80 pages • 2 hours read
Robert KolkerHidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. What were your overall impressions of Hidden Valley Road as a blend of family history and medical investigation? Did one aspect, such as personal storytelling or scientific research, stand out more to you?
2. How did Robert Kolker’s writing style impact your reading experience? Did the way he structured the narrative—switching between the Galvin family’s story and the history of schizophrenia research—help or hinder your engagement with the book?
3. Many readers have compared Hidden Valley Road to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks in how it weaves a personal story into a broader scientific context. Do you think this comparison is fair? Why or why not?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. The Galvin family tried to maintain an image of normalcy despite the challenges they faced. Have you ever felt pressure to present a certain image of your family or personal life? How did you handle it?
2. Lindsay and Margaret cope with their family’s trauma in different ways. Do you relate to either of their approaches when dealing with difficult experiences? Why or why not?
