If It Makes You Happy

The book is set in 1997. What parts of the late ‘90s stood out most to you, and how did the nostalgia add to the story? If you could design your perfect fall day in 1997, what would it look like?

Michelle struggles with unresolved feelings toward her mother. If she had the chance for one final conversation, what do you think she should have said–and what might she have needed to hear?

Cliff faces tough decisions as a father, especially during Emily’s pregnancy scare. How would you have reacted in his shoes? Do you think his response was fair?

The romance between Cliff and Michelle grows out of a long friendship. How do you think their friends-to-lovers foundation will affect their relationship in the long run?

Sarah and Michelle are framed as opposites throughout the book. What similarities do you see between them, and how do those similarities complicate their dynamic?

Michelle spends much of the story torn between the path she planned for herself and the one life seemed to hand her. Have you ever faced a similar fork in the road? Which path did you choose, and why?

The family relationships in this book are a huge part of the story. Which family dynamic resonated with you most, and how did it shape your experience of the book?

Rocket, the family dog, takes on an unusual role in the narrative—even narrating the epilogue. Did this choice work for you, or did it pull you out of the story?

The book takes us through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Which holiday section did you enjoy most, and why?

Owning and running a small bed and breakfast in Vermont seems idyllic. If you had the chance to run one, what would you do to make it successful and uniquely yours?