I hadn’t realized that my debut novel, Losing the Light, was quite so booze-soaked until I started to get my blurbs—and all but one of them mentioned wine. I mean, my young characters are running around France making questionable decisions so the wine-connection is natural. And really, what goes together better than wine and books?
In honor of my passion for both of these hobbies, I offer up a very special reading and drinking guide to Losing the Light. As one of my dearest friends (a book editor natch) like to say “We should go drink about this.”
Wine Pairings
If you’re feeling as fancy as Sophie on a shopping spree: Domaine Saint-Martin Cotes du Rhones Rose
If you’re saving up for a trip to Cap Ferrat: Menage A Trois Rose
*I chose roses as that is how this lady prefers to get lit in summertime.
Discussion Questions for a Civilized Evening
Rather than just discussing the book as though you were back in English class, use this opportunity to get to know your fellow book-clubbers on a deeper level.
1) In the beginning of Losing the Light, Brooke runs into someone from her past and recalls her younger self. When you think back on yourself ten, fifteen, or even twenty years ago what do you wish you’d known about life? What would you tell you past self if you could talk to him or her?
2) Everyone in the novel is crushing on everyone else. Who was the most intense crush of your young life?
3) Brooke and Sophie’s obsessive friendship with one another is in many ways the central relationship of the book. Did you ever have a friendship like that? What happened with him or her?
4) Brooke and Sophie both use their time in France to both discover and reinvent themselves. If you could move to any foreign country to start a new life, where would you go and why?
5) There’s a big twist near the end of the book and the ending is ambiguous. What do you think happened? Make your case to the group.
The Drinking Game
Feeling rowdy? Everyone taking an Uber home? Time for a Losing the Light inspired round of Never Have I Ever. The rules of this classic game of drinking and divulging vary somewhat depending on who you ask, but I like the version that states: drink if you’ve done it, if you’re the only one who drinks: tell the story!
Never have I ever:
· Hooked up with one of my professors
· Studied abroad
· Stolen my friend’s boyfriend or girlfriend
· Had my girlfriend or boyfriend stolen by a friend
· Learned a foreign language
· Been to France
· Spent my rent on a handbag
· Had an affair with a sexy foreigner
Please read responsibly!
*Want me to visit your book club? I'd be delighted! If it's in the Seattle area I can come in person, but I'm also available on Skype. Cheers!