It’s book talk time!
Personally, I think The Vacationers was the perfect way to start off the summer—it’s light and beachy, but still juicy enough to sink our teeth into a little. Like I mentioned at the beginning of the month, this book helped me get back into a reading groove last summer and I thought it would be great for anyone who had fallen off the book wagon a bit.
I can’t wait to hear what you guys thought! Let’s start with some discussion questions…
1) Let’s start out easy: how would you rate this book? Did it remind you of any others you’ve read?
2) Each of the characters in this story is flawed—there’s not a single one that could be considered close to perfect. That said, do you have a favorite? What do you like about him/her? Could you relate to him/her in any way?
3) From the beginning, the Posts (and their friends) aren’t too fond of Carmen. What are your thoughts on the ways the other characters treat her? Why do you think they dislike her?
4) This is a story about what we try to conceal from others—sometimes even from ourselves—and what we choose to show them instead. Can you relate to the urge to “put on a good face” for others? Have you ever taken it as far as some of the characters in this story?
5) Each of the characters seem to think of and deal with infidelity differently. Can you sympathize with or relate to one of them more than the others? Which characters’ views on the subject (or actions regarding it) are closest to your own?
In case you haven’t seen, I announced July’s read yesterday. And if you did see and enjoyed the links I included about the book and author, a great place to start with Emma Straub is the bio on her website—I particularly love the Things & People I Love section in her sidebar.
PS Most of our discussion goes down in the Facebook group. Come join us!
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Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
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