READERS GUIDE

Reader’s Guide
If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher
Discussion Questinos:

1.   When Violet discovers Sam and Shelby in bed, she does her hair and makeup before she faces him. Why do you think she does that? What makes you feel strong?

2.   Violet, like many of us, keeps much of her pain to herself. When Dez takes her on the Tower of Doom for scream therapy, that release makes her feel better. Have you experienced something hard that was difficult to talk about? How did you feel when you finally shared it with someone?

3.   Violet makes a lot of questionable choices when she is processing her anger and grief. Do you think her behavior is justified? Have you ever wanted to lash out at someone who hurt you?

4.   Dez rescues people, brings croissants, and gives Violet unwavering support when she’s at her lowest. Do you think he’s too good to be true, or is that what we should expect in a true partner?

5.   As Violet starts to rediscover her authentic self, she regrets not speaking up about something she knew was wrong. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to take a stand and didn’t? If you could revisit it, how would you respond differently?

6.   Throughout the course of the book, Violet doles out both wonderful and questionable advice. Did you have a favorite advice column? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

7.   At times, Violet worries that her relationship with Dez happened too soon and is an unhealthy coping mechanism. Were there times you agreed with her? Do you think that there is hope for a rebound relationship?

8.   When Violet decides to make a change, she paints her front door bright red. Have you ever marked a life change in a tangible way? How did it make you feel?

9.   Though Violet doesn’t give Sam another chance, she forgives him. Why do you think she does that? In your opinion, is what Sam did forgivable?

10. In a column Dez recalls, Violet wrote that there are countless ways to make a family: some are born and others found . . . the only thing a family requires is love. How do you feel about the path that Violet and Dez chose for making their family with each other, plus friends, relatives, and coworkers? What defines a family for you?