For Book Clubs

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Use the questions below to guide your book club discussion.

For a downloadable PDF, click here.

  1. The novel opens with a prologue, told from Itzel’s point of view. Why do you think the author decided to open the story this way?
  2. We first meet Cole in the Belize City airport. How does the first paragraph of Chapter One shape your expectations of the novel?
  3. Cole has quit her job to move to a tropical island and chase an old dream—yet she is full of regret and doubt. As you read the first couple of chapters, how did you feel about Cole?
  4. When Cole meets Eli, she is instantly smitten. What factors do you think play into this?
  5. At the birthday party, Cole learns she gravely misjudged Thatcher’s friend. How is Cole changed by this experience?
  6. From the beginning, Thatcher is the one pushing their relationship forward. What do you think is motivating him?
  7. Several times, Cole tells us through her internal thoughts that she doesn’t want to lie, yet she is holding back information from multiple people. How do you feel about this? Do you think she is justified
  8. Cole has cut her brother out of her life. As you learn more about their relationship, do you think Cole overreacted?
  9. Both Cole and Itzel want the same thing for Eli, yet they are in conflict through most of the book. Why do you think this is?
  10. Part of Cole’s journey involves her growing awareness of how assumptions have shaped her life, yet she never asks Thatcher—or Itzel—how either of them want the future to play out. How does this contribute to her character arc?
  11. One of the novel’s themes is forgiveness. Discuss the role the choice to forgive—or not—plays in Cole’s journey. Do you agree with her choices? Why or why not?
  12. Thatcher’s charity is politically controversial. At several other points in the book, characters reveal their opinions on issues like the environment and social media. How did you feel about this?
  13. Other than the prologue, we aren’t privy to Itzel’s POV. At what point in the story do you understand her motivations? How do you think this would change without the prologue?
  14. Cole grapples with the moral question of what future is best for Eli. Did her ultimate decision feel right to you? Explain.
  15. What did you think of the supporting characters (Kyleen, Pim, Ynez, Shelly, and Thatcher’s other friends)?
  16. How did you feel about the ending? What future do you imagine for the main characters?
  17. Music is a huge part of Cole’s life. Did you enjoy the musical references? If some of the songs/artists were unfamiliar to you, did you give them a listen?
  18. Have you been to Belize? If not, did reading this pique your interest in going?