When the Lights Go Out cover

When the Lights Go Out

by Mary Kubica

"Remaking her life after her mother succumbs to cancer, Jessica uncovers a secret that undermines her sense of self even as she navigates a world made hazy by sleeplessness. Meanwhile, the heartbreak of Eden's unmet wish to have a child brings on marital stress, emotional collapse, and, finally, some dangerous behavior."-- Jessie Sloane is on the path to rebuilding her life after years of caring for her ailing mother. She rents a new apartment and applies for college-- and the college informs her that her social security number has raised a red flag. Jessie begins to doubt everything she's ever known, and develops a case of insomnia that worsens, playing with her mind. As her thoughts are hampered by fatigue, Jessie begins to see things until she can no longer tell the difference between what's real and what she's only imagined. Has Jessie's whole life been a lie, or have her delusions gotten the best of her? -- adapted from back cover

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Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?