Book Club

- The structure of this book is very different, and Sidney often breaks out of the story to address the reader directly. How does this affect you as you read it? Why do you think this structure was utilized?

- When we meet Sidney, she is having an unexpected ‘date’ with Geoff. What are your first impressions of him? Of her? Did you think they would begin a relationship?

- Sidney is very frank about her weight, but does not confess it until Chapter 2. It is rare to see an obese protagonist in a novel like this, were you surprised when you found out she was a plus-sized woman? Did it change your opinion of her, and if so, in what way? Do you think Sidney is a role model for full-figured women? Why or why not?

- The author has included a great deal of Sidney’s poetry in this book. Why do you suppose it is there? Did you feel it gave you insight into Sidney? Which was your favorite poem and why?
Do you think Sidney is really in love with Geoff? Why or why not?

- Do you think Geoff is in love with Sidney? Why or why not?
Sidney says that before Geoff she was a ‘natural monogamist’, and while she had been tempted before, she had never strayed. Do you understand her infidelity or not? Do you believe she was right to be with Geoff? Do you think he was right to pursue her?

- Sidney’s husband Mark is very much on the sidelines, both in Sidney’s life and in the novel. Do you think he should have fought for her? Do you think she should have fought harder to stay married? Do you think she would have separated from Mark if Geoff hadn’t been in the picture?

- Do you think Sidney is right to break up with Joe? Why or why not?

- We hear four distinct voices from Sidney, her narrative, her poetry, her e-mails, and the letters she writes to Geoff. Why do you think the author has her speaking to us in so many ways? What do we learn about her from the different communications? Where do you think she is the most honest?
It seems important that Sidney is still single at the end of this book. Why do you think that is? How does it make you feel about her future?

- Did you want Geoff to leave Sandra for Sidney? If he had left her, would you have wanted Sidney to go with him? Why or why not? Sidney seems to have a great support system of friends and family. Do you think they would have welcomed Geoff if he and Sidney had ended up together?