Amity Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The (False) Rose of Jericho, Selaginella lepidophylla and our BookBrowse Review of Amity.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. When Amity begins, the Harper family holds sway over Coleman's life in almost every way. Yet in Mexico, the power dynamic is vastly different, with a newfound current of equality between Coleman and Florence in particular. How do they both grapple with it, and with what result?
2. So much of Coleman's life is decided by others, whether that be the Harpers, or even Amos Turlow attempting to dictate his decisions upon landing in Mexico, as though Coleman is nothing more than his pawn. Does Coleman finally find control of his own life? Can we track his transformation?
3. At times it seems that June and Coleman could not be more different, both in the way they express themselves and the choices they make. What did you make of their relationship? Did their unique dynamic as siblings resonate with you?

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