Before I Die

Questions

Chapter 1:

Tessa’s father is frustrated when she becomes withdrawn. He says, “If you won’t talk about it, how can I help?” (p. 2) Why could talking about feelings be better than keeping them to yourself? Do you agree?

Chapter 2:

Tessa writes her private thoughts on the wall beside her bed. Why does she let Zoey read what she has written?

Chapter 3:

Why do you think sex is number one on Tessa’s list of things she wants to do before she dies? Tessa worries about being a “slag” if she has sex with someone that she doesn’t know. Explain Zoey’s reaction to Tessa’s thoughts. What do you think?

Chapter 7:

Discuss why Tessa doesn’t want to return to school. She says that Zoey is the only person at school that isn’t afraid of her illness. How difficult do you think it is for teenagers to deal with the terminal illness of a classmate? Why do you think this? What might Zoey say to other students that would help them know how to interact with Tessa?

Chapter 8:

Tessa asks Adam if she can burn some items on the fire. What do you think are her reasons for wanting to do this?

Chapter 12:

Tessa’s father wants to know the things on her list. He says, “I need to know about it, not because I want to stop you, but because I want to keep you safe.” (p. 80) Discuss how Tessa reacts to her father when he asks to see the list. What are your thoughts on this?

Chapter 14:

Why does Zoey suspect that Tessa is in love with Adam? What does Zoey mean when she says, “I thought you understood the rules! Never let a bloke into your heart–it’s fatal”? (p. 88)

Chapter 15:

Tessa asks the home health care nurse if she believes in God. What is the significance of this question? Tessa tells the nurse that she doesn’t believe in heaven. Discuss the nurse’s reaction to Tessa’s confession. Why does the nurse think a support group might be helpful to Tessa?

Chapter 16:

Discuss what Adam means when he says, “I can’t give you what you want.” (p. 117) What do you think Adam thinks Tessa wants? Explain and develop your answer.

Chapter 18:

Discuss the conversation between Tessa and her father after she is caught shoplifting. Why does he think anger is taking her over?

Chapter 23:

How is Tessa’s list confusing to her father? Explain how Tessa’s list is self-centered. Her mum tells her, “You have to think about the people who love you.” (p. 170) At what point does Tessa begin to think about Cal and her father? How?

Chapter 25:

Describe Tessa’s relationship with her father. How has this relationship been shaped by Tessa’s illness?

Describe Tessa’s relationship with her mother. Why did she leave home? When does Tessa miss her mother the most?

Chapter 31:

Discuss the true qualities of a friend. Which of these qualities best describes Tessa and Zoey’s friendship? What does Zoey offer Tessa that her father cannot give?

Final log:

Your choice! What would you like to write about? You decide!