SuitabookWho I kissed
Janet Gurtler
- Reading
- Because Alex's death and Samantha's guilt are central, consider checking in after early chapters. Discuss the difference between feeling guilty, being blamed and taking responsibility without demanding an immediate judgement.
- Themes
- Belonging and jealousy: Samantha kisses Alex partly to make Zee jealous after feeling rejected for another girl. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Guilt and responsibility: After Alex dies, Samantha is consumed with guilt and must find strength to forgive herself. The book clearly centres her inner struggle, but it is not clear whether self-forgiveness is presented as justified, difficult, incomplete or transformative.
- Public judgement and media attention: Samantha becomes both a school pariah and a media sensation after Alex's death. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Pay attention to how the story distinguishes intention from responsibility, and whether Samantha receives understanding, condemnation or something more complicated from people around her.