What to Say Next

Does the novel suggest that David is aware of Miney’s fallibility? What does it mean about his character if he does or does not recognize this?

What message(s) is Buxbaum trying to send to the reader by giving the novel an ambiguous ending where elements of the story remain unresolved? Consider Kit’s reaction to David’s question about resuming their romance and her caution against assuming that their friendship will resume as it was.

Does the novel speak primarily to an audience familiar with or not familiar with neurodiversity?

David emphasizes to Kit that each autistic person is different. Compare how David is characterized in What to Say Next with how other autistic characters are shown in other texts. What does this say about how David is framed as someone who is neurodivergent first versus someone whose neurodivergence is one facet of his character?

Discuss Buxbaum’s choice to write Mandip and Kit as people of Indian descent. How does this help characterize them in the novel and in the context of Mapleview?

How does the novel approach the term “weird” in different capacities? Is the word used as a compliment, insult, or both? Cite specifics from the text to support your answer.

Discuss examples of David’s use of mathematics and physics to frame his life. Why might he find these tools useful?

Does the novel broadly treat adults as figures whom teens can rely on? Discuss at least one parent and one non-parent from the text in your answer.