Dear John

Do you think Savannah is still idealistic at the novel’s end, even after facing so many hardships? Why or why not?

How do you think that John’s father views his son? Do you think he is proud of him? Where do we see Mr. Tyree show affection or love for his son?

How do you think Mr. Tyree would feel about his coin collection being sold?

What role does 9/11 play in the narrative? How does the experience of people who have lived through that tragic moment in history inform the narrative? Do you think it will hold up for younger generations who did not experience that moment read this novel?How do you think Tim viewed John when he first met him? Does that change when we consider his last conversation with John?

How do you think Tim viewed John when he first met him? Does that change when we consider his last conversation with John?

John’s duty is a “force” that keeps the couple apart. What are some other “forces” that keep John and Savannah apart?

Do you think that Savannah’s suggestion that John’s father is on the spectrum was warranted? Do you think she shouldn’t have brought it up? What do you think about John’s reaction? Do you think his reaction was justified? Why or why not?

Consider the first-person point of view from John’s perspective. How do you think that novel would change if we had other point-of-view characters? What would be gained or lost? Explain.