Book Summary and Reviews of Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years and One Italian Summer returns with "a romantic gem" (Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author) about a young woman who decides to finally live for herself rather than rely on the universe for answers.

Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she'd spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there's only a name: Jake.

But as Jake and Daphne's story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper's prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn't, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. When we first learn about Daphne's slips of paper, she says, "Something else has always called the shots in my life—call it the universe, fate, the comedic force of timing." How does this set up the conversation about destiny versus choice throughout the novel?
2. In chapter 4, Daphne says, "But I still wanted forever love. I still wanted my perfect mate, my smiling husband. I'd picture the white tulle dress and the lace veil and a man who was kind and attractive and who my parents loved, because why not." How is Daphne's description of her perfect man different at the end of the novel?
3. How does the Daphne dating Jake differ from the versions of her with previous men? How does she change over the course of their ...