Something in the Water

Erin never learns whether Mark loved her or played her the fool for their entire relationship. Do you think Mark and Erin’s relationship was ever genuine? Why, or why not? If you think so, when do you think Mark started to pull away, and what factors do you think contributed to his decision? If not, why do you think he got together with Erin in the first place? Support your position with examples from the text.

Erin and Mark debate keeping the bag. Do you think they made the right choice? Why, or why not? Would you have kept the bag? If so, what (if anything) would you have done differently than Mark and Erin? Why? If not, did Mark and Erin’s circumstances influence your decision? If so, how did they affect your decision?

Alexa goes to prison for helping her mother commit suicide, something her mother wanted and took steps to thoroughly document. Do you believe Alexa committed a crime? Do you agree with Alexa’s choice to help her mother? Why, or why not?

In Chapter 41, Eddie asks Erin for another favor. It isn’t disclosed but can be inferred the favor is for something less than legal. Do you think a criminal can ever be completely free of crime? Why do you think this?

Holli makes it clear she thrives off committing crimes. What do you think motivates her to break laws? Why do you think anyone would want to pursue a life of illegal activity?

A major theme of the novel is the idea that we can never truly know other people. Think of the people close to you. Do you feel you truly know them? Why, or why not? Do you think they know you? Are there things about yourself you don’t show to even the people you’re closest to? Why do you feel the need to hide these things about yourself?

In Chapter 31, Erin observes that she hasn’t really changed since she found the bag—that she only takes bolder steps toward getting what she’s always wanted. Do you agree that she hasn’t changed? Do you think life-altering events actually alter a person, or do you agree with Erin: that people don’t change and rather just become more true versions of who they are? Why do you agree or disagree? Support your position with examples from the text and from your own experiences.

Erin seems to subconsciously fear Mark and that her independence/freedom will be taken away. Erin’s two female interviewees are far less in control of their prison lifestyle than her male interviewee. Do you think Steadman uses the book to make a statement about women being suppressed by society? Why, or why not? Support your position with examples from the text.