The Book of Living Secrets
on Goodreads (3,538)
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood, this genre-bending page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux follows two girls who transport themselves into the world of their favorite book only to encounter the sinister alternate reality that awaits them. No matter how different best friends Adelle and Connie are, one thing they’ve always had in common is their love of a little-known gothic romance novel called Moira. So when the girls are tempted by a mysterious stranger to enter the world of the book, they hardly suspect it will work. But suddenly they are in the world of Moira, living among characters they’ve obsessed about for years. Except…all is not how they remembered it. The world has been turned upside down: The lavish balls and star-crossed love affairs are now interlaced with unspeakable horrors. The girls realize that something dark is lurking behind their foray into fiction—and they will have to rewrite their own arcs if they hope to escape this nightmare with their lives.
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were transported into your favorite book? What would be the first thing you would do?
What similarities and differences can you find between yourself and the main characters, Adelle and Connie?
Why do you think Adelle and Connie wanted to solve the mystery in the storybook world? What would you have done in their place?
How did the characters change throughout their journey, and what do you think caused those changes?
What do you think the ‘secrets’ in the book symbolize in real life? Have you ever uncovered a ‘secret’ that changed how you saw things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before diving into discussion, encourage your child to describe their favorite scene or character. This will get them thinking critically about the book.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeper about the motivations and emotions of the characters. This helps in developing empathy and understanding perspectives.
Relate themes or scenarios from the book to real-life experiences or decisions your child may face, fostering a connection between literature and life.
Highlight the moral or lesson learned from the characters' adventures and missteps, and discuss how these lessons might apply to their own life.
Encourage your child to imagine different endings for the book or how they would behave differently from the characters, enhancing their creative and analytical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The protagonists, Moira and Nell, demonstrate the value of friendship as they navigate the challenges posed by a mysterious novel they are sucked into. They rely on each other's strength and intelligence to face various difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of supporting and trusting their friends in real-life situations, fostering strong and healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of uncertainty
Explanation: Throughout their unpredictable journey within the novel’s world, Moira and Nell exhibit bravery as they confront their fears and the unknown outcomes of their adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that facing fears and stepping into the unknown can lead to personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter puzzles and challenges that they must think critically and creatively to solve in order to progress in their journey and find a way back home.
Real-World Application: Children can transfer these skills to their academic and personal lives, understanding the importance of thinking critically and finding innovative solutions to problems.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: As Moira and Nell make decisions within the story, they see the outcomes of their choices, both good and bad, teaching them about accountability and the impact of their actions.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the concept that choices have consequences and encourages children to think carefully before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonists learn to understand and empathize with other characters in the novel who come from different backgrounds and have different motivations.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the value of empathy in real life, promoting an understanding of diverse perspectives and fostering inclusive attitudes.