Week 1 – Beginnings & First Sparks (Ch. 1–9)

Anna starts at Rosehaven, meets Gabe, and encounters the residents.

First flickers of connection between Anna and Gabe.

Discussion Questions:

* Anna feels behind in life compared to her peers. How does that shape her willingness to take a chance on Rosehaven?

* What was your impression of Gabe in these early chapters—tragic, intimidating, intriguing? How does the author avoid clichés about disability here?

* Which resident stood out to you most in the opening chapters, and why?

* What do you notice about how humor is used (by Gabe, Ellie, or Anna) as a survival tool?

Week 2 – Cracks & Connections (Ch. 10–18)

Anna learns Gabe’s personality is sharper and more alive than most realize. The residents’ friendships and quirks are highlighted. Anna’s anxiety and grief surface, and Gabe helps ground her. The pool scene gives Gabe a breakthrough.

Discussion Questions:

* How does Anna’s panic attack scene alter the balance between her and Gabe—who is caring for whom?

* What does the pool outing symbolize for Gabe, and why do you think it comes at this point in the novel?

* How do Ellie, Mary, Frank, and Doris each bring out different facets of community inside Rosehaven?

* In what ways does Anna start to see her role as more than “just a job”?

Week 3 – Tension & Desire (Ch. 19–28)

Anna and Gabe’s relationship deepens into romantic and physical intimacy. Conflict rises with Patricia and Vicky; Henry grows more protective. Anna risks her career for meaningful care.

Discussion Questions:

* How does the novel depict consent in Anna and Gabe’s intimacy? Did it expand your sense of what consent can look like?

* Do you think Anna is reckless in risking her job—or brave in prioritizing what really matters?

* How do Vicky and Henry’s different forms of “protection” complicate Gabe and Anna’s choices?

* Which scene in this section made you feel most the tension between love and risk?

Week 4 – Fallout & Resolution (Ch. 29–End)

Vicky’s public campaign intensifies. Anna faces consequences; Gabe’s autonomy is threatened. The residents rally in rebellion; Gabe reclaims his voice. Anna and Gabe choose each other and a future.

Discussion Questions:

* Vicky insists Gabe’s life is tragic, while Gabe himself claims dignity and desire. How does the novel challenge the idea of “quality of life” being judged from the outside?

* Which resident’s act of rebellion felt the most powerful to you in the final section?

* How did you feel about the ending—did it resolve the story’s central conflicts, or did you want more?

* The theme is “No one can decide how you find meaning in your life except for you.” Where do you see that most clearly by the final chapters?