Discussion Questions for

Memory Weavers by Muffy Walker

(Spoiler alert: do not read these if you have not yet read the book)

1. Genome Sequencing & Fate – If you could learn about your future health risks through genome sequencing, would you want to? How might knowing your medical "fate" affect how you live your life? (Genome sequencing can reveal genetic mutations, inherited conditions, and predispositions to diseases.)

2. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s – How does the novel portray the emotional and practical challenges of early-onset Alzheimer’s? How do the characters respond to the diagnosis?

3. PTSD & Trauma – Rachel suffers from PTSD due to her college rape. How does the novel explore the long-term impact of trauma? What do you think helped or hindered her healing process?

4. Veterans & PTSD – The novel also examines PTSD in veterans. What are some parallels and differences between Rachel’s PTSD and that of the veterans in the book?

5. Assisted Suicide – The book addresses thoughts of assisted suicide. How does it navigate this complex topic? Did your perspective on it shift while reading?

6. Love, Rejection & Desire –How does the novel explore the emotional and psychological effects of feeling neglected in a marriage? Do you think Hadley’s actions were understandable or inexcusable? How do societal expectations of love, intimacy, and aging play into her experience?

7. Letting Go of Anger – The journey to forgiving or letting go of anger is a major theme. What do you think helped Rachel most in this process?

8. Faith & Suffering – After her diagnosis, Hadley questions God’s existence and why suffering is allowed. How does the novel explore the relationship between faith and hardship? Have you or someone you know ever wrestled with similar questions? How do different people in the book cope with suffering—through faith, science, or something else?

9. Character Connections – Which character did you connect with the most, and why? Were there any characters you found difficult to relate to or even disliked? How did your feelings about them evolve throughout the book? Did any character’s journey challenge or change your perspective on a particular issue?