Create a free Bookclubs account to organize your book club, get reading recommendations, view hundreds of discussion guides, and more!
Excavations
Over a summer in sun-drenched Greece, four incompatible women digging into the past may just find the answers to their futures.
On a remote archeological site in Greece, the mythic home of the first Olympics, four women discover an unusual artifact. It’s a piece of history that definitely shouldn’t exist. And for the head archaeologist in charge, a relic himself, it means something’s gone horribly wrong.
Elise, Kara, Z and Patty all find themselves digging here together, but they couldn’t be farther apart. Kara’s a polished conservator calling off her wedding. Patty and her bowl cut are desperate for love. Millennial Z just got dumped and fired yet again. And Elise, their star excavator, is a lone wolf about to go rogue.
To figure out what they’re really digging for, and to topple the man who wants to hide their history, these dirt-crusted colleagues have to become what they’ve avoided for years—friends. If they put their own messes aside for one summer, they might just make the discovery of a lifetime.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Kate Myers, the author.
Book club questions for Excavations by Kate Myers
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
What roles do class and hierarchy play in the book? Both in the dynamics between the main characters and for others like Ursula, Evelyn and Kal?
What is the relationship between the excavation team and the locals? How does that relationship change?
How does the story speak to the idea of repatriation and cultural ownership?
What does Patty get out of this summer? What does she contribute?
How does Z’s motivation change over time? What does she come to the dig for and what does she leave it with?
Describe Elise’s romantic journey and how it connects to her feelings about friendship and work?
What do you think of Kara’s relationship with Evelyn? What role does Evelyn play for her and for the larger plot?
What is the point of the discovery? How does it change their lives, and potentially the lives of others? How does it not?
What is the difference between how people see Charles, how he sees himself and who he really is?
Discuss the concept of access to playing sports and what that means for the dynamics on the dig and for greater gender parity historically and today.
Excavations Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the Excavations discussion questions
National Bestseller • Oprah’s Book Club #1 Summer Reading Pick • BEST SUMMER READS OF 2023: USA Today • The New York Post • Oprah Daily • Good Housekeeping • Brit + Co • The Good Trade
“Witty and acerbic, Myers’ debut is humorous and sharply written, as if Aubrey Plaza’s April Ludgate from Parks and Recreation decided to write a sun-drenched novel about feminism, friendship, and archeology.” —Booklist
“Fresh, funny, intelligent, and deeply satisfying.” Kirkus, Starred Review
“Laugh out loud funny. The dazzling Greek island setting, four intriguing women, and a shady mystery come together for an irresistible read. Don’t miss this one.” -Liv Constantine, Internationally Bestselling Author of The Last Mrs. Parrish
“Hilarious and heartfelt, Excavations delivers a pitch-perfect summer novel steeped in bright Greek sunshine, and it all builds to a satisfying comeuppance borne of women determined to tell their own stories--past and present alike.” -Shelf Awareness