By Any Other Name

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination.



Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Describe your experience navigating between the two timelines and varying narrative voices.

2. Discuss how your knowledge of Shakespeare informed your reading experience. Were you surprised by the realistic elements of Shakespeare’s life woven into the narrative?

3. Picoult is known for her books’ ability to open complex conversations. What element of the book resonated with you the most after reading it?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on the novel’s examination of the complexities of relationships and understanding others. Has your perspective on someone close to you ever shifted dramatically? How did this impact your relationship?

2. To what extent do you think that societal expectations, names, and titles influence people’s perceptions of one another? How does one overcome the pressure of labels?

3. Examine the novel’s exploration of gaining a voice through art. How do you express yourself creatively, and how does your endeavor give voice to emotions you may struggle to vocalize?