Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen

1. Sunshine Nails is told through the different points of view of the Tran family, alternating between chapters from Debbie, Phil, Jessica, Dustin, and Thuy. How were each similar or different?
2. What were your first impressions of the Take Ten owner, Savannah?
3. The Tran Family is broken into two generations, the parents, Debbie and Phil, along with their adult children, Jessica and Dustin, and niece, Thuy. How do both generations differ?
4. There are many funny scenes throughout the novel. Which moments made you laugh and how did they make you feel about these characters?
5. Why is the golden Buddha statue at the salon such an important symbol to the family? What do you think it represents?
6. Both Dustin and Jessica seem somewhat listless in the beginning of the novel. How do they each evolve and grow up as the story nears its conclusion?
7. Compare how Phil tries to fix the family's financial troubles with Debbie's actions. Did you think one was more extreme than the other?
8. Jessica's high school friendships appear throughout the story and eventually become central to the drama between Sunshine Nails and Take Ten. Do you think these relationships are significant to her growth in the story? Discuss how these friendships change as the events unfold.
9. Do you agree with Thuy's choice to work at Take Ten? Discuss what events and actions led her to this decision.
10. Though set in Toronto, does Sunshine Nails feel like a universal story that could be set in another city? Why or why not?
11. Each character brings something different to the story. Did you relate to any of them? If so, please explain who and why.
12. How did the conclusion make you feel? What do you think the Trans learned, if anything? Were you happy with where each family member ends up?

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