Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of illness or death, substance use, and addiction.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. After Annie opens with the sudden death of Annie Brown, immediately plunging readers into the family’s grief. Was this approach effective in creating emotional investment in the characters?

2. In what ways does Quindlen’s portrayal of grief in After Annie compare to her other works like One True Thing, which also deals with the loss of a mother?

3. The story tracks exactly one year in the life of the Brown family following Annie’s death, ending with a sense of hope despite their ongoing grief. Did you find this timeline and resolution satisfying?

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

1. The sense of Annie’s presence remains strong throughout the novel despite her physical absence. Is there someone in your life whose influence has continued to guide you even when they’re gone?

2. What coping mechanisms have you developed when facing difficult life situations? Do these strategies mirror or differ from those used by the characters in the novel?