The Last Book Club

Psychological thrillers can be a way to explore righteous anger and revenge in a safe way. Many characters in The Last Book Club experienced a “righteous anger.” Which characters felt slighted and why? Which harm resonated most with you or made you angry on the character’s behalf?

Jordyn identifies herself as a loner, telling her friend, “you aren’t really a part of my friend network so much as the network itself. As in, you’re it.” Do you know people who tend to choose a best friend to the exclusion of others? Do you prefer having one close friend or a wider circle of acquaintances? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each choice?

This story included the points of view of Tara, Jordyn, and Gina. Which point of view did you identify with the most? Which point of view did you enjoy reading the most? Were they the same points of view, or different?

Both Gina and Jordyn infiltrated the book club without revealing their true intentions or backgrounds. How did their motives differ? How were they the same?

Sophie is the Queen Bee of her friend group. Why do you think people gravitated to her? Does your friend group include someone with this personality type? What traits lend themselves to becoming a leader within a friend group?

Tara’s mother turned into a surprise ally for Jordyn even though initially, Lauren wanted nothing to do with the investigation into her daughter’s death. How did she help Jordyn in her journey? Why do you think Lauren changed her position?

Tara undergoes a lengthy term of therapy to recover lost memories and heal from an old trauma. Why didn’t her adoptive mother want her to regain those memories? Did you empathize with Lauren’s reasons for discouraging Tara’s therapy?

There are many instances of toxic friendships in this story. But there are genuine friendships as well. What characters do you think exhibited genuine bonds with one another?

Were you surprised to learn that Sophie knew about Luke’s cheating? How did she reveal that knowledge to Tara?

Like many women, Sophie’s anger seemed directed toward the woman she believed her husband cheated with more than her partner. Why do you think many people are quick to lay a heavier burden on “the other woman/the other man” as opposed to their cheating partner?

Mei makes the comment that she would “be glad not to have to suffer through some tedious historical tome that I fall asleep trying to finish” when discussing their next book club read. What’s your favorite kind of book for a book club pick? Is there any genre that is a tougher read for you?

Let’s talk about the Witch Walk! Did you like any of the group members’ costumes in particular? What was your own favorite costume from a time you dressed up at Halloween as a kid or in more recent years?