Discussion Questions for De Novo Syndrome

1.) HOW or where do you draw the line between loving someone according to the way you see best, and according to the way they desire to be loved?

2.) In what ways do you think Buckner succeeds in loving and protecting Evie? In what ways does he fail?

3.) When Marisol shares her longing to feel her deceased father’s blessing and empowerment, Buckner discovers fear of failure has stunted his fathering. What do you think is the best indicator of success when it comes to parenting? If you are a parent (or want to be someday), what one thing do you hope to pass on to your child the most?

2.) Do you believe there are circumstances in which the extension of life should not be the goal? Explain.

3.) If you had the option to extend your life by a hundred years or more, would you take it? Why or why not?

4.) In his efforts to save Evie, Buckner discovers the monster within in more ways than one. How far would you go to save the life of a loved one? Dangerous activities? Life-threatening? Illegal? Immoral?

5.) The THS are considered by some as terrorists, by others champions. In your opinion are there justified uses of civil disobedience? If not, why? If yes, which one would you be most likely to embrace?

6.) Near the end of the book, Adel Love states that “the truth narrows things… You can live in the truth, or not live at all.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, where do you draw the line? (ie. Most people would agree it’s true that humans need oxygen to live, and therefore if a person chooses to live somewhere without oxygen that person will die.)

7.) When Marisol questions whether she’s been over-confident Buckner states, “Confidence is what enables you to act on the correct assessment even when the situation’s impossible.” Do you see this more as confidence, arrogance or foolishness?

8.) By the end of the book who do you think has saved who more? Buckner saving Evie? Or Evie saving Buckner? Explain.