Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Poets Square by Courtney Gustafson

1. How does Courtney's initial reluctance to care for the feral cats mirror her struggles with her own mental health and the challenges she faces in life?
2. What role do the cats play in Courtney's journey of personal growth? In what ways do they act as symbols of vulnerability and resilience?
3. How does the memoir address the concept of community, both in the context of Poets Square and in the broader online world? How has Courtney's connection to others evolved through her rescue work?
4. In what ways does the book explore the balance between self-care and caring for others, particularly in the midst of Courtney's personal hardships?
5. How does the feral cat colony reflect the broader societal issues of neglect and survival? What parallels can you draw between the cats' struggles and the human experience in the book?
6. Courtney shares her experiences of animal rescue on social media, which ultimately saves her home. How do you feel about the role of social media in building communities and creating change, as shown in the memoir?
7. The memoir touches on themes of feminism and capitalism. How do you think these themes are explored through Courtney's interactions with the cats and her reflections on care and systems of support?
8. How does the book challenge or reinforce your ideas about responsibility—both personal and communal—toward animals and one another?
9. What are the emotional costs and rewards of animal rescue work, as described by Courtney? Have you ever had similar experiences, either with animals or another form of care?
10. Courtney describes the feral cats as having distinct personalities, like Monkey, Goldie, and François. Which cat resonated with you the most, and why?
11. How does the memoir portray the intersection between personal survival and the ethics of care? In what ways do Courtney's personal battles shape her approach to the cats?
12. What do you think the book suggests about the concept of "dumb hope"? How does it serve as a coping mechanism or driving force for Courtney throughout her journey?
13. How does the pandemic act as a backdrop in the memoir, influencing Courtney's decisions, mental health, and the broader community dynamics she experiences?
14. How do you interpret the memoir's exploration of the failures of systems, both in terms of animal rescue and society's larger structures of support?
15. The book delves into grief and hardship associated with rescue work. How does Courtney handle the emotional burden of letting go of some of the cats? How might this parallel other areas of her life?
16. How do the cats in Poets Square help Courtney address her personal darkness? Do you believe animals have the power to heal emotional wounds?
17. What does Poets Square say about the tension between caring for animals and the potential financial, emotional, and physical strain it can cause?
18. Courtney's story went viral on TikTok and Instagram. How do you think the rise of viral content has changed how we perceive and participate in rescue work, community-building, and care?
19. How does Courtney's memoir challenge traditional ideas of "heroism" or selflessness? Do you think she portrays herself as a reluctant hero or is her journey something else entirely?
20. How does Poets Square inspire you to think about your own connection to community, care, or even animals in your life? Would you change anything after reading it?

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