Love and Conductivity is perfect for book clubs!

I've included a list of book club questions below to get your discussion going, but feel free to make up your own! Contact me if you’d like me to join your group’s discussion via Zoom, if circumstances allow.

Discussion Questions

• From the beginning, Erwin and Eleanor were drawn to each other. Yet, neither was sure of the other’s feeling. Navigating this uncertainty over a long distance provides a main obstacle in the first part of the book. Have you ever tried to ignite and/or maintain a long distance relationship?

• Sibling relationships strengthened the bond between Eleanor and Helen at a time of strife and uncertainty. Discuss the Brotherly Adoration society they formed and how this played out over the course of the story.

• What guided Eleanor’s decision to burn Erwin’s letter before she left Norman?

• Discuss Eleanor’s relationship to her Mama. In what ways does Mama’s influence and experience shape Eleanor’s worldview?

• Why do you think Erwin, who proves himself to be a very cautious type, is drawn to dangerous and volatile chemical substances?

• Eleanor finds herself the victim of other’s expectations/desires, including Mr. Carpenter, Harrison and Papa. Discuss the limited roles of women in that era, and how Eleanor tries to find her way.

• Discuss Erwin and Eleanor’s use of poetry/literature as a touchstone. Do you share this characteristic? Could you relate to any of the works they referenced?

• What drives the differences between Helen and Peggy’s hopes surrounding Erwin’s future?

• Discuss the many side characters: Alice, Elise, Thelma, Sallie, Lochte, Mrs. Parmelee -- Which are your favorites? Who would you like to hear more about?

• What do you think the next chapter of Erwin and Eleanor’s story might look like?