You Are Not Alone

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did your understanding of Shay’s situation change over the course of the novel? Were there any surprises for you along the way? Why or why not?

2. Which of the women’s backstories created the biggest impression for you? What aspects of their characterization resonated and why?

3. How does this novel compare to The Wife Between Us (2018), An Anonymous Girl (2019), and The Golden Couple (2022)? What common themes, tropes, and symbols emerge?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on this novel’s depiction of true friendship vs. manipulation. How do Shay’s experiences compare to your own? Have you ever encountered manipulative “friends” like Cassandra and Jane?

2. Discuss this novel’s thematic interest in self-esteem and self-worth. What lessons does it have to offer its readers?

3. Have you ever used an online dating site or known anyone who has? How do real-life experiences compare to Shay’s?

4. Discuss Amanda’s characterization. She is one of the novel’s few figures with a strong set of personal ethics.