Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

1. Throughout Reckless Girls, the narrative shifts between multiple timelines and perspectives. How did the storytelling and the structure of the novel influence your reading experience? Was there one particular perspective that you found yourself connecting with the most?
2. There are interstitials throughout the novel that work to build the myths surrounding Meroe Island. How do these passages affect the tone of the novel as a whole? How did they contribute to your reading experience? In what ways do they emphasize the idea of Meroe being a character in and of itself in the novel?
3. On page 19, Lux says, "I hitched onto Nico's dream because coming up with my own felt impossible, back then." Discuss the trajectory of Nico and Lux's relationship over the course of the novel. In what ways does their relationship parallel Eliza and Jake's? In what ways is it different?
4. As more time goes by on Meroe, everyone starts to believe that being on the edge of civilization is making them lose their minds. By the end of the novel, Lux disagrees with this idea and says, "This island doesn't twist people up. It just turns them into the purest version of themselves, hones them like a knife's blade." Do you agree with this, and why or why not? Do you think that there is a way that both of these points could be true?
5. Consider Robbie's character and his importance within the novel. What purpose do you think Robbie serves to move along the narrative?
6. There are several twists/reveals in the novel. Did you see any of them coming? Were you especially surprised by any of them? What did these moments expose about the individuals who were involved in each of them?
7. Consider Brittany and Amma's friendship over the course of the novel. What did you think you knew about them from the outset? How did your perception of them change when you learned more about the truth of their characters?
8. In what ways does the fact that all of characters are completely off the grid on Meroe Island amp up the tension in the novel?
9. On page 297, Lux is talking about Eliza when she says, "That's her superpower. She presents you with a version of yourself that you could be, if you were just brave enough to try." Discuss the degree to which this is true. In what ways does Eliza have influence over all the characters in the novel?
10. Discuss the evolution of Lux's character. How do you think Lux's background and life experience have influenced her decisions? How do you think Lux is perceived by other characters in the novel, and how does she perceive herself? How do you think this changes over the course of the novel? By the end of the novel, what is the lasting impression you have of Lux?
11. On page 289, Eliza says, "The world takes a lot from us, doesn't it? ... So sometimes, you have to take back." Consider the impact of this statement. What are all of the various ways this idea comes into play throughout the novel?
12. Discuss the significance of the phrase "In the After." Does it carry more weight after you've reached the conclusion of the novel?
13. How did the end of the novel make you feel? Did you anticipate this ending? We are given a peek into Lux's life after the island; what else do you think comes next for her?

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