Two or Three Things I Forgot to Tell You
on Goodreads (848)
What’s inside...
Two or Three Things I Forgot to Tell You is a novel by Joyce Carol Oates that explores the lives of three friends, Merissa, Nadia, and Tink, during their senior year of high school. The girls face various challenges and harbor secrets that threaten their friendship and their own well-being. Tink, who has a major secret of her own, passes away, leaving Merissa and Nadia to grapple with their loss and the unresolved issues in their lives. The book delves into themes of friendship, secrets, and coping with loss, providing a poignant and honest portrayal of the inner lives of teenagers.
Age
13-14
Length
277 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Merissa Carmichael
Nadia
Discussion points
What are some ways the characters in the book show strength and resilience?
How do the friendships in the story change and evolve over time?
What are the key challenges the characters face, and how do they respond to these challenges?
How can sharing your feelings, like the characters do, help in real-life situations?
What lessons did you learn from the character's experiences that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personally to the characters by asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding by exploring each character’s emotions and decisions throughout the story.
Use examples from the book to talk about the value of friendship and open communication in overcoming life’s challenges.
Highlight the growth of characters over time to teach the concept of personal development and resilience.
After reading, ask your child to summarize key events and what they think might happen next if the story continued, fostering critical thinking and imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and support
Explanation: The story showcases how vital strong bonds and support among friends are, especially during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships and be there for their peers, offering support and empathy during tough moments.
Example Lesson: Dealing with and understanding grief
Explanation: The book illustrates various characters coping with loss and grief, highlighting that this is a natural part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express their feelings and seek support when dealing with loss, understanding that it’s okay to grieve and it's part of the healing process.
Example Lesson: The strength in vulnerability
Explanation: Characters in the book learn that opening up about their struggles requires courage and that being vulnerable can lead to greater understanding and support.
Real-World Application: This can help children realize that it is important to talk about their feelings and struggles, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative unfolds showing how decisions can have significant impacts on one’s own life and on others.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think through their decisions and consider the potential effects their actions might have before acting.