Bonding: A Love Story About People and Their Parasites
Bonding Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (183)
What’s inside...
A man, a woman-and their parasites. Marcus has been alone since the loss of his closest friend and has just recently entered the dating scene, while Laura has drifted in and out of relationships since high school. They meet and strike up a good rapport, learning about each other, friendship, and how to deal with the slug-like parasites that have infected humanity. Bonding is a funny, quirky, and honest look at love, in a world where people wear their anxieties, not on their sleeves, but on their chests like big ol' leeches.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-16
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marcus
Laura
Discussion points
How do you think the people in the story felt about their parasites at the beginning compared to the end?
What kind of relationship can we see between the people and their parasites? Is it similar to any relationships we see in real life?
Why do you think the author chose to tell a story about people and parasites? What message do you think they wanted to convey?
If you had a parasite like the ones in the book, how would you want to treat it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book's unusual theme to make your child feel comfortable expressing their opinions. Validate their feelings and perspectives, whether they find the concept amusing, intriguing, or strange. Encourage them to think about the metaphorical meanings behind the story, by comparing the relationship depicted in the book to real-life relationships, like friendships or pets. Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding different types of relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Interdependence
Explanation: The story showcases the symbiotic relationship between people and their parasites, emphasizing how both can benefit from each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of mutual support and cooperation, which can be applied in teamwork and family relationships.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to accept and embrace their parasites, despite initial fears or misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be more accepting and less judgmental about differences in others, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Scientific Curiosity
Explanation: The narrative encourages an exploration of biological relationships and ecosystems, making science intriguing and accessible.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore science and nature, possibly leading to more questions and personal discoveries about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to take care of their parasites responsibly, understanding the consequences of their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to taking care of pets, their belongings, or relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face challenges but learn to adapt and thrive in their unique situations.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that facing difficulties is a part of life, and that resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles.