Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Californians by Brian Castleberry

1. The book opens with Tobey fleeing a wildfire in Tinsley, California. Why do you think the author chose this event to introduce the novel? How does the looming threat of environmental disaster change or color the story?
2. In 1909, Klaus, like many immigrants of that time and many celebrities even today, chose to change his last name. What did he achieve by doing this? How did it alter not only his life, but the lives of his descendants? What real-life artists can you think of who changed their name, or go by a professional pseudonym?
3. Author Brian Castleberry chose to include fictional "interstitial" documents in the book – newspaper articles, excerpts from books, and a post from Tobey's blog, to name a few examples. How did these added elements affect your experience reading the novel? Can you think of other books that do the same thing?
4. For Diane, her chosen family of people like Tessa Harlan and Phil are, in many ways, more influential and important to her than blood relations. What other chosen family relationships exist in The Californians? Who are some people who make up your chosen family?
5. George's injury is a decisive moment in Klaus' life. What are the consequences of this incident? What do you think are the major turning points in the stories of the other two protagonists, Diane and Tobey?
6. Why do you think Track holds onto Di Stiegl's paintings? Do you have any family heirlooms you feel you can't get rid of?
7. Marjorie Pomeroy writes to Klaus about her brother-in-law's disappearance, but ultimately, her motivations run much deeper. How do Marjorie's accusations tie the story together, both in terms of plot and the novel's broad themes?
8. Were you surprised by Tobey's decision at the end? Tobey's chapters cover the shortest timeline of the three protagonists – how does he change from the beginning to the end? What does his story add to the other narratives?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Mariner Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.