northwestern Hospital to Alexis and her family?
• Which minor characters had the most influence on the protagonists? How do Gabby and Bri help Alexis see herself in ways she previously hadn’t? 

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Jimenez includes the idea of a “zombie apocalypse team” in her novels as an Easter egg to her devoted fans. Who would be on your zombie apocalypse team, and why?
• Create a mood board that captures the contrasting worlds of Alexis and Daniel. Which elements reflect their personalities, and which illustrate how their paths intersect to form a united journey?
• Imagine Alexis could write a letter to her younger self at the novel's end. What advice would she give about love, family, and career that encapsulates her emotional journey throughout the story?

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