Suitabook

Big guy

Robin Stevenson

Reading: Discuss the book in stages, separating Derek’s feelings from the effects of his decisions. Revisit the ending together, especially how trust, responsibility and self-image have been handled.
Themes: Honesty and trust: Derek has not been honest with Ethan or his employer, and Aaliyah challenges his ideas about honesty and trust. The story clearly centres concealment and the possible costs of disclosure, but its judgement of Derek’s choices and the outcome is unknown.
Self-image and depression: Derek sends Ethan a photograph from before he became depressed and gained eighty pounds. The book connects concealed self-presentation with depression and weight change, but does not establish whether these experiences are treated sympathetically, critically or in another way.
Work with disabled adults: Derek obtained a job with disabled adults after lying about his age and experience. This creates a clear responsibility question about entering work without honestly representing experience; the book’s wider treatment of the disabled adults and Derek’s competence is unknown.
Worth knowing: Pay attention to how the story treats Derek’s choices, Aaliyah’s challenges and the disabled adults connected with his job. The ending and the consequences of disclosure are not clear here.