Bright Young Women Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Ted Bundy and the Myth of the Charming Serial Killer and our BookBrowse Review of Bright Young Women.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Do you consider yourself a fan of true crime? Why or why not? If yes, what kinds of content do you consume and what about it draws your interest? Do you share this interest with anyone else in your life?
2. The characters refer to the killer exclusively as "The Defendant" throughout the whole story, never once giving him a real name. Why do you think Jessica Knoll chose to do this? How did it impact your understanding of the novel?
3. Consider the ways in which the media and newspapers play a role throughout the novel. What kind of power do journalists or headlines have? Have you seen similar examples from this time period or from modern day? Discuss where you find news or opinions. Have you ever considered what kind of partialities are embedded in the media you consume?

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