Book Club Discussions
Still Standing
1. Moments in your youth define your life, and things, sometimes even little ones, can mold your reactions and responses for the rest of your life. On the surface, Clara’s relationship with her first husband looks like hers was a charmed life when, in fact, she had very humble beginnings that included foster care. To look at Buck’s life, you’d think maybe his childhood was marred with strife. It was, however, not. He had two loving parents.
Book questions: Were you surprised at Clara’s backstory? Buck’s? Were you surprised to see a loving family surrounding Rogan in the end?
Reflection-Discussion questions: What is something from your upbringing that you think shaped the way you live and operate in the world today? Do you see this as something you wish to change about yourself, or it is something that makes you stronger?
2. Desmond Tutu said, “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” Forgiveness is a major theme in Still Standing. Clara runs up against it multiple times in ways that cut deep. In fact, it seems like the men in her life often require her forgiveness.
Book questions: Do you feel Clara should have forgiven Rogan? Do you feel she should have forgiven Buck? Do you feel Buck should forgive Kristy?
Reflection-Discussion questions: How do you forgive? When do you forgive? Is it okay to never forgive?
3. Motorcycle Clubs are big on a couple of things, live free and party hard are the easy ones, loyalty and brotherhood are the core.
Book questions: How do you feel about the men’s demonstration of loyalty when they’re covering their brothers’ cheating?
Reflection-Discussion questions: How do you define loyalty? In a marriage or relationship? In a friendship? With family? And what about blind loyalty? What do you do when being loyal requires you to make yourself small in some way?
4. With Clara coming from a foster home situation and Buck being part of a MC, found family is as vital as blood. In some instances, found family is stronger than blood.
Book questions: Were you surprised Clara fit in with the MC family? If so, why?
Reflection-Discussion questions: Who is your found family? How did you find them? What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done for part of your found family?
5. If you could pick one song that fits Clara and Buck’s love story, what would it be?
6. Are you a sweet or savory breakfast person? What would you want Buck to cook for you? Do you have a favorite Pop Tart flavor?
7. You’ve read Still Standing. What was your favorite part? Which was your favorite scene? Who was your favorite secondary character? Where do you see the Aces High Motorcycle Club heading next?