Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles: "Before She Was Helen" by Caroline B. Cooney

1. Character Analysis:

   • Analyze the character of Clemmie Evans. What are her defining traits, and how does her past as Helen combative with her present identity? How does her character evolve throughout the novel?
   • Discuss the portrayal of other characters in the novel, such as Ruth Werner and others from the past and present timelines. How do they contribute to Clemmie's journey and the overall mystery?

2. Themes of Identity and Memory:

   • Explore the theme of identity in the novel, particularly Clemmie's struggle to reconcile her past as Helen with her current life. How does her memory loss affect her sense of self, and what role does memory play in shaping identity?
   • Discuss the ways in which memory, both lost and recovered, influences Clemmie's understanding of herself and her relationships with others.

3. Consequences of Past Actions:

   • Reflect on the consequences of past actions for the characters in the novel. How do Clemmie's actions as Helen come back to haunt her, and how do the choices she made in the past impact her present circumstances?
   • Discuss the broader theme of accountability and redemption in the novel, and how characters grapple with the consequences of their past decisions.

4. Suspense and Mystery:

   • Analyze the elements of suspense and mystery in the novel. How does the author build tension and keep readers guessing about Clemmie's past and the events surrounding Helen's disappearance?
   • Discuss the effectiveness of the novel's structure, including the alternating timelines, in creating suspense and maintaining reader engagement.

5. Family Dynamics:

   • Reflect on the portrayal of family dynamics in the novel. How do Clemmie's relationships with her children and grandchildren evolve over the course of the story? How does her past as Helen affect her family relationships?
   • Discuss the ways in which family secrets and hidden truths impact Clemmie's family and contribute to the overall mystery.

6. Community and Small-Town Life:

   • Explore the role of the small-town community in the novel. How does the tight-knit community of Sunnymere influence Clemmie's life and her investigation into Helen's disappearance?
   • Discuss the ways in which gossip, rumors, and interpersonal relationships shape the dynamics of the community and contribute to the unfolding mystery.

7. Redemption and Forgiveness:

   • Reflect on the theme of redemption and forgiveness in the novel. How do characters seek redemption for past mistakes, and how do they navigate the complexities of forgiveness?
   • Discuss Clemmie's journey toward redemption and self-forgiveness as she confronts her past and seeks closure for Helen's disappearance.

8. Justice and Closure:

   • Analyze the quest for justice and closure in the novel. How do characters seek closure for past traumas and unresolved mysteries, and what does justice look like for those affected by Helen's disappearance?
   • Discuss the novel's exploration of truth, reconciliation, and the search for closure in the face of unresolved mysteries.

9. Social Commentary:

   • Reflect on any social or cultural commentary present in the novel. How does the story address themes of aging, memory loss, and the challenges of confronting the past in later life?
   • Discuss any broader societal issues or messages conveyed through the characters and events in the novel.

10. Personal Reflections and Takeaways:

    • Reflect on your own reactions and emotional responses to "Before She Was Helen." How did the novel resonate with you personally, and what insights or takeaways did you gain from Clemmie's journey and the mystery surrounding Helen's disappearance?
    • Discuss the novel's themes and messages, and how they relate to your own experiences and perspectives on identity, memory, and the consequences of past actions.

Caroline B. Cooney is an American author known for her prolific contributions to young adult and children's literature. She was born on May 10, 1947, in Geneva, New York, USA. Cooney grew up in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and later attended Greenwich High School.

Cooney's love for writing developed at a young age, and she wrote her first novel, "Safe as the Grave," at the age of 15. She went on to attend several universities, including Indiana University and the University of Connecticut, where she studied music, art, and English.

Cooney's literary career began in the 1970s when she published her first novel for young readers, "Safe as the Grave," followed by "The Fugitive from Corinth" (1976) and "Barnabus and the Dancing Temple" (1977). However, it was her young adult novels that brought her widespread acclaim and recognition.

One of Cooney's most popular and critically acclaimed novels is "The Face on the Milk Carton" (1990), the first book in the Janie Johnson series. The novel, which explores themes of identity, family, and the search for truth, became an instant bestseller and was adapted into a television movie.

In addition to the Janie Johnson series, Cooney has written numerous other young adult novels, including the "Losing Christina" series, the "Time Travelers" series, and standalone titles such as "Driver's Ed" (1994) and "Wanted!" (1987).

Throughout her career, Cooney has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to young adult literature, including the American Library Association's Best Books for Young Adults and the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

In addition to her work in young adult literature, Cooney has also written picture books for children, as well as novels for adults under the pseudonym Caroline B. Cooney Tyler.

Caroline B. Cooney continues to write and inspire readers with her captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. She remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of young adult and children's literature, known for her ability to engage readers of all ages with her imaginative and compelling narratives.