1. How does Bird use humor to convey character? What about the characters who aren’t particularly funny?

2. On page 14, Cam observes a group of mothers with their young children, “They wanted what we all want: reassurance that they had made the right choices.” Does Cam believe she has chosen wisely? Does Aubrey agree with her? How do Aubrey’s own choices reflect upon Cam’s?

3. Discuss the way Bird uses time --- setting Aubrey’s story in one period and Cam’s in another. How do the two timelines play off each other?

4. Cam believes that Tyler is the reason for the friction between her and Aubrey, but how does the secret that Audrey is keeping about Martin affect her rebellion against Cam?

5. “My mother hovered and clung more than any helicopter mom that was ever invented after her. But even she couldn’t control any of the most important events in my life.” (page 50) How does Cam’s distaste for her own mother’s parenting style affect her relationship with Aubrey? Why is Bobbi Mac so important, in contrast?

6. What do Aubrey’s and Cam’s notions of independence and individuality say about their decisions in life? Who seems more comfortable following her own path?

7. Discuss the notion of maternal sacrifice. How are Cam’s and Dori’s sacrifices interpreted by their daughters?

8. Why does Martin allow himself to be sucked into Next? Why doesn’t Cam do the same?

9. Throughout the novel, Cam and Aubrey make assumptions --- about each other, about Tyler, about Martin. Why can’t they communicate more openly? Why have they lost each other’s trust?

10. On page 225, Martin tells Cam, “For some of us, being right is so much sexier than sex.” What does he mean by this?

11. How does the revelation about Tyler’s upbringing change your perception of him? What do you think Cam’s response would be?

12. Martin tells Cam she is “a true rebel,” who always knew exactly who she was and what she wanted. (page 264) How does this differ from the way Aubrey sees her? From the way Cam sees herself?

13. Discuss the ending. How does Twyla’s newborn, Aubrey, help Cam to accept her own daughter?