Online Reading Challenge discussion

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

SUMMARY

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know one another, and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised ... and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point - not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother's good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it's immediately clear she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious - and dark - their family's past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn't over - and this summer, the cousins will learn everything.
(Summary provided by the author)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen M. McManus is a #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of young adult thrillers. Her work includes the One of Us Is Lying series, which was turned into a television show, as well as the standalone novels Two Can Keep a Secret, The Cousins, You’ll Be the Death of Me, Nothing More to Tell, and Such Charming Liars. Karen’s critically acclaimed, award-winning books have been translated into forty-two languages.
(Biography provided by the author)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• How was the Story family’s motto “Family first, always” applied in their case? Do you think that motto has positive applications?

• Something important happened between Milly and her mom that shifted their relationship. Could that sort of thing help other parents and kids?

• Are there lessons to be learned here about the sexual choices some people make as teens and adults? What about alcohol use? Do you think there are some applicable things of note in that area? What do you think the book is saying about great wealth?

• What did you think about this book’s mystery twist? Was it believable? How was it made possible?

• The Cousins is full of characters pretending to be people they’re not. Which reveal surprised you the most? Why? And when did you figure it out? Think about how the timing of the reveal impacted your reading. Think of a story in which a character’s true identity is hidden.

• Abraham Story’s philosophy was “Family first, always.” Do his children live by this motto? Brainstorm a story that references a specific motto. How will you incorporate the motto into the story?

• Multiple characters in The Cousins are driven by a need for revenge on behalf of their families. Who would you say was successful, and why? Why is revenge a strong motivator, especially in thrillers?
(Discussion questions provided by Plugged In and RCHB)