Easy - Discussion Questions

1. One of Jessica’s challenges during the book is to make a self-portrait, but she is frustrated because she feels she doesn’t know who she is anymore. When have you felt like this in your life? If you were to make a self-portrait of yourself now, what might it look like? What about a self-portrait from two years ago?
   
2. Jessica’s friendships become increasingly complicated. What are her relationships with Elisabeth, Ashley, and Tiffany and how do they change or get revealed throughout the story? How does she contribute to the course of these friendships?
   
3. Jessica puts herself in more and more damaging situations when it comes to boys. What is she after when she is with these boys? How is this connected to what she is not getting from her family?
   
4. Jessica uses her camera to understand and come to know the world around her. With this in mind, what is the significance of the final picture she creates for the contest?
   
5. True to its title, Easy acknowledges how easy it is for girls to get boys’ sexual attention. Why is this fact important? Has it been easy for you to get sexual attention? How do you feel about that?
   
6. Jessica feels like she’s the only one in her predicament, but the truth is that many girls find themselves facing similar struggles. Research this. What are the facts about teenage girls and promiscuity? Why do you think some girls turn to promiscuity as opposed to other risky behaviors, like alcohol or drugs?
   
7. Following the thoughts of question #6, write a letter to Jessica letting her know she isn’t alone. Tell her about your own struggles.
   
8. The subject matter of Easy is not one that gets talked about a lot. Why do you think this is? What do you think – should we be discussing this material? Why or why not?