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[Lizzie]

Spotted: Book Club’s debut brought twists, turns, and a killer ending—Rock Paper Scissors is in the books. Next up: The Nightingale. Two sisters. One war. And a story that just might break us. Love, loss, and quiet rebellion await—bring tissues.
XOXO, Command + Option + Read

[Rachel]

The Nightingale Book Club Questions
(may contain spoilers so read at your own discretion or after finishing the book)

1. Though sisters, Isabelle and Vianne react to conflict and war in very different ways. Do you identify more with Isabelle’s impetuous yet brave approach or Vianne’s quiet strength?

2. When Christophe meets Isabelle, he scoffs at the idea that a woman can be a hero. How do the women in this book show heroism? Which men in this book would you describe as heroes, too?

3. When Isabelle is leaving Paris with the refugees, they “[shove] her forward, until she had no choice but to stumble along with them.” In what aspects do the characters in this book go along with the actions and beliefs of those around them, and in what ways do they go against the crowd?

4. Isabelle wonders, “Why is it so easy for men in the world to do as they wanted and so difficult for women?” Times have changed in terms of gender equality since the 1940s, but do you think this still rings true in our world today?

5. As she lives with and learns more about Captain Beck, Vianne is torn between many emotions, including sympathy. Did you also find yourself feeling more sympathetic towards Beck as the novel progressed?

6. Vianne tells Isabelle, “[…] You’re so strong and I’m not.” Do you agree with her? In what ways is each sister both strong and weak?

7. After her friend and neighbor, Rachel, is taken away, Vianne takes in Rachel’s young son, Ari, giving him a new identity as Daniel Mauriac, and forcing him to forget his old life. Is this unfair or justified given the danger he would face otherwise?

8. When members of Rachel’s extended family are later found in America, Vianne is forced to give up Ari/Daniel so he can reunite with his relatives. Do you think this is what Rachel would have wanted?

9. Isabelle’s father sacrifices his own life to save her. She realizes that he is “trying to make it up to her, asking for forgiveness and seeking redemption all at once.” In your opinion, did this act accomplish that?

10. What was your reaction to the final scene between the two sisters, and to finally discovering the identity of the story’s narrator? Was it in line with your expectations, or were you taken by surprise

XOXO, Command + Option + Read

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[Lizzie]

✨ Book Club Update ✨

Command Option Read just wrapped up an unforgettable discussion of The Nightingale—yes, we cried, yes, we gasped, and yes, we’re still thinking about it.

Now, we’re ready to turn the page to something that brings a little more light into our literary lives. Our next read is Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez—an uplifting, witty, and heartwarming story with just the right dash of charm to carry us into summer.

Summer’s here, and so are we—books in hand, sunglasses on, and absolutely ready to read. Let the sunshine in and the hot takes begin. ☀️📚😎

xoxo,
Command Option Read