Discussion Questions for About a Boy by Nick Hornby

1. How did Kurt Cobain’s suicide affect the characters?

2. Why was Marcus attracted to Will? How did their relationship change over the course of the novel?

3. What does the novel say about the importance of relationships/children in our lives?

4. How are the characters developed – through narrative or dialogue?

5. How does Marcus’ friendship with Ellie change him? What does he learn about making friends?

6. Why does Hornby make a pivotal scene set at Christmas dinner?

7. Is Will’s drink with Fiona a turning point in the novel?

8. What does the author say about depression and how people find meaning in their lives?

9. Does he judge parents who commit suicide?

10. What does Marcus give up to fit in? Is he better off at the end of the novel?

11. Was it Marcus that made Fiona depressed? Will losing him help?