Please note: These questions contain spoilers. We recommend that you finish the book before you read the questions.

1. There are three “inciting incidents” in this book --- that is, three moments that propel each heroine’s storyline, the moment when each heroine realizes that something needs to change. What are the inciting incidents for Laurel’s, Paris’ and Cassie’s stories?

2. With which heroine did you identify most closely? Why?

3. Laurel worried that her own post-divorce attitude toward men was negatively affecting her daughters. Do you think she was right to worry? Why or why not? If you have children, how do you think your beliefs influence theirs?

4. Should a single mom with no male relatives make sure her kids have positive male role models? If so, what strategies do you think would work? Explain. How did you feel about Laurel’s plan to find a guy friend?

5. How did Colton show that he was different from Laurel’s ex-husband? Did Colton’s parents impact your feelings toward him? If yes, how so?

6. Paris, on the other hand, married a great guy but lost him due to her temper. How did learning this make you feel about her? Did your feelings change as you read the book?

7. Jonah told Paris that he was partially to blame for their divorce. What do you think he meant? Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Do you think divorce is ever just one person’s fault? Share your thoughts.

8. Through years of therapy and hard work, Paris was able to change how she reacted to the world, but she was afraid to believe in herself. What finally convinced her that she could risk falling in love again?

9. Why did Cassie’s siblings kick her out? Were they right to do so? Why or why not?

10. In the beginning, all Cassie wanted to do was to return home to Maine, but by the end, she saw the future of her dreams in Los Lobos. What changed her mind?

11. How does the structure of the summer book club in THE SUMMER BOOK CLUB differ from the structure of your book club? How does your book club choose which book to read next? How do you wish your book club would choose? Does your book club continue to meet in the summer months? If so, do you change the types of books you read during the summer?