We've pulled together a few fabulous questions to kick off your discussion or contemplation of The Vicious Circle by Katherine St. John. Careful, though: There are spoilers below!
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The Vicious Circle
by Katherine St. John
- If Sveta weren’t going through a rocky time with her fiancée, Chase, would she have been so eager to head to Mexico? Do rocky patches in life make humans more receptive to unusual opportunities? Is this true for most people, or just certain types of personalities? If the latter, then what types of personalities do you think are more likely to opt into such experiences?
- So much of the novel has to do with appearances — what they afford, what it means and takes to keep them up, what they hide. Which appearance in the novel do you think constitutes the most devastating false facade? And the most fascinating? Why?
- Spirituality as a business is a concept we are quite familiar with nowadays. One of the many challenges facing wellness professionals is keeping the work and offerings authentic while also adhering to the spiritual tenets of their work. Do you think Paul managed to do this in his version of Xanadu? What is it about wellness philosophically that can sometimes open a door to something more, shall we say, all-encompassing? Stepping back, do you think business and spirituality can truly coexist?
- The Vicious Circle shines a light on cults and so much of the darkness within them. Why do you think we are as a culture typically fascinated by cults? What do you think are some of the best depictions of cults in pop culture?
- Sveta’s history with Lucas can serve as a foundation to her deeper trust of him — as much as it could serve as a hindrance to trusting him. Are you surprised at the evolution of their relationship throughout the events that happen during their time in Mexico? Were you surprised at the state of their relationship at the novel’s conclusion? Why or why not?