Book Clubs

Questions for Discussion for The Last Hamilton

  1. The novel opens with Elizabeth Hamilton Walker throwing herself in front of a subway train to prevent the bad guys from getting the key to the trove tucked in her pocket. Can you imagine doing such a thing yourself? If so, for what or for whom would you do that?
  2. How do you think Elizabeth felt about being The Last Hamilton? At one point, she is angry and resentful. How do you think she usually felt? Do you think she handled her responsibilities well? Was she a good steward?
  3. Do you think Elizabeth was wrong to impress such a significant, possibly deadly, duty upon Sarah and Ralph? Was it fair to do to them, especially knowing that Ralph wouldn’t be able to refuse?
  4. Did you notice that the protagonist and most of the main characters are women? Powerful, competent women? Did you like that? Did you think that was an intentional choice by the author or just the natural result of picking those best suited to do the job?
  5. Do you view Pierce as more pathetic or tragic? Why?
  6. Do you think it was odd that Sarah just walked away in the end? That she didn’t want to receive the accolades or fame. What would you do?
  7. Who was your favorite character and why?
  8. Do you feel that The Last Hamilton is especially timely right now?

Questions for Discussion for The TimeKeepers

  1. Women are the strong protagonists in The TimeKeepers. Yet both Ariel and Marion resort to what many would call “traditional female ploys” to further their agendas. Both manipulate men to get what they want instead of dealing in a more direct fashion. Do you feel that the means they use somehow weakens the power of their success? Do you think Sarah’s win is stronger because she doesn’t use these methods as much?
  2. Maurice scores rather high on the bad guy scale. Is he really evil, or just someone who is secretly so insecure that he behaves badly?  Does the fact that he is a child molester change your view?  Did you find that scene disturbing?  Do you think it was an integral part of your understanding of who Maurice is and what makes him tick?
  3. Did you enjoy the underlying allegorical themes of charity and service that are woven into the story? While each member of the winning team (Alexander, Sarah, Sam and Ariel) is called to help those less fortunate either through providing legal services to those who wouldn’t otherwise have a voice or, in Ariel’s case, using Maurice’s ill-gotten gains to open Wonderland Kids Care for Cancer, the losing team (Maurice and Simon) only care about the almighty dollar.  Do you think it’s mere coincidence that Maurice and Simon lose not only their beloved money, but their lives as well while the characters who have a benevolent vision win it all?  Would you have enjoyed the story less if evil had triumphed over good?
  4. Which character did you feel the sorriest for and why? Does your choice flow more from personal experience or from a broader sense of justice and basic fairness?
  5. What is the “real story” behind Sarah and Sam’s relationship? Why didn’t they date while in law school even though they were in the same small study group?  Is there a hidden reason neither of them is married when they meet again years after law school?  What do you think happens to them next?

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