Twisted Love

The novel explores many aspects of love. Analyze the range of ways in which love is exemplified by the cast of characters. Take into consideration friends, relatives, and romantic interests.

The “grumpy/sunshine” and “best friend’s brother” tropes are common within the romance genre. How does Ana Huang subvert these tropes or approach them from a different angle? Cite examples from the text.

How do the submissive aspects of Ava’s relationship with Alex give her more power and control over her life? How does this relationship dynamic give her the freedom to construct her own identity?

Compare and contrast Alex and Liam, taking their relationships and interactions with Ava into consideration as well. In what ways does Alex’s personality contrast with that of Ava’s ex-boyfriend, and why might these differences have made Alex more attractive to Ava? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

How would the novel have been impacted if Huang eliminated the use of flashbacks for context and tension? What alternative literary techniques or devices could have been used for the novel to explore character motivations and backstories?

What roles do time and memory play throughout the novel? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Alex and Ava both have complicated relationships with their parental figures. How have these difficulties impacted their approach to relationships, both romantic and platonic? Refer to the text to support your answer.

In the end, Alex confronts his emotions and makes himself vulnerable to prove himself ready to pursue a romantic relationship with Ava. What are some potentially problematic characteristics or behaviors that Alex has not changed over the course of the novel? Cite the text to support your answer.