"Beautyland" by Marie-Helene Bertino

“To reach the end of your life and wish you had time for a few other roads — what could be more human?”

Themes: Sexuality; Neurodivergence; Mother-Daughter Relationship; Coming-of-age; Belonging; Grief; Loneliness; Identity; Friendship

Discussion Questions:

1. How did you find the pace of the book? Did it pass slowly or quickly for you? Did you easily envision Adina aging?

2. Adina pays specific attention to the human senses—taste, sight, touch, smell and hearing. Did any moments in particular stick out to you?

3. How would you describe Adina? Her humor? How does Bertino use humor throughout the story?

4. How do you imagine the alien's from Adina's home planet (and how she sees them while she sleeps)?

5. Why do you think Bertino chose to title the book "Beautyland"?

6. Discuss the relationship between Adina and her mother.

7. If you were writing this story, where would it take place? Why?

8. How do you interpret the ending of this book?