READERS GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS…1. If you had the chance to plan your own second act, what would you do? Who would you bring along, the way Sylvia brought Evie? What’s holding you back from taking a new adventure?
2. For most of the book, Izzy discourages Sylvia’s attempt to reinvent herself. Finally, Sylvia fights back: “How dare you even consider having an opinion on my life? . . . I understand it’s hard when one’s parent changes gears. It probably feels very uncomfortable for you. . . . But I have learned something—I am responsible for my own happiness” (243). Have you ever wanted to change, but faced discouragement from loved ones? Have you ever felt uncomfortable with the ways in which a friend or family member was changing?
3. From her Eileen Fisher jacket, to lingerie, to the good-luck Armani shirtdress, Sylvia’s outfit choices mean a lot to her. Can your outfit change your mood? What do you wear when you want to feel powerful?
4. Wanting to make things better for her friend, Sylvia tricks Evie’s grandson and daughter-in-law into getting back in touch with Evie. What did you think of Sylvia’s decision to interfere with Evie’s family?
5. Even though Ashton is Sylvia’s client, they quickly become close, developing a quasi–mother-daughter relationship. How is Sylvia’s dynamic with Ashton different from her interactions with Izzy?
6. On their first date, Frank asks Sylvia, “Why do we always end up saying the things that most people keep in their heads?” Flirtatiously, Sylvia replies, “Surely it’s a good thing. For once, we can say what we really think and not worry about it” (219). Sylvia and Frank reveal things to each other that some people might find embarrassing or too vulnerable. Do you think unfiltered communication is a good idea in relationships, especially romantic ones? Is it better to keep some things to yourself on occasion?
7. Frank claims that he betrayed Sylvia because he knew he loved her more than she loved him. Do you think that’s an acceptable excuse?
8. Sylvia doesn’t want to be younger. She uses her age and experience to her advantage in many ways, the way she and Evie endear themselves to apartment brokers by saying that their older age makes them better tenants. Is there anything you miss about being younger? What are some advantages of your age? How might you use those advantages to achieve something you want?
