SuitabookStephanie and the Wedding
Susan Saunders
- Reading
- Read for the contrast between public celebration and Stephanie’s private behaviour. Pause when her friends make plans or investigate, and revisit whether their actions help, overstep or change as more becomes known.
- Themes
- Celebration and matchmaking: The girls prepare to be junior bridesmaids and devise another matchmaking scheme involving an old school ring and Lauren’s neighbour. The situation appears playful and socially energetic, but the book’s judgement of matchmaking or its consequences is unclear.
- Stephanie’s unexplained withdrawal: Stephanie begins avoiding her friends and will not tell them what is wrong, while a possible wedding for her Nana is suggested. The book clearly creates a mystery around Stephanie’s behaviour, but whether it treats her secrecy as understandable, troubling or protective is unknown.
- Worth knowing
- Pay attention to how the girls handle Stephanie’s secrecy and whether their matchmaking remains playful, respectful and considerate. The ending may clarify whether the apparent family change is welcome, difficult or misunderstood.