After We Collided

Why is Hardin so often violent in response to his jealousy in regard to Tessa? Is his violence ever appropriate? Why or why not?

Hardin and Tessa’s fathers have alcoholism. How does the novel treat this illness and its effects on family dynamics? Is this a serious treatment of addiction, or simply fodder for Hardin and Tessa’s drama? Why or why not?

Control is a major theme of the novel. Compare several characters who attempt to control others. How does the novel want readers to feel about this kind of emotional abuse?

Discuss the novel’s use of the trauma plot as an explanation for its characters’ flaws. Does the connection make sense in each case?

Compare the novel’s mothers: Trish, Tessa’s mom, and Karen. What are their roles in their children’s lives? How do they influence those around them?

How are Hardin and Tessa’s relationships with their fathers similar? How are they different? What does the novel say about father figures’ importance?

Why does the novel not feature any instances of female friendship? Why does Tessa have no friends her own age, while male characters do?

Todd uses repetition to illustrate her themes. What are some examples of repetition in this novel? Does the use of repetition benefit the reader’s experience with the novel? In what ways?