Discussion questions for Win Me Something by Kyle Lucia Wu
- This book has been described as a “searching” book. What is Willa searching for?
- How does Ethan’s arrival in the Adriens’ household change the dynamics of Willa’s relationship with Nathalie? Do you think Nathalie would have the same perception of a change?
- After 4 chapters that include several hints about what Willa’s childhood was like, we finally get a flashback, and these continue intermittently throughout the rest of the book. Did the flashbacks add to your understanding of Willa’s character?
- What do you think the title refers to? What do you think the phrase “Win Me Something” means to Willa?
- Kirkus’s reviewer says that “observing the Adrien household also prompts Willa to recall events from her own childhood with new clarity.” How does Willa’s interpretations of some things from her childhood change?
- NPR’s reviewer says that Wu “tells Willa’s story with subtlety and compassion.” Do you agree? What was Wu subtle about? Are there any aspects of the story she’s not subtle about? To whom does Wu show compassion in her writing?
- Is Willa a reliable narrator? Is she perceptive enough about what’s going on around her to give the reader the full story?
- PureWow’s reviewer calls Bijou an “absolute highlight of the novel.” What did you think about Bijou?