1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Who is the intended audience of this novel? Adults? Young adults? How does it line up with contemporary divisions of literary fiction subgenres?
• Have you encountered any of the many adaptations of Smith’s work? If so, how did they compare to the original novel? If not, are you interested in seeking out the movie or Broadway musical versions?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• In the novel, women face tremendous obstacles that men do not. Which elements of their struggles did you identify with when reading? Which were outdated and no longer a concern?
• Johnny is described as an aspiring musician whose inability to pursue music is partially responsible for his alcohol abuse. What dreams did you nurture as a young adult? How did it feel putting them aside?
• Consider the more free-wheeling Sissy, whose eccentricities and forthrightness endear her to Francie. Do you have a person in your life who is willing to go against the grain in a variety of ways? How do you view this approach to life?
• Francie’s family is deeply aware of and frequently ashamed of their poverty.