Mad Honey

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• The narrative has a dual narrative structure, alternating between Olivia and Lily’s perspectives. How does this narrative choice affect your engagement with the story and your understanding of the characters?
• What is the emotional impact of the novel’s exploration of complex themes such as violence, abuse, and gender identity? How do these themes resonate with you, and what feelings do they evoke?
• Compare this text to other novels that tackle similar sensitive topics. How does Mad Honey stand out in its portrayal of these issues, particularly in the way it intertwines mystery with social commentary?
• Mad Honey grapples with complex and sensitive topics like violence, abuse, and gender identity. Did your perspective on any of these topics change as a result of reading the novel? How and why?
• What emotions did you feel at the conclusion of the novel? Do you think that these are the feelings that Picoult and Boylan were trying to evoke? How do these reactions reflect the possible meaning and message of the novel?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Connect the book’s themes and characters to personal experiences.

• How do you relate to the struggles of defining and asserting one’s identity in a world that may not always be accepting?
• Consider the concept of parental fear and protection, as seen through Olivia’s perspective.