To Best the Boys(78)
Sincerely,
Holm
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Dear Reader, You’ll notice a variety of individuals, families, and situations represented in To Best the Boys, particularly some reflecting learning struggles and different needs. These are based on specific loved ones within my own family and close friends, and it was their desire and mine to represent them accurately and with honor in this novel. For this reason, they were given absolute control over their word choices, scenarios, and representation within To Best the Boys (and in this note). However, we are aware that not everyone agrees on language, word preferences, or portrayal. With that in mind, if anything rings as inaccurate or insensitive to you, please accept our deepest apologies. Rhen is based on my mom (and two brothers) who have dyslexia. Ben is based on my family member who has Down syndrome and autism, as well as a dear friend with Down syndrome. Lute and his mom are based on our families. Our hope is to honor the beautiful people and stories in this world. And in doing so, we hope we’ve honored you.
Humbly, ~m
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Even though the book is a light fantasy, what aspects of To Best the Boys mimic our own world today? Specifically consider the political, social, and educational challenges.
2. In To Best the Boys, Rhen dreams of being a female scientist in a kingdom that won’t allow it. And yet, she believes in herself enough to buck tradition and rewrite society’s rules. What dreams do you desire to see fulfilled, and what challenges do you face? If you could accomplish anything, what would it be? And what are you waiting for?
3. Vincent and Rhen used to be friends until his choices surrounding a mistake he made changed aspects of his character. Do you think that happens in real life? Do you think he could’ve become a better person in spite of the mistake? How?
4. There are multiple men in Rhen’s story who are good men. They speak, act, and support others in ways that are opposite of Vincent, his friends, and some of the adults. What’s the difference between the “good” ones and the others? What specific behaviors made them honorable people? What was the difference between the way Lute and Vincent each treated Rhen?
5. The families in Rhen’s story are a reflection of my own community. They all have different needs (some financial, some physical, some logistical)—all of which influence their daily lives and decisions. What needs can you relate to?
6. The politicians in Rhen’s world made a decision they believed was good for the environment and the community. Was it a good one? How could they have handled it to make it better?
7. Multiple times throughout Rhen’s story, she encounters specific boys talking to her, or about her, in ways that make her uncomfortable. In one instance, Vincent not only defends Germaine and Rubin to Rhen, he gets her to question the legitimacy of her own personal boundaries and beliefs. In another instance, the three boys talk about Rhen, Seleni, and other girls as if all they’re good for is to get something from. And in repeated instances, various boys and men (and some women) use words, embarrassment, authority, or condescension to try to make Rhen submissive to their opinions. How did this make you feel? Has this ever happened to you? What was the situation? For some women, such instances haven’t been common. For others, those situations occur far too often. And for still others, those types of incidents are just the tip of something far more painful. So allow me to say this: Wherever you are, whatever has been done to you . . . It. Was. Not. Your. Fault. And it was not okay. Your opinions and feelings and body and mind are yours. They are precious because you are precious. And I’m so very sorry. If you have someone safe you can talk to, please do so. And if you need someone, please reach out to the many resources available. A good place to start might be www.womenshealth.gov.
8. At the end of the book, Rhen has a realization that changes the way she views herself and how she fits into the world. She’s struggled her whole life with feeling like she doesn’t belong fully anywhere, when the truth is—she belongs to herself. What do you think of that concept? How might the way we interact with society and others change if we choose to belong to (love, be true to, own) ourselves first?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I hit a spot in every book I write, always around page 90, when I think, Well, this is it. I’m officially a fraud at this author thing. Rudely, without fail, not one person in my life so far has had the gall to believe me. In fact, they tend to go about their business as if I’m legitimately capable of finishing the book. And somehow they’ve been right six times now. I owe them more than I can say.
These are my page 90 people. I couldn’t have written this book without them.
My husband (aka hottest best friend I’ve ever had). My three muggles, Rilian, Avalon, and Korbin. My biochemist sister, Kati, who brainstormed this story with me and then checked the science of things. Dad, Mom, my siblings, and their families—thanks for all the meals at home and in Croatia.
My sensitivity readers—Susan, Amanda, Mindy, Diane, and others, for guiding this story with your wisdom, words, and heart. And to the Meades and Ulibarris—this story is for you.
Marissa Meyer, C. J. Redwine, Nadine Brandes, Sara Ella, Allen Arnold, Jeanette Morris, and Courtney Stevens.
My #FantasyOnFriday ladies—Jodi Meadows, C. J. Redwine, Beth Revis, Kristen Ciccarelli, Tricia Levenseller, Danielle Paige, Erin Summerill, and Amy Bartol.