Invisible Monsters

Why does Brandy want Shannon to tell her life story? What purpose is there to this act? What does it say about the relationship between these two characters?

What makes Shannon think her parents favor her sibling over her? What impact does this have on Shannon as a child? As an adult?

What is the connection between Brandy’s accident with the hairspray and Shannon’s? Did either character achieve the goal they were attempting to reach?

Why does Manus break up with Shannon at the beginning of the novel? How does he respond when he is caught trying to kill Shannon?

When she burns down Evie’s house, why does Shannon turn to Brandy for help?

What is important about Shannon’s meeting with the Rhea Sisters? How does Shannon respond to the information that Brandy is her sibling?

Why does Shannon stay with Brandy for so long even though she is plotting her murder? Does Shannon hate Brandy or are do her feelings stem from their parents’ actions?

There is much evidence in the novel that the McFarland parents caused grave harm to their children. Identify some of the specific ways this took place, and reflect on how the incidents impacted both Brandy and Shannon.