- Forgive Me has letters from Archie dispersed throughout the book. Why do you think the author decided to include these? Additionally, how did it affectyour opinions of Archie as a character?
- What do you make of Archie and Dan’s relationship? How does Archie’s lack of a father figure ultimately affect his relationship with Dan? How is their relationship an example of redemption and how does that theme translate to Archie’s relationship with other characters, including his mother and Marcy?
- In what way did the death of Claudia’s first husband influence her decisions throughout the book? As Claudia explores romantic interests, how do both of her previous marriages impact her relationship with Dan? Do you feel that Dan was respectful in his pursuing Claudia?
- Did the reveal of the recipient of Archie’s letters surprise you? In this scene, the narrative alternates between Archie’s and the recipient’s perspectives to provide context from both sides. What effect did this have on you?
- While both Jasmine and Marcy were interested in learning more about the restorative justice program, Claudia had a negative reaction toward it. If you were in Marcy’s position, would you want to participate in the program? And, how would you want your family members to respond?
- What do you think Forgive Me is trying to say about restorative justice in general? What new perspective or insight did you gain on the criminal justice system?
- Marcy experiences the most physical change out of all the characters. After seeing herself in a mirror for the first time, Claudia describes Marcy: “It was as if she hadn’t heard, or had somehow transported herself to a place no one could reach her” (here). How did Marcy overcome this challenge and reconnect with her friends and family? How does her accident and subsequent recovery demonstrate resilience and personal growth?
- Mother-daughter relationships are at the center of Forgive Me, between Marcy and Claudia and Claudia and Jasmine. How do each of these relationships shift and grow over the course of the book? In what ways do they grow stronger? Or weaker?
- Maria, Archie’s mom, is another important mother figure throughout the book. In the scene where Maria tells Fliss and Andee about Archie’s crime, she is clearly emotional about the tumultuous relationship with her son. How does this scene demonstrate forgiveness and grace, especially between a mother and son?
- How did Archie’s final letter resonate with you? Focusing on the theme of your “chosen” family, how does his sentiment in the letter speak to that?
- Almost all the characters give and receive forgiveness. Considering the uplifting ending, do you feel that the secrets and betrayals affecting the characters in the beginning were resolved and justice was served?
