If Something Happens to Me

A parent’s love for their child plays a key role in motivating several characters. According to the novel, is this love always a positive force?

Many characters in this novel adopt false identities. Some—like Michael and Alison—do so because they are in hiding. What similarities and differences do they have with the characters who project a false identity on social media or in their everyday lives?

Pick any two characters in the book: How do their character arcs show that they are trapped by the cycle of violence?

Analyze how the novel portrays bullying and physical abuse. What point does Alex Finlay want to make about them?

Finlay includes several moments of humor in the novel, like Poppy waking up to the terrifying figure of Beyoncé to Ryan cramming himself in a Mini Cooper. How does humor enhance characterization and plot in this novel?

Is Chaz an antagonist? Make a case for why or why not, using evidence from the text.

Amateur sleuths unfairly hound Ryan for years but also help crack cold cases. Ryan himself becomes an amateur sleuth. What point is Finlay making about these amateur sleuths and true crime content creators? You can enhance your argument by comparing this novel to Finlay’s Every Last Fear.

How does social media shape the characters in this novel? Analyze its positive and negative impacts, according to this novel.