Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What expectations did the book’s title create for you prior to reading? In what ways were your expectations met or not met? What seems to be the purpose of the novel’s title in retrospect?
• The members of the Cunningham family are brought together by Aunt Katherine, who designs the ski trip as a family reunion. What expectations does this create for the book? How does the trope of a family reunion lend itself to the novel’s conflict?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• With which character did you sympathize the most? Are some of the “murders” more excusable or justifiable than others?
• Betrayal and forgiveness are key aspects of the novel. Are there actions or behaviors that are not forgivable, in your opinion? 
• Righting past wrongs is a goal many of the characters strive for. If you could learn about your future mistakes, would you want to? Do you think the knowledge alone would change your actions, or does learning only come of experiencing the consequences of a mistake firsthand?
• The notion of what it means to be a “true Cunningham” impacts many characters. Consider what common traits your family shares. What makes a person a “true” member of your particular family?
• Ernie often copes with tension by joking or making light of it. Do you reach for humor in difficult situations? How is this tactic helpful, and how can it worsen certain aspects of a conflict?

3. Societal and Cultural Context 

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Consider the significance of money to different characters. In what way does the novel support or refute the cliché that money can’t buy happiness? When you consider contemporary society, are there any ways in which money does buy something like happiness?
• The novel’s plot involves a kidnapping ring that targets the children of wealthy individuals. What commentary does the novel offer on wealth disparities/class inequality?

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Which character undergoes the most dramatic transformation throughout the novel? Are there characters who you feel remain static? Explain your reasoning.
• The backstory of the book’s conflict is interwoven throughout. Why does the author choose to present this exposition in pieces instead of all at once? How does this enhance the novel overall?
• Discuss whether Ernie is an unreliable narrator. What actions or aspects of his character might make him difficult for a reader to trust? Is this the same thing as being unreliable?
• How might the book’s plot be impacted by changing the setting? Which other specific settings would facilitate the mystery elements that drive the book?
• Mystery writers sometimes distract the reader from the true culprit with apparent clues that are purposefully misleading (“red herrings”). Does Stevenson employ this technique? Is his decision effective? 

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Ernie is the author of “how to” guides for wannabe mystery writers. Consider your own interests or expertise: What kind of “how to” series might you author? How might this lend itself to a comic novel?
• Imagine a spin-off of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. Which character would it focus on, and what would be its plot or conflict?  

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