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The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

About The Book

A dark, supernatural romance, perfect for fans of Holly Black, Cassandra Clare and Stephenie Meyer.

Mara Dyer wakes from a coma in hospital with no memory of how she got there or of the bizarre accident that caused the deaths of her best friends and her boyfriend, yet left her mysteriously unharmed.

The doctors suggest that starting over in a new city, a new school, would be good for her and just to let the memories gradually come back on their own. But Mara's new start is anything but comforting. She sees the faces of her dead friends everywhere, and when she suddenly begins to see other people's deaths right before they happen, Mara wonders whether she's going crazy!

And if dealing with all this wasn't enough, Noah Shaw, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen can't seem to leave her alone . . . but as her life unravels around her, Mara can't help but wonder if Noah has another agenda altogether.

Praise for The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer:
'Haunting and dreamlike... the intrigue and romance will inescapably draw you in' - Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series.

'The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer strikes a rare balance of darkly funny, deliciously creepy and genuinely thoughtful. One minute I was laughing out loud, and the next, I was so scared I wanted to turn on all the lights and hide under the covers. Michelle Hodkin's talent and range are obvious, from her chilling descriptions to romantic scenes that almost crackled on the page. I've never read anything quite like it.' Veronica Roth, New York Times bestselling author of Divergent

Also by Michelle Hodkin:

The Evolution of Mara Dyer
The Retribution of Mara Dyer
The Becoming of Noah Shaw
The Reckoning of Noah Shaw

Reading Group Guide

A Reading Group Guide to

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
By Michelle Hodkin


Discussion Questions

1. Although she is the narrator, we get to know Mara Dyer as a character rather gradually in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. What were your first impressions of Mara? How did your opinion of her change from the beginning of the book to the end? Can she be considered an "unreliable" narrator? Explain.

2. What do you know about post-traumatic stress disorder? Do you think Mara is experiencing conditions associated with this disorder, and how so? Perhaps it's something else? Explain using specific examples from the book.

3. Noah Shaw has a bad reputation around school, though Mara sees a different side to him. Why do you think Noah cultivates this reputation? Do you think he is right not to correct other people's assumptions?

4. What are the qualities of Noah that attracted Mara? Did Mara fall in love with Noah at first sight, or did it happen over time? Was there a particular turning point that seemed to signify a shift in their relationship? Do you believe in love at first sight?

5. Mara asks Noah, “Are you afraid of anything?” and Noah replies, “I’m afraid of forgeries.” What does he mean? What does his response say about him? What are your own fears?

6. Often we’re faced with discrepancies between reality and illusion in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. It isn’t always easy for us, as readers, to determine what was real or not. What clues did you look for—or observe, in retrospect—that helped you determine what was really happening in Mara’s life? Do you think the author deliberately intended for there to be a discrepancy? Is this why Mara is an unreliable narrator? What does this accomplish?

7. What does “real” mean to Noah? Consider the following excerpts:
• Noah: “I’m afraid of forgeries.”
• Noah: “No matter what, I’m an imposter. An actor in my own life.”
• Mara, talking about Noah: “And that made him real.”
• Noah, to Mara: “You made me real.”

What makes a person “real” to you?

8. Mara thought Noah's surprise tour of the art exhibit was a perfect date. Describe the ingredients of your perfect dream date, and the significance of each detail.

9. What happened at the conclusion of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer? Explain. Use evidence from the text to support your theories.

10. Now, looking back at the very beginning, how would you explain Mara’s situation when the story first opened? What did you learn, later on, that helped make sense of the story’s initial disclaimer? Why do you think Michelle Hodkin chose to introduce The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer in this manner?

11. Define “unbecoming,” as it relates to Mara Dyer.

Guide written by Catharine Sotzing, an elementary school teacher at the Dalton School, New York City.

This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.

About The Author

(c) Shirin Tinati

Michelle Hodkin grew up in Florida, went to college in New York, and studied law in Michigan. She is the author of the Mara Dyer and Noah Shaw trilogies. Visit her online at MichelleHodkin.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK (March 1, 2012)
  • Length: 464 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780857073648
  • Ages: 13 - 99

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