1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Charlie changes significantly throughout the story. Did you like and approve of all of the changes in her character, or did you find some of the changes troubling? How did this impact your overall enjoyment of the novel?
• Although True Biz is intended for adults, it is similar in some respects to Alison Gervais’s YA novel The Silence Between Us. If you have not read this book, read a summary of its plot. How are Charlie’s and Maya’s stories similar? How are they different? Do you think that Gervais and Novic are trying to convey similar messages, or do these two novels have conflicting perspectives?
• Sara Novic has written many essays related to her experiences with deafness. You can find links to these on her author site. How do her nonfiction writings illuminate the ideas she is trying to communicate in True Biz?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Charlie’s mother feels that she has a right to make the decision about cochlear implants for Charlie. Do you think that parents always have the right to make medical decisions for their minor children? Why or why not?
• In True Biz, the Deaf community functions as an important support network for several characters, and the threat of River Valley’s closure is devastating.