It was cute. Not my usual kind of book

Trigger: main character cannot have children and the IVF treatments not working have been very traumatic.

Discussion questions (plus the author has also included discussion questions in the tab “questions”).

1. In "The Wedding People," Lila's choice to go through with a million-dollar wedding she secretly dreads highlights societal expectations’ weight in marital decisions. Should people be faulted for succumbing to tradition, or do these societal pressures absolve them of personal accountability for their choices?

2. Phoebe and Lila both grapple with infidelity and emotional betrayal, affecting their intimate relationships. Are betrayals in relationships inevitable byproducts of unmet personal needs and desires, or should commitment to another inherently override personal happiness in traditional societal contexts?

3. Phoebe's and Lila's journeys involve abandoning conventional societal norms to seek fulfillment. Is their rejection of tradition a form of liberation and self-discovery, or does it reflect an inability to conform productively to societal standards that might offer stability and coherence?

4. Motherhood is depicted as entailing profound personal sacrifices in the novel. Considering how Phoebe's and Patricia’s experiences shape their lives, is the expectation of sacrifice in motherhood an outdated notion, or does it still hold relevance as a cornerstone of nurturing and familial duty?

5. Despite her struggles, Phoebe finds joy and purpose through unexpected connections in Newport. Does this imply that fulfillment requires abandoning preconceived notions and embracing spontaneity, or does it underscore a deeper need for planned stability in our lives despite unpredictable challenges?

6. In "The Wedding People," Phoebe's journey is heavily influenced by her struggles with motherhood and societal expectations. Can the sacrifices expected of mothers truly be justified, or do they perpetuate an unrealistic ideal that leads to personal dissatisfaction?

7. Lila and Phoebe initially seem worlds apart, yet their overlapping struggles reveal deeper connections. Do you think society pressures women into projecting an image of all-togetherness, and at what point does the façade become more harmful than helpful in maintaining relationships?

8. Gary seems to drift through life, impacting those around him without making significant changes for himself. Is his passivity a reflection of a broader commentary on how men are conditioned to maintain peace rather than confront personal desires, and what are the potential consequences?

9. Both Phoebe and Gary explore connections in unexpected ways. In contemporary relationships, is it more important to find fulfillment through unexpected connections, or should individuals prioritize the conventional paths society outlines for happiness and love?

10. Jim's indecisiveness ultimately allowed his feelings for Lila to remain unacted upon until the end. Does this narrative suggest that fear of commitment is an inherent human flaw, or is it merely a societal myth that individuals use to justify inaction in romantic pursuits?

11. In "The Wedding People," Phoebe's initial longing for the Cornwall Inn as a utopian escape parallels her life aspirations. Do you think her disillusionment with the Inn and her subsequent rediscovery of purpose offer a universal commentary on the discrepancy between expectations and reality, or is it a uniquely personal narrative?

12. The motif of classical literature in the book serves as both a comfort and a source of disillusionment for Phoebe. Should classic literature be seen primarily as a tool for idealized escapism, or is its value rooted in fostering critical thinking about our own realities? How does Phoebe’s changing relationship with these texts reflect this dual function?

13. Phoebe’s perceptions based on physical appearances often lead to surprising revelations. In your opinion, does the novel suggest that our reliance on first impressions is fundamentally flawed, or is it a necessary part of understanding human complexity? How do Phoebe’s interactions with characters like Lila and Juice drive this debate?

14. The Roaring Twenties-themed room acts as a stage for Phoebe's emotional transformation. How can the historical context of the Roaring Twenties itself be analogous to Phoebe's internal journey? Does the setting of the room reinforce or undermine the themes of fleeting glamour versus authentic growth?

15. Phoebe's narrative is interwoven with her fascination and later skepticism of Victorian-era novels and their promises of idyllic happiness. Can the evolution of Phoebe’s perspective on these texts be seen as a microcosm for the larger shifts in societal views on romantic ideals? What does this reveal about the influence of literature on personal and cultural evolution?