Book Club Questions and Ideas (Beware, Spoilers Lurk Within!)

If your Book Club is reading my books, I'd love to be part of the discussion. I'll drop in on your discussion, either in-person, on the phone or the Internet. I'm always hoping for a reason to meet new friends! Email me at joannaslan@aol.com and put "Bookclub request" in the subject line.

1. At the start of Paper, Scissors, Death, Kiki compares herself to the other mothers. Do you think woman do this a lot? Do you compare yourself to other women? Is this harmful or helpful? Why or why not?
2. We learn that Kiki has not been honest with herself about her husband. Have you ever known a woman in denial? Are Kiki's reasons for avoiding the truth valid? Why or why not?
3. We learn a lot about Kiki's friendship with Mert and about her marriage with George when she and Mert clean his closet. How do friends help each other in times of trouble? Although George betrayed Kiki, she still loves him. She thinks about the good parts of their marriage. What do you think is most important in a marriage? Is it better to be friends or lovers (if you can only choose one relationship)? Why?
4. Roxanne's behavior toward Kiki is horrible. Yet, Kiki tries to "be nice" despite the harangue. How does our social conditioning to "make nice" make us vulnerable? When should we stand up for ourselves and when should we ignore caustic comments? Does Kiki put up with this because she is insecure-or because she doesn't want to jeopardize her job-or because she has no idea how to defend herself?
5. Detweiler's behavior changes markedly once he meets Gracie. What can we learn about people from their behavior toward animals? Does this scene make Detweiler sympathetic? Why?
6. Compare and contrast the different groups of women in the book. There are the other school mothers, the women at the bridal shower, the regular scrapbookers at the store, and Kiki's friends Mert and Dodie.
7. Discuss Kiki's reaction to learning that George included Roxanne in outings with his daughter. How would you react? How does this make you feel about George? What do you think of how Kiki responds?
8. The dogs in the book provide comic relief and an emotional mirror. They also serve as characters. Our pets can be an important part of our lives. Are animals important in your life? Do the reactions of the characters seem real to you? What funny animal stories do you have? (Email me and share them-I'll use them in future Kiki Lowenstein books!)
9. Discuss how the landlord treats Kiki. Have you had similar experiences? Does Kiki's powerless position make it easier for him to be unfair?
10. Throughout the book, Kiki thinks in terms of what is best for Anya. Even so, Deelia accuses Kiki of being a bad mother. Why? Is she right? Support your answer.
11. In some ways, Deelia and Kiki are alike. What are those ways?
12. Mert and Kiki swap roles (employee and employer). Kiki and Dodie also have a reversal of situations. Why are these women able to change their relationships without power struggles? Is this accurate? Why or why not?
13. By the end of the book, Kiki sees Merrilee and her friends differently. She also sees the mothers from Anya's school in a new light. Her relationship with Deelia changes. Is this because Kiki changes? Or because the other women change? Was Kiki's initial assessment of these women right or wrong? Support your answer.