Book Club Discussion Questions for You Are Here

The cast of complicated characters in Karin Lin-Greenberg's novel You Are Here all have rich inner lives, aspirations, and leanings. Dig a little deeper into who they are and why they do what they do with the help of these book club discussion questions. Be warned: Spoilers are found in the questions below, so only proceed if you've finished the book.

1. The Greenways Mall is the novel’s primary setting. Why do you think the author chose a mall? What associations does it carry for you?
2. Did you have a favorite narrator to follow? If so, who and why?
3. Did your perspective on any of the narrators change between reading their first chapter to reading their second? If so, how? 
4. Each of the narrators is tied to the mall in some way. What does the mall represent at the beginning of the novel, and how do these associations change with the plot?
5. An act of violence completely alters the course of the novel. How did you feel when it happened? Did you expect it?
6. In the aftermath of the tragedy, several characters decide to take action in their own ways. What do you think of their responses?
7. Many of the narrators struggle with their creative expression and achieving their dreams. What are your thoughts on how their career journeys develop?
8. A major theme in this novel is community, including all the ways that, for better or for worse, the people around us shape our lives. How do you see the theme of community playing out here, and how does it change as the novel progresses?
9. One narrator is an aspiring magician. Are there any points in the story that make you believe (even a little) in magic?
10. The epilogue depicts the main cast in the future. What did you make of the decision to return to these characters again? Did the futures depicted in the epilogue differ from your own conceptions of what they would look like?

You Are Here

by Karin Lin-Greenberg

For insight into the author’s inspiration, perfect wine pairings, a delectable cake recipe and more, check out the Page & Pairing guide to You Are Here.

Questions courtesy of Counterpoint.