Reading Group Discussion Guide

1. Gina’s mental illness doesn’t just affect her but those around her. a) Look at the effect it has on Gina, Keith and Alice as a family and b) compare the different reactions of the other characters particularly Keith’s mum & dad and Gina’s family.
2. Before becoming a stand-up comedian Jo Brand was a psychiatric nurse. a) Discuss her depictions of mental health professionals and if they are positive or negative. b) How do you think Jo experience influenced the novel?
3. THE MORE YOU IGNORE ME is a darkly comic novel. What role does humour play in the novel?
4. Alice’s obsession with Morrissey mirrors that of many teenagers with celebrities. What is the importance of the obsession? Why do you think that Jo decided on Morrissey? Also see Jo’s interview [link] – do you agree with her reason?
5. Despite everything that is happening with her mother, Alice is beginning to go through all normal adolescent experiences such as having her first sexual experience and falling in love. Are these episodes different for Alice from other teenagers?
6. Alice’s pregnancy and miscarriage are extremely distressing. Why do you think that Jo decided to include these?
7. The story is set in the 80s rather than the present day. How different do you think the story would have been if it was set now? How important is the time period?
8. Keith and Marie have an emotional – and physical – affair before he and Gina are divorced. How acceptable are their actions?
9. What is the significance of each of Alice’s failed attempts to see Morrissey live? Would the story have been different if Alice had ever got to see him?
10. There are a number of wedding and couplings at the end. Do you think that these will all be happy? Particularly look at Alice and Mark. 
11. At the end there is a twist regarding Morrissey’s letter to Alice. Did you see the twist coming? Or was it a surprise?

    Fiction:

    Sorting Out Billy
    It’s Different for Girls

    Non-fiction

    Look Back in Hunger

    
    

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