A Time Traveler's Theory of Relativity

by Nicole Valentine

  And last, because they are first in my heart, to my daughter Lexie, who always has faith in me. And my first reader and partner in all the universes, David. You are my grounding stones.

  Questions for Discussion

  1. In what ways has Faith’s death affected Finn over the years? Find two or three examples.

  2. Why does Finn doubt that the women in his family can time travel? What changes his mind?

  3. Compare and contrast the three Sykes sisters: Gran, Ev, and Billie. How have they each chosen to use their unusual gift?

  4. In what ways are Gabi and Finn different? In what ways are they similar?

  5. Gabi says that even if she could change the timeline to prevent her brother from dying, she wouldn’t do it, because so many other things would change. If you could time travel, would you try to change something in your life or in history? Why or why not?

  6. Finn’s mom tells him that no one is wholly evil. Do you agree? Why or why not?

  7. Faith can see every timeline and every possible way a situation can play out. Some of those possibilities made her very angry with her parents. What do you think they were?

  8. What is Finn’s relationship with his dad like at the beginning of the novel? What does Finn learn about his dad that changes the way he sees him?

  9. Finn is uncomfortable with Doc calling him a man. Why do you think Doc is so insistent that men should control what happens with the timeline?

  10. Why does Finn ultimately decide to not give up on Faith?

  11. For most of his life, Finn has believed he is a disappointment to his parents, a poor substitute for Faith. Even when he learns he can Travel, he still feels insecure. What do Gran, Gabi, and Old Faith have to say about this?

  12. In every timeline and every alternate universe, Finn continues to love and believe in Faith. What effect does this ultimately have on Faith?

  About the Author

  Nicole Valentine writes young adult books about the crossroads of science and magic in our world. Outside of fictional world-building, you can find her walking around with a hawk on her arm or wrangling two giant dogs named Merlin and Arthur. She resides outside of Philadelphia with her family.