Shiver

In what ways does Sam and Grace’s love story follow a traditional romantic arc? What is the novel’s key takeaway about The Power and Limits of Love?

Books represent sanctuary for both Sam and Grace. Why do the two find such solace in reading, and how does their shared passion for it contribute to their romantic arc?

Sam notes that “Shelby had always thought that my attachment to my human life was ludicrous” (171). Compare and contrast Sam and Shelby—how do their traumatic experiences as humans inform their perspectives on The Tension Between Human Emotion and Animal Instinct?

Stiefvater’s portrayal of werewolves in the novel both draws from popular lore about the mythical creatures and subverts those tropes. Discuss three ways in which Shiver’s werewolves depart from traditional portrayals. What impact do Stiefvater’s departures from traditional lore have on the plot of the novel?

Sam’s observation that “pragmatic Grace would not have heard of Rilke” is reinforced by Grace’s assertion that she doesn’t understand poetry (176). How does Grace’s evolving relationship with poetry over the course of the novel mirror her personal growth? Cite specific examples from the book to support your argument.

Consider Grace’s relationship with her parents and how it shaped her as a person. How does Stiefvater’s depiction of Grace’s parents contribute to the novel’s thematic interest in The Importance of Finding One’s Pack?

Imagine that Grace and Sam’s story was told by an omniscient third-person narrator. What effect would such a change have on the structure and tone of Stiefvater’s novel?

Published in 2009, Shiver is considered an early example of the contemporary young adult paranormal romance genre. Research a couple of other examples of the genre—you could pick a novel, a movie, or other narratives—and compare their treatment of paranormal romance with Shiver.