I found some discussion questions at the back of the book I took out of the library. Thought I’d share this one here: “In your opinion, is the ending to the book more happy or sad? As a reader, what are you meant to take away from it?”
I think it was both happy and sad, in the way real life is. Arthur is reunited with his old friend, only to learn that he is dying. On the other hand, Arthur is surrounded and supported by people who love him unconditionally.