Book Clubs

1. What aspects of the author’s upbringing might have led to her overall sensitivity and general fear of people as described in Chapter 3?

2. What were some of the stories from the author’s childhood, or the people she encountered while growing up that influenced her and formed her adult-self? In what ways?

3. The assisted living facility where the author lands a job during the Great Recession is described as a chaotic and challenging place to work. Given her background and personality, do you think another person would have experienced her new job differently? Describe a person who might have thrived in this role.

4. The author mentions body issues several times in the book. Do you feel that is an issue for her? If so, did she resolve it by the end of the book?

5. The author wrote this memoir in her fifties, a decade after the primary arc of the memoir takes place. Why do you think she wrote the book when she did?

6. Overall, what did the eighteen months of working at Stratford teach the author, about herself, and about others? Why do you think the book is titled Unassisted?

7. On the meaning of home - What does “home” mean for the author? Is it a primary theme of the book? If so, does it get resolved?