Like Mother, Like Mother Book Club Questions

Like Mother Like Mother by Susan Rieger was published on October 29, 2024, and it captured my attention from the first chapter. As I was reading, it quickly became evident that the story was perfect for any book club, so I began compiling the Like Mother, Like Mother book club questions below.

Like Mother, Like Mother Book Club Questions

I know that the nonlinear nature of this multi-generational story can be difficult for some to consume, but I think that very plot device is what elevates this book from other family sagas. I wanted to create this list of questions to help guide your book club’s discussion of the many themes found in this story. You might also find Jackie’s list of universal Book Club Questions helpful.

If you need a recap of the book before your book club, feel free to head over to my post summary of Like Mother, Like Mother. There you will find important details to help jog your memory.

Like Mother, Like Mother Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide

  1. How did Lila’s childhood affect how she parents her daughters?
  2. Why was Grace so interested in documenting her mother as a child?
  3. Did you get the Tara reference? (Gone with the Wind) What other literary references did you pick up on?
  4. The author mentioned that she quoted or paraphrased from many authors while writing the book. Did you recognize any quotes while reading?
  5. Do you think Lena and Joe’s class differences played a role in their relationship?
  6. Joe was the main parent in a time when fathers weren’t as hands-on – Do you think Lila and Joe’s arrangement would seem out of place in today’s society?
  7. Why was Josh’s storyline so important to the story? Do you think he loved Grace?
  8. Why is Ruth such a good foil for Grace?
  9. Did you connect with any of the main characters? Who and why?
  10. Grace isn’t particularly close with the Starbirds, is that why she is so drawn to Ruth?
  11. Lila, Grace, and Zelda all have a deep drive to succeed in their chosen professions. Do you think that stems from their abuse and/or abandonment?
  12. Would you listen to Elephant Memories?
  13. Lila was a celebrated journalist. Why didn’t she try to hunt down Zelda? Why task Grace with it posthumously?
  14. Ruth and Clara both find hidden relatives via a DNA test. How do their stories parallel and how do they diverge?
  15. Have you ever done a DNA test? If not, would you ever do it after reading this book?
  16. The story is about generational trauma and its cycle. Do you think Grace will break the cycle of distant parenting?
  17. Do you believe Zelda loved her original children?
  18. Were you surprised by Zelda’s lack of remorse? Why or why not?
  19. Having a second family is often associated with something men do. Were you surprised that Zelda did that? Did you have a different reaction than you would have if a man in a novel had a second family? Why is that?
  20. Aldo lied the entire time, cutting off contact with Clara when she uncovered the truth. Did that surprise you? Why do you think he kept the secret?
  21. The book ends with Grace saying, They did the best they could. Do you believe that Zelda and Lila actually did the best they could?
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If you cannot remember character names or what happened in the plot, head over the my post: Summary of Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger. In this post, you will find everything you need to refresh your memory before your Like Mother, Like Mother Book Club.

If you are hosting a Like Mother, Like Mother Book Club at your house, there are some things you can do to elevate the book club:

  • Consider playing an ice-breaker game by taking turns being on a faux Elephant Memories podcast episode and sharing a story about your grandmother.
  • Make your food choices easy – Lila would approve of take-out!
  • Consider having an old black-and-white film on the TV on mute.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Women by Kristin Hannah

Is Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger a good pick for my book club?

Absolutely. Your book club will have plenty to discuss with Like Mother, Like Mother. From the nonlinear story format to the character development, this family saga was written to be dissected and discussed. Be sure to check out all of our Book Club questions for guidance.

What are other books by Susan Rieger?

Susan Rieger has written 2 other books in addition to 2024’s Like Mother, Like Mother. She also wrote The Heirs in 2017, an NPR Best Book of the Year pick, and The Divorce Papers in 2014.

Epilogue

Those are all the questions I came up with when I was reading this incredible family saga. Will you use the Like Mother, Like Mother book club questions for your next book club?

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