As July comes to a close, we are wrapping up our discussion of this month’s book club selection, The Vacationers by Emma Straub. So, how did you do? Were you able to finish reading the book in its entirety? I introduced the book by calling it the perfect beach read and we held our own Freutcake Book Club meeting on the beach, but perhaps you indulged in a different way – under the covers, while waiting at the doctor’s office, or in between class or work breaks. In any case, what did you think? Personally, I found the book to be a lovely escape from reality. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching the drama that unfolded on their vacation. And even though I have visited beautiful Mallorca, it was years ago and all I did was lie on the beach and get burned to a crisp. The Mediterranean sun is a bit more powerful than the LA sun! Upon completion of the book, I am dying to return to the island and perhaps run into a famous Spanish tennis player of my own!
Below are some questions to spark a conversation about the novel. I encourage you to leave your brilliant comments and replies and we will interact with one another to share our opinions, thoughts, and lessons learned from The Vacationers. Also, feel free to present your own prompts to the group, and don’t forget to tell us how your book club gathering unfolded. The Spanish tapas Leah prepared for our meeting are still on my mind weeks later! One word: chorizo.
photos by Joanne Pio
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Please leave your comments and replies in the comments section below!
1. Who was your favorite character? What was it about him or her that appealed to you?
2. Infidelity arises a number of times in the novel. How did you feel about the various ways the different couples handled this heavy subject?
3. As Sophie prepares to leave for college in the fall, she is eager to make new friends and a new life for herself. Has there ever been a period in your life where you wanted to reinvent yourself?
4. For some readers, Carmen is one of the most likable characters, but in the book the Posts aren’t huge fans of hers. Why do you think that is? Are they being fair?
5. How does the close relationship between Franny and Charles alienate some of the other characters?
6. Are your family vacations often filled with drama and stress? Or are you lucky enough to have a history of peace, bonding, and pure fun on your getaways? And who sometimes feels the need to take a vacation after your return home from your vacation?! Oh, the irony…
Stay tuned for our next book club selection that will be announced in the next week or two. This allows you time to finish up The Vacationers if you haven’t already done so!
Leah Bergman says
Amy- it’s so funny that you say Carmen is one of the most likable characters! For some reason I didn’t like her character AT ALL in the book. Not that I was much of a fan of Bobby either but Carmen’s character felt so tacky.
Conni Jespersen says
I loved this book! I took it with me on vacation (thought it just the right title!) and read it for hours. Fun to read the questions and think about all the details of the book again. Thanks for hosting the "virtual" book club!
Leah Bergman says
I agree, it was the perfect vacation read. What did you think about Carmen? Am I crazy or was her character hard to like? Amy and I are split on this one.
Conni Jespersen says
Ha, I kept getting frustrated by her inability to just relax!! But I guess the author was trying to show us how different her character was from Bobby. She either had dedication or was over obsessive...right?
Amy Dempsey says
Okay, pause! I said Carmen was one of the most likable characters for SOME readers - that's what I found when I read some reviews. But I didn't like her either. Nor did I like Bobby. My vote goes to them for the Least Likable Couple Award!
Leah Bergman says
Ok, they are totally voted off the island. 😉
Jen @ Marshmallows and Margaritas says
I didn't really like Carmen, either, but I did feel sorry for her. I think I liked Sylvia the best? I also liked Charles and Lawrence, although I thought Charles was a bit tone-deaf in not realizing how his close relationship with Franny was difficult for Lawrence and basically everyone else. I don't think any of the characters were really like me, but I did relate to Sylvia's wanting to reinvent herself, especially at that age. I moved from one side of the country to the other when I was in high school, and I remember thinking I could reinvent myself at my new school. I sort of had a similar idea when I went to college. Obviously you can't change who you are, which I think Sylvia realizes, but being in a new situation like that can help you get past the mistakes/identity of your childhood, if that's not who you are anymore.
I think vacations in general can be a little stressful for the person who is planning it (or who feels like they have to run the show), and families always have a little drama. When you add outside people who haven't spent as much time around the family -- or at least who don't have as much experience interacting with everyone -- it's hard to avoid issues.