How does the New Year’s brunch set the tone for the rest of the story? How do the events during the brunch reveal key aspects of Ramona’s evolving personality?

Discuss Ramona’s reactions to disappointment and hurt feelings. What lessons does she learn about coping and resilience through misadventures and misunderstandings?

Trace the theme of empathy in the story. How do compassion and understanding affect the characters’ relationships?