You Go First

Kelly’s novel We Dream of Space is set in 1986 and addresses some of the same themes despite the different time periods and settings. Citing We Dream of Space and You Go First, explore how technology affects family and friendship dynamics and what things are universal between the 1980s and now.

Kelly’s latest novel, The First State of Being, is science fiction and incorporates time travel. By contrast, You Go First is grounded in the real world. How do these genres work differently to explore the same themes? Is one more effective than the other?

Louisiana is a common setting in Kelly’s novels. How does Louisiana emerge in Ben’s narrative? Are there cultural elements that inform his storyline? Does this setting connect Ben to Kelly’s other works? Would the novel change if he lived elsewhere?

There are many literary and cultural allusions in this novel. Choose three and close read them, examining how those allusions inform the story’s themes, characterization, tone, or other elements.

Some of Charlotte’s “rabbit holes” are discussed in this study guide. Choose three that aren’t discussed and examine how they work in the novel.

Each part of the novel begins with a definition, which shapes the part’s themes. How would the novel change if different words were defined? Choose one part of the novel and pick another word that could define that section, then discuss how that word would anchor the section differently.

Media often highlights the downsides or dangers of online friendships and relationships. Does You Go First show a more realistic depiction of online interactions for modern kids? Does it overlook any cons, or is it a nuanced depiction?

How does the author use repetition to enhance the novel’s themes?