One of Us Is Next

Think about what cyberbullying is and how, with social media, bullying has evolved. At what places in the novel do you see cyberbullying? How does this affect bullying in-person?

All three protagonists have sisters they keep secrets from. Why do each of the three protagonists hide something important from their sisters? How do the secret revelations change the siblings’ relationships? What aspects of relationships does the author highlight through the siblings in the novel?

Are secrets powerful or do they only have as much power as you give them? Discuss this question and its repercussions throughout the novel by using examples from the text.

Compare and contrast different two characters and the ways they process losses in the novel. Is there a right or wrong way to grieve?

How does Maeve’s character develop throughout the novel? Why did she fear confronting her leukemia? Once she overcame this fear, what did she gain in return? Provide passages that illustrate Maeve’s growth and maturity.

Knox’s levels of self-confidence evolve throughout the novel. How does he grapple with his confidence issues in the story? What message is conveyed about self-worth through Knox’s viewpoint?

Emma battles with resentment and recalls a specific quote while speaking to her lawyer: “Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die” (279). How does this quote relate to the overall themes of the novel? Explain how resentment and forgiveness relate to Emma’s experiences.

Compare and contrast Café Contigo with the digital spaces the characters inhabit. How are these settings social environments and what secrets are spread in them? What are the social dynamics expected in each place? Is one inherently better than the other? Explain your answer using examples from the text.