The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes

Growing up in dive bars up and down the East Coast, Toni Bennette's guitar was her only companion...until she met Sebastian Quick. Seb was a little older, a lot wiser, and before long he was Toni's way out, promising they'd escape their stifling small town together. Then Seb turned eighteen and split without looking back.

Now, Toni's all grown up and making a name for herself in Philadelphia's indie scene. When a friend suggests she try out for a hot new up-and-coming band, Toni decides to take a chance. Strong, feminist, and fierce as fire, Toni B. and the Lillys are the perfect match…except Seb's now moonlighting as their manager. Whatever. Toni can handle it. No problem. Or it wouldn't be if Seb didn't still hold a piece of her heart…not to mention the key to her future.

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Book club questions for The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

The first few years of Toni’s life were spent on the road with her mother, Mary. How do you think being raised around dive bars and clubs influenced Toni as she grew?

What do you think drew Toni and Seb to each other when they first met outside Mo’s bar? What made Seb decide to talk to Toni?

Seb and Toni’s friendship blossoms over a shared love of nineties alt-rock, which they carry with them into their adulthood. What is the music that most shaped you growing up? How does it feel to listen to those songs now?

Both Mary and Mo claim the Gibson Minx was theirs. What do you think the backstory is there? Why did Mary let Toni take such an expensive instrument, and why did Mo let her have it back years later?

Seb, Candi, and Lilly have a complicated history together. What do you think happened between them, and how has it impacted their current relationship?

Toni both seems to crave and be repelled by the spotlight. Why do you think that is? What makes her so adamant that she doesn’t want to be the center of attention?

The relationship between all five Lillys is complicated, thanks to Candi. Why do they keep giving her more chances? What would have been the final straw for you?

Is Candi being honest when she says she cares about the Lillys? Does she really want to change, or is she manipulating the Lillys into believing she will?

Seb left Toni behind without a word when he was forced to flee their small town. Was what he did justified? Would you have forgiven Seb for leaving if you were in Toni’s position?

We see multiple instances of men in the industry (other artists, executives, and so on) trying to gaslight or control Toni B. and the Lillys. Do you think this is an accurate portrayal of the music industry? What do you think it’s like for young women in music?

In their final performance, a clearly intoxicated Candi is thrust out onto the stage. Why did the executives want her there? If you were Toni, would you have agreed to dub over her music from backstage, knowing you were being used?

The future looks bright for Toni, Seb, and the Lillys, but there’s a long road ahead of the band. What do you think is in store for them? How will their complicated relationship with Candi play into their future?

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