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Book Jacket

Look on the Bright Side

From the author of Pack Up the Moon comes a funny, romantic, and moving novel ...

More about this book

Discuss Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins

Do you think Lark's emotions infringe on her ability to treat her patients? How would you feel if your doctor got teary-eyed or cried with you? How do her emotions make her a better or worse doctor?

23

Jul. 17, 2024
by carleenb

Lark wonders if Justin purposefully dies before she can get to his side. Do you think that could be true? Have you ever heard of a situation when a dying person’s final breath seems to happen at the one moment when they’re alone?

21

Jul. 17, 2024
by carleenb

Joy and Ellie form an unlikely friendship. How do those differences help each woman see herself? Why do you think their friendship works?

10

Jul. 11, 2024
by Kathleen L

The novel is set on Cape Cod. Have you been to this part of the country? In what ways do you think this setting was important to the story? If you were going to write a novel set in a beloved vacation spot of yours, where would you choose?

12

Jul. 11, 2024
by Kathleen L

Do you think Gerald’s emotional affair is forgivable? Is Ellie justified in her anger and sense of betrayal? How would you react if you found your partner had been having a similar interaction with someone?

14

Jul. 11, 2024
by Kathleen L

Lark's sister Harlow is one of the main characters of Higgins's earlier novel A Little Ray of Sunshine. Which of the characters in Look on the Bright Side would you like to see star in a novel of their own?

12

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

How do Lorenzo and Lark help each other beyond their arrangement? What do they learn from each other? Did you expect them to end up together?

17

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

Do you think Gerald and Ellie have a "perfect" marriage? What’s good and what’s bad about it? What kind of pressure might come from being seen this way by their kids, friends, and acquaintances?

10

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

Do you relate to Joy’s obsession with beauty? Why do you think her brother supported her in changing her exterior self? Do you judge her for placing so much importance on her physical appearance?

12

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

Higgins's novel includes moments of profound sadness but also of comic relief. What situations, characters, or dialogue brought a smile to your face or made you laugh out loud?

17

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

What audience would you recommend this novel for? Are there other books that you’ve read that you felt were similar, either in themes or writing style?

11

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

Overall, what did you think of Look on the Bright Side (no spoilers)?

31

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

Gerald explains he felt increasingly invisible and inconsequential after retirement. Do you sympathize with him? At one point, Ellie says she’s damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t. Did you relate to her feelings?

16

Jul. 08, 2024
by marks

After seven years, Lark finally feels attracted to someone again. Why Dante? What qualities does he have that affect Lark? Did you suspect that Dante had met Lark before?

12

Jul. 05, 2024
by MimiJo

Lorenzo clearly has a difficult relationship with his family—and people in general. Do you know anyone like him? Do you think his abrasiveness has more to do with his upbringing, or was that just the way he was born?

10

Jul. 04, 2024
by barb23703

Lark's "moment" - the point where she knows she's doing what she was always meant to do - is particularly dramatic. Have you ever experienced a similar realization or epiphany about your chosen vocation?

6

Jul. 02, 2024
by JHSiess

Lark maintains a relationship with Justin's parents even after his death. Have you had a relationship that persisted even after the death of a loved one who first brought you together? How has it changed after loss?

6

Jul. 01, 2024
by JHSiess

Each of the women experiences a role change. If you've experienced that type of swerve, did it just happen, or did you make a choice? How do those swerves help the women in the book grow and change? How did your swerve change you?

3

Jul. 01, 2024
by JHSiess

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