The Charm Offensive

How does The Charm Offensive communicate the harmful effects of lacking representation regarding LGBTQ+ love? How do you think the narrative would change if LGBTQ+ representation was provided for all characters prior to the story?

Why does Dev’s therapist discourage his behavior of using humor to deflect his depression? How does The Charm Offensive rely on comedy to drive forward the more serious parts of the plot?

How does Ryan grow and change during the novel’s progression? How does Dev’s experience with Ryan shape his relationship with Charlie? What do Dev and Ryan learn from each other? What do their interactions communicate about the novel’s larger themes?

How does each location in the novel influence Dev and Charlie? How do Dev and Charlie, as a couple, fit into each of the novel’s locations? How do their travels lead to their personal growth? How would their personal growth change if they stayed in the same place over the course of the narrative? Why does this change of locations matter?

How do Jules, Parish, Skylar, and Daphne demonstrate their support for Dev and Charlie? What do the platonic relationships depicted in the novel communicate about the novel’s themes?

How might Charlie be a different character had his parents and brothers better supported him in adolescence? How might Dev be a different character if he realized his sexuality later in life? What aspects of Dev and Charlie’s personal stories contribute to their ability to be a successful couple?

How do Charlie’s and Dev’s mental health struggles illustrate where they are emotionally within the novel? How are they able to conceal their struggles from others? Why do they hide their challenges? How does this make those around them feel?

What elements lead each character to feel unworthy of unconditional love? What elements in the novel add to this feeling? What elements in the novel debunk this feeling? How do the characters overcome feeling unworthy of committed, romantic relationships?