Disco Witches of Fire Island

Disco Witches of Fire Island is set in 1989 Fire Island during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. What did you know about the AIDS epidemic before you read this book? What didn’t you know? Did anything surprise you?

The novel is a mix of realistic romance with magic and subtle witchcraft. What do you think was the purpose of pulling magic into the story? How is magic used as a metaphor for that period in history? For Joe’s struggle to be able to fall in love?

While the romances in the novel are “queer” romances, how can someone who doesn’t identify as queer or LGBTQ+ relate to this story?

What does the author mean by the term “holy lover”?

Disco Witch Manifesto #29 indicates “Love is not the cause of happiness— it’s a symptom of it.” This seems to imply that one can’t find true love until they’re happy with themselves. Do you agree or disagree? How does this sentiment relate to those not in a relationship or who don’t want one at all? Does this idea also apply to friendships? Why or why not?

What are the different forms of love and family represented in the novel? How does your life mirror this or differ in terms of friendships and love? Disco Witch Manifesto #17 says, “In the time of the Great Darkness, we search for the truth. Upon finding it, we rejoice . . . except when we don’t.” There are many truths and many lies in the novel. Joe lies a lot—to others and to himself. Does this make Joe a less likeable character or a more relatable character?

Elena and Cleigh’s same-sex relationship in the story marks a dramatic shift for Elena and her identity, and she seems surprised by it, since she’s previously only been attracted to opposite-sex partners. Does this seem believable? Can someone change that dramatically in a summer? Or does everyone live on a spectrum of sexuality?

“Healing spells are written upon the wound.” What does this quote from the Disco Witch Manifesto mean to you? Was there ever a time in your life where you were hurt so badly, but later learned you benefitted from the hurt or have come to appreciate it in some way? How can emotional, spiritual, physical “wounds” guide us?

A straight woman of color like Dory would typically be considered an “outsider” in a gay-male dominated world like Fire Island Pines. What does she gain by being an outsider? Is being an outsider ever the more comfortable place to be? What are your thoughts on non-queer individuals spending time in queer spaces?

Disco Witch Manifesto #26 states, “To get home, disco witches often go in the completely wrong direction.” What in the heck does that mean? Which characters’ journeys embody this sentiment?

Joe has an “affective dream” near the end of the novel which changes him psychically. According to interviews with the author, this dream was based on real experience he had. What did you feel about this moment? Have you ever had a dream that affected you greatly?

If you had the ability, for just a year, to be struck “unafraid” what would you do in that year?

If you could have a coven of beloved friends, who would be in your coven? Who would be the high priest? What spells would you cast? How would you define the Great Goddess Mother?

How is aging talked about in the novel? Who is the most age positive character? Disco Witch Manifesto #221 states that “Aging … will alter the topography of love. To remain on the playground of Eros means knowing one’s niche.” Does this dictum hold true in the world at large?