- Harriet receives a published book of her own meditations for her fourteenth birthday. How do you think this affects her throughout the course of the novel? What do her experiences of the world of fame and publicity teach her?
- “She doesn’t just have good looks, she also has an enchantingly naïve way of making you think”. Harriet writes meditations about her place in the world, and her relationships with other people. What do you think of her meditations?
- Do you think Harriet and Jean-Claude are suited? What do you think will happen to their relationship after the book ends?
- Harriet Rose is fourteen years old when her book is published. Do you think more books by young people should be published?
- Harriet’s mother and grandmother self-publish her book themselves. Many people who are unable to find a publisher for their book self-publish. Should more potential authors self-publish?
- Harriet is a complex character; sometimes arrogant and over-confident, but always endearing. What did you think of Harriet?
- At the PTA meeting, Harriet’s meditations are criticised by Miss Groat and Charlotte Goldman’s father. Do you think it’s understandable that some people resent Harriet’s success?
- Discuss the relationship between Harriet and Charlotte Goldman.
- One of the themes of THE INFINITE WISDOM OF HARRIET ROSE is that of not fitting in. How did you think this was expressed in the novel?
Further Reading
THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE AGED 13 ¾ - Sue Townsend
A GIRL’S GUIDE TO MODERN EUROPEAN PHILOSOPHY – Charlotte Greig
RUBY RED – Linzi Glass
JUST IN CASE – Meg Rosoff
BRIDGET JONES DIARY- Helen Fielding
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