Book Club Questions for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here.

Book club questions for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul explore a mesmerizing journey through the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood, intertwined with the irresistible allure of modern-day showbiz.

Picture this: Kitty Karr Tate, a White icon of the silver screen, leaves her massive estate to the St. John sisters—three young, wealthy Black women. Talk about a plot twist! This unexpected turn of events raises so many questions that we simply can’t wait to explore together.

Elise St. John, one of the sisters and a celebrity in her own right, finds herself knee-deep in sorting out Kitty’s affairs. But what she discovers in Kitty’s journals turns her world upside down. We’re talking scandal, family ties, debts owed, and even debatable crimes. Whoa, right?

Throughout our discussion, we’ll delve into the tangled secrets of Kitty’s rise to stardom, shining a light on the unexpected connections and challenges faced by the St. John sisters and those closest to them. And while we’re uncovering these hidden truths, we’ll also have the chance to reflect on our own choices and the power of secrets in our lives. It’s a journey of self-discovery that we can all relate to on some level.

So, grab your coziest blanket, make yourself a hot cup of cocoa (or your beverage of choice), and join me as we unravel the mysteries and dive deep into the world of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

Together, we’ll explore the complexities of family, race, and gender, while discussing the thought-provoking book club questions that will leave us with so much to ponder. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the pages of this incredible book!

The Synopsis

A multigenerational saga that traverses the glamour of old Hollywood and the seductive draw of modern-day showbiz

When Kitty Karr Tate, a White icon of the silver screen, dies and bequeaths her multimillion-dollar estate to the St. John sisters, three young, wealthy Black women, it prompts questions. Lots of questions.

A celebrity in her own right, Elise St. John would rather focus on sorting out Kitty’s affairs than deal with the press. But what she discovers in one of Kitty’s journals rocks her world harder than any other brewing scandal could―and between a cheating fiancé and the fallout from a controversial social media post, there are plenty.

The truth behind Kitty’s ascent to stardom from her beginnings in the segregated South threatens to expose a web of unexpected family ties, debts owed, and debatable crimes that could, with one pull, unravel the all-American fabric of the St. John sisters and those closest to them.

As Elise digs deeper into Kitty’s past, she must also turn the lens upon herself, confronting the gifts and burdens of her own choices and the power that the secrets of the dead hold over the living. Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is a sprawling page-turner set against the backdrop of the Hollywood machine, an insightful and nuanced look at the inheritances of family, race, and gender―and the choices some women make to break free of them.

About the Author

Crystal Smith Paul is an accomplished writer, drawing upon over a decade of experience in digital editorial and e-commerce writing and marketing. Her debut novel is a poignant multigenerational saga that explores the lasting effects of racism on American families. Inspired by her own upbringing in the South and her time at a historically black college, Crystal’s book delves into the complexities of race, colorism, and social justice.

With a Master’s degree in Journalism from New York University, Crystal has made her mark in the digital media landscape, with her writing featured in esteemed publications such as Salon, Jezebel, and The Huffington Post. Her insightful storytelling sheds light on the deep-rooted impact of racial violence and its ability to fracture families, as well as the intricacies of colorism within family relationships.

Currently based in Los Angeles, Crystal works in e-commerce marketing for wellness and beauty brands, while she continues to pursue her passion for writing. Her love for staying connected to pop culture, dining, and German Shepherd dogs adds vibrancy to her life. As she works on her second novel, eagerly anticipated to be published by Holt, we can’t wait to embark on another captivating literary journey crafted by this talented author.

Book Club Questions for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

I hope you and your book club will enjoy my discussion reading guide for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul.✨

The book explores the theme of family inheritances, both literal and metaphorical. How do the St. John sisters’ lives and identities change when they inherit Kitty Karr’s multimillion-dollar estate? How does the concept of inheritance shape their relationships with each other and the world around them?
Kitty Karr’s rise to stardom from the segregated South is a central aspect of the story. How does the historical context of racial discrimination and segregation impact Kitty’s journey? In what ways does her success challenge societal norms and expectations? Discuss the complexities of racial identity and the experiences of Black individuals in the entertainment industry during that time.
Elise St. John, a celebrity herself, faces various personal challenges throughout the book, including a cheating fiancé and a controversial social media post. How do these external pressures influence her exploration of Kitty’s past and her own self-discovery? How does she navigate the intersection of fame, personal relationships, and the pursuit of truth?
The book features dual timelines, with one focusing on Kitty Karr’s rise to stardom in Hollywood and the other centered around Elise St. John in the present day. How does the use of multiple perspectives and timelines enhance your understanding of Kitty’s past and its impact on Elise’s present? Discuss the parallels and contrasts between the two timelines and how they contribute to the overall narrative.
Discuss the theme of inheritance and its various forms in the novel. How do the characters navigate the legacies they have been given, whether it’s wealth, fame, or family ties? In what ways does inheritance shape their identities and choices?
How did the author’s narrative structure and storytelling techniques contribute to your overall engagement with the book? Did they effectively convey the intended messages or create a unique reading experience?
The author portrays strong and resilient female characters throughout the book. Discuss the role of women in the story and their agency in shaping their own destinies. How do the characters challenge traditional gender roles and expectations? Explore the relationships between mothers and daughters, sisters, and female friendships in the book.
Kitty Karr’s decision to leave her entire fortune to the St. John sisters sparks curiosity and raises questions about race and privilege. How does the revelation of Kitty’s hidden past challenge societal norms and expectations? Explore the complexities of racial identity, passing, and the choices Kitty made to achieve success. How does her story shed light on the experiences of Black individuals in the entertainment industry during that time?
The book addresses the issues of racism, colorism, and sexism throughout different time periods. How do these themes manifest in the lives of the characters? Discuss specific instances or events that highlight the impact of systemic oppression and discrimination. How does the book challenge and provoke discussions about social justice and equality?
Hazel, a young Black woman in the Jim Crow-era North Carolina, faces various challenges and experiences loss, while Kitty navigates the glamorous but often deceptive world of Hollywood. Compare and contrast the journeys of these two characters. How does their resilience in the face of adversity reflect the strength and determination of marginalized communities? Discuss the significance of their stories within the larger themes of race, identity, and social justice.
Elise St. John, a modern-day celebrity, is caught up in scandals and controversies while trying to uncover the truth about Kitty’s past. How do her personal struggles and conflicts reflect the larger themes of power, privilege, and the pursuit of authenticity? Discuss the choices Elise makes and the consequences they have on her relationships and self-discovery.
The book examines the inheritances of family, race, and gender. Discuss the complexities and tensions that arise from navigating societal expectations, familial legacies, and personal desires. How do the characters challenge or conform to these inheritances?
How does the revelation of Kitty Karr’s hidden past impact Elise St. John and her perception of her own choices? Discuss the significance of uncovering secrets and the power they hold over the characters.
Reflecting on the portrayal of strong female characters, such as Kitty, Elise, and Hazel, what messages does the book convey about women’s resilience, agency, and the pursuit of their own dreams? Discuss the importance of female relationships and the ways in which they support and shape the characters’ journeys.
Secrets play a significant role in the narrative, with Kitty’s journals holding key revelations. Discuss the theme of secrets and their impact on the characters’ lives. How do secrets shape their decisions and relationships? Explore the idea of the power that secrets of the deceased hold over the living.
The Hollywood machine serves as a compelling backdrop to the story. How does the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood contrast with the realities faced by the characters? Discuss the portrayal of the entertainment industry and its influence on the characters’ lives and aspirations.
Throughout the book, characters are confronted with choices that have far-reaching consequences. Reflect on the characters’ choices and their motivations. What do these choices reveal about their desires, fears, and personal growth? How do these choices contribute to the overarching themes of breaking free from societal expectations?
The story tackles the concept of personal and collective truth. How do the characters grapple with their own truths and the truth of Kitty’s past? Explore the idea of confronting the past and the impact it has on shaping one’s present and future.
Reflecting on the book as a whole, what do you think Crystal Smith Paul is trying to convey about the human experience, particularly in relation to family, race, and gender? How does the book prompt us to examine our own choices and the inheritances we carry? Discuss the potential for personal growth, reconciliation, and breaking free from societal constraints as depicted in the book.
Reflect on the book’s ending and its implications. Did it leave you with any lingering questions or unresolved ideas? How did the conclusion tie together the various narrative threads and themes, and did it satisfy your expectations as a reader?

Selected Reviews for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

“Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is an intoxicating and seductive debut, drawing you into an underground Hollywood world that is as glamorous as it is dangerous. Kitty Karr is an iconoclastic, complicated, and fascinating woman, whose legacy is as relevant as ever today. Crystal Smith Paul is a thrilling new voice in fiction and I cannot wait to see what she does next.”
―Taylor Jenkins Reid

“An engrossing saga, Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? explores the heartbreaking sacrifices that one woman must make in order to succeed in the Golden Age of Hollywood―and the way in which her difficult choices echo throughout later generations. Crystal Smith Paul’s debut about family, celebrity, and racism―both historic and modern―captivates.”
―Marie Benedict

“Paul’s debut is a riveting, often heartbreaking tale that explores race, privilege, and celebrity in America through the eyes of a one-of-a-kind character. Readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Piper Huguley will be enthralled.”
―Booklist, starred review

Additional Recommendations

Hope you enjoyed my book club discussion questions and reading guide for Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul!

Here are some more of my book club recommendations:

Summer Island by Kristin Hannah

Years ago, Nora Bridge walked out on her marriage and left her daughters behind. She has since become a famous radio talk-show host and newspaper columnist beloved for her moral advice. Her youngest daughter, Ruby, is a struggling comedienne who uses her famous mother as fuel for her bitter, cynical humor. When the tabloids unearth a scandalous secret from Nora’s past, their estrangement suddenly becomes dramatic: Nora is injured in an accident and a glossy magazine offers Ruby a fortune to write a tell-all about her mother. Under false pretenses, Ruby returns home to take care of the woman she hasn’t spoken to for almost a decade.

Nora insists they retreat to Summer Island in the San Juans, to the lovely old house on the water where Ruby grew up, a place filled with childhood memories of love and joy and belonging. There Ruby is also reunited with her first love and his brother. Once, the three of them had been best friends, inseparable. Until the summer that Nora had left and everyone’s hearts had been broken. . . .

What began as an expose evolves, as Ruby writes, into an exploration of her family’s past. Nora is not the woman Ruby has hated all these years. Witty, wise, and vulnerable, she is desperate to reconcile with her daughter. As the magazine deadline draws near and Ruby finishes what has begun to seem to her an act of brutal betrayal, she is forced to grow up and at last to look at her mother–and herself–through the eyes of a woman. And she must, finally, allow herself to love.

Summer Island is a beautiful novel, funny, tender, sad, and ultimately triumphant

The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey

From the acclaimed author of The Girls of Ennismore comes a captivating and extraordinary tale of perseverance and bravery. This touching saga of sisterhood—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis and Marie Benedict—follows two young Irish women yearning for independence and adventure, as they set sail on RMS Titanic—the “ship of dreams”—only to be faced with the tragedy of that fabled maiden voyage…

Delia Sweeney has always been unlike her older sister–fair and delicate compared to tall, statuesque Nora, whose hair is as dark as Donegal turf. In other ways too, the sisters are leagues apart. Nora is her mother’s darling, favored at every turn, and expected to marry into wealth. Delia, constantly slighted, finds a measure of happiness helping her da on the farm. The rest of the time, she reads about far-off places that seem sure to remain a fantasy. Until the day a letter arrives from America . . .

A distant relative has provided the means for Delia and Nora to go to New York. Delia will be a lowly maid in a modest household, while Nora will be governess for a well-to-do family. In Queenstown, Cork, they board the Titanic, a majestic new ocean liner making its maiden voyage. Any hope Delia carried that she and her sister might become closer during the trip soon vanishes. For there are far greater perils to contend with as the ship makes its way across the Atlantic . . .

In the wake of that fateful journey, Delia makes an impulsive choice–and takes Nora’s place as governess. Her decision sparks an adventure that leads her from Fifth Avenue to Dallas, Texas, where oilfields bring unimagined riches to some, despair to others. Delia grows close to her vulnerable young charge, and to the girl’s father. But her deception will have repercussions impossible to foresee, even as it brings happiness within reach for the first time . . .

The Forgiving Kind by Donna Everhart

For twelve-year-old Martha “Sonny” Creech, there is no place more beautiful than her family’s cotton farm. She, her two brothers, and her parents work hard on their land—hoeing, planting, picking—but only Sonny loves the rich, dark earth the way her father does. When a tragic accident claims his life, her stricken family struggles to fend off ruin—until their rich, reclusive neighbor offers to help finance that year’s cotton crop.

Sonny is dismayed when her mama accepts Frank Fowler’s offer; even more so when Sonny’s best friend, Daniel, points out that the man has ulterior motives. Sonny has a talent for divining water—an ability she shared with her father and earns her the hated nickname “water witch” in school. But uncanny as that skill may be, it won’t be enough to offset Mr. Fowler’s disturbing influence in her world.

Even her bond with Daniel begins to collapse under the weight of Mr. Fowler’s bigoted taunts. Though she tries to bury her misgivings for the sake of her mama’s happiness, Sonny doesn’t need a willow branch to divine that a reckoning is coming, bringing with it heartache, violence—and perhaps, a fitting and surprising measure of justice.

Thank you for reading my book club discussion questions and as always, happy reading! ❤️