In what ways has Adelaide’s relationship history impacted her understanding of love? In particular, what role does her high school boyfriend, Emory Evans, play in this understanding? In what ways does this trauma influence her dynamic with Rory?

How does Adelaide’s perception of Rory change over the course of the novel? How does she see Rory when they first meet, compared to her perception of him during, shortly after, and years after their relationship? To what do you attribute this changing perception?

In what ways is Adelaide and Rory’s relationship imbalanced? How do Adelaide and Rory see one another? How do they relate to each other when they are both together and apart? Who has more power, and why? How and why might the characters cede control to one another? Consider the ways in which these imbalances complicate their dynamic.