18 Truths (44 page)

1. The events of
   18 Truths
   take place in the Underworld. What do you imagine the afterlife to be like? Do you think it could resemble the different regions described in this book?
   

2. Olga says: “To me, a soul mate went way beyond romance. Soul mates were the people I could share my life with on a deeper level; all the things, truths, thoughts, hopes, fears, disappointments, and dreams that my life encompassed. They were with me, and I was with them, for the long run.” Talk about the idea of a soul mate and compare your definition with Olga’s. Make a friendship tree for yourself, separating people by who you consider Acquaintances, Companions, and Soul Mates.
   

3. What do their relationships with Grace and Riel mean to Nate and Olga? Was it surprising how quickly Grace and Nate bonded knowing the truth of his relationship with Olga? What did you think of Riel when he was first introduced? Did your opinion of Riel change throughout the book? If so, how?
   

4. Not being truthful is one of the larger themes in
   18 Truths.
   What does being “untruthful” mean for Olga, Nate, Riel, and Conner? What do you think it says about Olga’s character that she’s willing to fight for everyone around her except herself? How do you stay true to yourself?
   

5. What other themes are present in
   18 Truths?
   Consider how the themes of trust and faith occur throughout the story and play out in several relationships. Discuss the meanings of “trust” and “faith.” Compare and contrast the two.
   

6. What would
   18 Truths
   be like if Conner or Nate narrated the book? If you had to pick a character other than Olga to narrate, who would it be and why?
   

7. Why do you think Olga felt the need to try to ‘save’ Conner again in
   18 Truths,
   despite being healed of her guilt over not saving him in the first book,
   18 Things,
   ?
   

8. Out of all the tools and electronics Olga and Nate are issued by Spirit Guide Headquarters, which one would you most like to have and why?
   

9. What do you think is the significance surroundingthe book’s title? What do the “18 Truths” refer to?
   

10. 18 Truths
    is the second installment of a trilogy. What do you think is in store for Olga, Nate, and Conner in the last book of the series,
    18 Thoughts
    ?
    

11. At its core, the
    18 Things
    trilogy is a coming of age love story. Who would you choose for Olga’s one and only? Why?
    

12. The first book,
    18 Things
    , ended in an unexpected way for many readers. What were some of the plot twists woven into the storyline of
    18 Truths
    ? Do you like a book riddled with twists and turns? Why or why not?
    

13. Olga says: “Like a trail of breadcrumbs, the truths I learned in Dr. Judy’s office that fateful day caused the demons to take notice of me, setting me on a path of deceit, and ultimately culminated in me breaking every rule in the book and attempting a dangerous journey on my own.” Describe the untruths, actions, and feelings that led Olga to the decision to finally go after Conner.
    

14. 18 Things
    was a very serious book set on Earth.
    18 Truths
    is set in the Underworld, an environment that causes Olga and Nate to focus more on their faith. Do you feel the second book was just as serious as the first one, or did you sense a lighter tone? Cite evidence for your argument.
    

15. Angels are considered heavenly beings entrusted by God to help guide His children. With this definition, what do you think guided Riel in his decisions concerning Olga? Do you think his actions were honorable?
    

16. Do you think Olga was right in her assertion at the end of
    18 Truths
    that there were more pressing matters than the state of her love life, or do you side more with Nate when he said love was all that mattered in the end? Support your argument.
    

17. 18 Truths
    is a strong example of internal conflict. Cite passages from the novel that speak the strongest to Olga’s struggle with herself.
    

18. Think of the indelible truths that guide your way of life. Write them down. Can you come up with eighteen?
    

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Jamie Ayres
writes young adult paranormal love stories by night and teaches young adults as a public school teacher by day.

When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this.

She lives in southwest Florida with her prince charming, two children (sometimes three based on how Mr. Ayres is acting), and a basset hound. She spent her youthful summers in Grand Haven, Michigan and this setting provided the inspiration for her debut novel, 18 Things.

She really does have grandmothers named Olga and Gay but unlike her heroine, she’s thankfully not named after either one of them. She loves lazy pajama days, the first page of a good book, stupid funny movies, and sharing stories with fantastic people like you.