The author portrays strong and resilient female characters throughout the book. Discuss the role of women in the story and their agency in shaping their own destinies. How do the characters challenge traditional gender roles and expectations? Explore the relationships between mothers and daughters, sisters, and female friendships in the book. Delia Sweeney has always been unlike her older sister–fair and delicate compared to tall, statuesque Nora, whose hair is as dark as Donegal turf. In other ways too, the sisters are leagues apart. Nora is her mother’s darling, favored at every turn, and expected to marry into wealth. Delia, constantly slighted, finds a measure of happiness helping her da on the farm. The rest of the time, she reads about far-off places that seem sure to remain a fantasy. Until the day a letter arrives from America . . . Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is such an interesting story that really makes you think. It shines a spotlight on a dark area of American history. I think it will foster much discussion and learning. Hidden behind the glitz and glamour of 1950s Hollywood were real lives (and heartbreaking, necessary, lies). Propulsive and entertaining, with broad historical relevance and critical cultural significance, this is the uniquely American story we all need to read―it holds a piece of all of us. I absolutely loved it and will be looking forward to more from Crystal Smith Paul."

How did the author’s narrative structure and storytelling techniques contribute to your overall engagement with the book? Did they effectively convey the intended messages or create a unique reading experience? Discuss the theme of inheritance and its various forms in the novel. How do the characters navigate the legacies they have been given, whether it’s wealth, fame, or family ties? In what ways does inheritance shape their identities and choices? The sequel to It Ends With Us (2016) shows the aftermath of domestic violence through the eyes of a single mother.

Actually, yes. This weird, lovely and sweetly satisfying novel has a lot in common with the 1990s rom-coms Clover likes to sedate herself with after a patient dies. It’s engaging and accessible. There’s even a meet-cute involving an upper-crusty guy with a dying grandmother (who, naturally, turns out to be the coolest). But Clover’s emergence from a shuttered life is moving enough to elicit tears, and Brammer’s take on death and grieving profound enough to feel genuinely instructional. There’s even a trip to Maine, my personal favorite seaside location; this one wins for hitting two of my criteria at once. Throughout the book, characters are confronted with choices that have far-reaching consequences. Reflect on the characters’ choices and their motivations. What do these choices reveal about their desires, fears, and personal growth? How do these choices contribute to the overarching themes of breaking free from societal expectations? Hope you enjoyed my book club discussion questions and reading guide for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul! Editorial note: I received a copy of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

So, grab your coziest blanket, make yourself a hot cup of cocoa (or your beverage of choice), and join me as we unravel the mysteries and dive deep into the world of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? A multigenerational saga that traverses the glamour of old Hollywood and the seductive draw of modern-day showbiz That’s the crux of the story, told through different timelines and perspectives —mainly Kitty in the past and the eldest St. John sister, Elise, in the present. The writing was atrocious. I had no idea what was going on the first chapter as Smith completely failed to set up the story and properly introduce the characters. The historical chapters were better and much more interesting. I didn’t read the Goodreads blurb until after I gave up on this one, but I had more or less called the twist.

One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit. Elise St. John, a modern-day celebrity, is caught up in scandals and controversies while trying to uncover the truth about Kitty’s past. How do her personal struggles and conflicts reflect the larger themes of power, privilege, and the pursuit of authenticity? Discuss the choices Elise makes and the consequences they have on her relationships and self-discovery.