The Impossible Knife of Memory

Why did Anderson include six chapters from Andy’s perspective? How does Andy’s narration differ from Hayley’s narration? How do these chapters enhance your understanding of Andy’s character?

Research post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Explain the ways that Andy demonstrates PTSD symptoms. Back up your explanations with facts from your research.

Explain Hayley’s attitude toward school and her future. What reasons have contributed to this attitude? How does her perspective compare to her friends’ and classmates’ attitudes? Does it change by the end of the novel? How so?

In what ways do Hayley and her dad cope with their memories differently? In what ways do they act similarly?

How does the novel portray society’s view of veterans? How does Andy feel about his identity as a veteran? Identify, compare, and contrast at least two specific examples of each.

Analyze Hayley’s relationship with her dad. How does she play the parent and he the child? In what ways does he still act like a father? Is this situation healthy or sustainable? Cite specific examples from the text to explain your reasoning.

Consider the novel’s title. Why do you think Anderson chose this title for the novel? What does she mean when she calls memory an “impossible knife”? Support your answer with examples from the text.

This novel is labeled realistic fiction. Do you find Hayley’s “not remembering” and incomplete flashbacks realistic? Why or why not? Feel free to draw on your own experiences.