Masquerade Read-Along Week Three!!

Chapters 16-24 Discussion Questions

1. Heven’s mother has definite ideas about Heven and her scars – what they mean – and their relationship is strained. Do you think their relationship can be saved?

Holy.Effing.Crap. Well...I don't know about Heven, but if my mom talked to me that way there would be no way that I would forgive her. If my mom, the woman who bore me, raised me, and knew me through all the ins-and-outs of my life decided that I was evil simply because I was attacked and disfigured...well...I would probably be so hurt that our relationship would never be the same. In fact, I would probably attempt to become an emancipated minor right then and there...but who knows for Heven and her mom. Maybe Heven is a better person than I am.

2. Sam tells Heven about how he came to be living on his own, how his parents kicked him out after he became what he is. He doesn’t seem angry though, he seems to accept it. Would you be angry? Do you think he should be?

I think I would be confused and hurt at first. Parents are a huge part of every kid/teenager's life. We rebel against them, strive for their affection, and mostly just need them to love us. Being rejected the way that Sam was is not only heart-breaking but probably will give him years of material for the therapist's chair. I probably wouldn't have survived without my parents. I still go to them for everything. If they had kicked me out or stopped loving me who knows where I would have showed up...*shudders*

3. During these chapters, Heven and Sam visit the Inbetween and meet Airis (aka The Hope). Were you surprised by this series of events? Do you think a place like the InBetween really exists?

Dude I had NO clue that this was where it was going. I was completely floored and I really enjoyed the twists that the book took. I hope there is an InBetween. Or like...a heaven or something. Kind of deep for book discussion though....who really knows what's out there?

4. When Heven’s scars are no longer a part of her and she says “she no longer recognizes herself” – do you think that the absence of her scar will change her once more?

Wow. Heven losing her scars was kind of a shock to me. I actually didn't really like that twist to be honest.  The scars kind of forced her to find her own inner strength and beauty....so I almost missed them when they dissappeared. I don't want the message to be that when you are good you will be beautiful. I kind of liked the whole "beauty on the inside" theme. But I do feel glad for Heven and that she now feels as beautiful as she used to.

5. Gran is very accepting of Heven and of Sam. Do you think that she understands more – knows more than she lets on about Heven’s life or do you think her love is just unconditional?

Unconditional. All the way. You can just tell that Heven's Gran will love and accept Heven no matter what happens or who she brings home. She may not approve of all of her decisions, but she seems like she will love her despite everything.

I can't believe that the Read-Along is almost over! One more week! I've definitely enjoyed my time with Heven and Sam and the gang! I just love read-alongs and I hope you guys love them as much as me!