When We Collided

Consider Vivi’s naivety and wisdom. Why does Lord write Vivi in such a way? Does this endear her to the readers? Does she seem more realistic? List a few examples wherein Vivi contradicts herself.

Compare and contrast Vivi’s mother and Jonah’s mother. How do the two women approach mental illness? What is Lord attempting to convey to the reader with these different depictions?

How does sex function in When We Collided? Is it treated as a serious or taboo subject? How do Jonah and Vivi view sex? In what ways are these views healthy and unhealthy?

Vivi hurts herself twice in the novel. What reason does Vivi give for doing this? What do the doctors think Vivi is attempting to do? What other methods is Vivi using in place of medicine to make herself feel better?

Compare and contrast the how mental illness affects the characters. Why does Lord write them in such similar yet different ways? Is this an accurate description of mental illness? Why or why not?

Why does Vivi want to search for her father? How does she feel when she discovers his identity? Are there any developments on this by the end of the novel?

Examine the character of Ellie. Why is she able to comfort Vivi when no one else is able to do so? What experience does she have with mental illness?

How does race and privilege function in When We Collided? Are these themes ever examined in the work? If so, where?