Grief Is for People

Determining a reason for Russell’s desire to die by suicide is a goal of Crosley’s at various points throughout her grief. Why is this important to her, and does the acceptance she finds include a sense of resolution about his motivations for dying? What does Crosley’s acceptance omit regarding the answers she sought at the onset of the book?

Who is Crosley’s audience for the memoir? What purpose does having a witness for grief serve?

The tone of the memoir is sometimes dark or wry, employing a particular type of humor at times. Why does Crosley adopt this tone in the narration? What risks does she take in doing so? What makes it effective?