Questions about Kiss Kill for Book Clubs, Educators and Readers

1. Kiss Kill is an ebook, so its format and content varies when compared to traditional hard copy books. How does it vary and why is the ebook format appropriate for Kiss Kill?

2. At the beginning of the ebook, Mat says that the new philosophy class is intended to teach the students “how to become better human beings”. Do Mat’s experiences make him a “better human being” and does the philosophy class help him achieve any insights into his “Self Concepts”?

3. Kiss Kill raises issues relating to abusive relationships. At what point do you think Mat realises that Elle has become his abuser? At what point does the reader realise this? Are these points the same for Mat and various readers? If not, why not?

4. Mat researches narcissism and comes to the conclusion that Elle is a narcissist. How does being able to give a label to her behaviour help him?

5. Online social media, such as facebook posts appear in the ebook. How does Elle’s ability to publicise her feelings online effect Mat’s feelings and how can this media effect young people in particular? Is the ability to publicise your feelings to the world quickly and easily a good thing?

6. Mat’s mother writes him notes showing her concern for Mat. Why are these notes shown in graphic format, rather than quoted in text, as they would be in a traditional hardcopy book? Does the graphic format lend the notes more or less impact than they would have if they were simply quoted as text?

7. Mat understands that his body’s physical desires are not always in harmony with what his head is telling him to do. How and why does he come to the conclusion that he should listen to his head?

8. Friendships are important within the book. Mat’s friends help and support him. Why does he find it difficult to talk to them about his relationship with Elle?

9. An important point, that not only girls can be the victims of abusive relationships is made. During the talk on abusive relationships, the students display derision for male victims of abuse. Why? Is this a cultural norm?

10. Phone text messages appear in graphic format, just as if the reader has picked up their phone and seen a new message. How does this effect the impact of these text messages within the ebook? Is the language used for these messages the same as that which would be used in a traditional hardcopy book? How does this language reflect the characters’ personalities and emotions?

11. Mat is relieved when he is helped by others, yet he finds it very difficult to seek help. Why?

12. Mat talks and writes about sex and the physical aspects of relationships, but when he is faced with an actual sexual experience he thought he longed for, why is he reluctant?

13. At times Mat and Elle become characters in a play or television program playing out in Mat’s mind. How does this device help Mat to view his relationship with Elle?

14. Much is made in philosophy class of “the human condition”. How do Mat’s experiences effect his view of what it is to be human?

15. Kiss Kill is written mostly in the first person, with Mat narrating his thoughts and experiences. Would the ebook have the same impact if it were narrated by a third person?