Being Henry David

Explore Danny’s relationship with Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. In what ways does Danny connect with the text? Why does he admire Thoreau?

Consider Danny’s evolving connections with Jack and Nessa Zane, Thomas, and Hailey. What role does each character play in Danny’s personal journey?

Compare settings in the novel. How do New York and Concord affect Danny? What are the differences between his responses to the town of Concord and the woods around Walden Pond? How do descriptions of the places Danny finds important differentiate them?

Explore Thomas as a mentor figure. How and why does Thomas relate to Danny? What lessons does he teach him and what challenges does he give him? Why does Danny trust him and how does Danny rely upon him?

Consider the novel’s interest in the idea of bodily memory. Research the controversy around this theory and discuss how the novel portrays Danny’s physiological responses to suppressed memories being triggered.

How does the novel depict trauma? What difficult experiences has Danny lived through? What are the lasting emotional effects of these experiences? Why does Danny define himself according to these traumatic events and how does he overcome this reductive view of himself?

How does Hailey’s perception of Danny gradually change Danny’s perception of himself? What facets of Hailey’s character surprise and inspire Danny? What shared experiences connect the characters and how does this relationship compare and contrast with Danny’s other intimate relationships?

In Concord, Danny rediscovers his love of music. Explore how music helps Danny to remember, to grow, and to heal. Consider Danny’s relationship with the guitar, Hailey, and Carpe Diem. Also consider the role of the Battle of the Bands in Danny’s personal journey.