I’ve had a great time the past few years joining book club conversations. I’ve met some amazing women through our shared love of book. Please contact me here if you’d like me to call in, video in, or visit your book club!

Discussion Questions for Summer Longing

 1. When we meet the women of Summer Longing, they are at various stages of motherhood. Whose situation did you most identify with? Did this change as the story progressed?

2.     Amelia, the town matriarch, suggests to Elise an unconventional approach to her dilemma. Do you agree with her advice? Why or why not?

3.     When we meet Olivia, she is resentful of her mother, Ruth. Is she justified in her feelings?

4.     What role does community play in the lives of people of Provincetown? Is this typical or atypical? 

5.     One theme of Summer Longing is the idea of second chances. What are some others? 

6.     Secrets, large and small, play a big part in this story. Are the secrets that the characters keep from each other justified? Why or why not?

7.     Traditions play a big part of Provincetown, and in the lives of the characters over the course of the summer. What tradition(s) seemed most meaningful to you?

8.     What makes someone a “good” mother? How is this issue explored in Summer Longing?

9.     Who changes the most over the course of the summer, and in what ways? What character’s decisions surprised you the most? 

10.  Where do you imagine Ruth, Olivia, and Elise will be in five years? How would this be different if not for their summer in Provincetown?