The Perfect Couple

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• The novel combines elements of mystery and realistic fiction. Did you feel that one of these genre influences was stronger than the other? Did you find one of these influences more interesting? 
• Did you ever suspect the novel’s ending? If so, at what points? If not, how did you think the novel was going to end? 

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• Karen decides that having feelings for another person is acceptable since Bruce did not act upon his crush on Robin. Do you agree with her? Could you accept a partner who had a crush on someone else?
• The Perfect Couple looks at the difference between appearance and reality, with particular attention to social media. Does anything in the novel cause you to re-examine your own social media presence? 
• Do you agree with Karen that “no amount of money or logistics is worth a lifetime of settling” (184)? Why or why not? What experiences lead you to your stance? 
• Celeste worries about the ways she does not fit in with the Winburys and their ultra-wealthy world. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you did not fit in? How did you respond?
• Would you want to visit Hilderbrand’s Nantucket—a place with beautiful natural scenery and luxurious amenities but morally gray people who have dangerous secrets? 

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