This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here.
Book club questions for “Her, Too” by Bonnie Kistler explore the themes of justice, revenge, and redemption in the aftermath of a brutal sexual assault.
From the very first page, I was captivated by the fearless advocate, Kelly McCann, and her quest for truth and vindication.
This post contains the book club questions for Her, Too for discussion with your book club. Let’s explore intriguing questions about the characters’ motivations, the impact of sexual assault on survivors, and the complex moral dilemmas that unfold throughout the story.
I’m excited to hear your unique perspectives during our book club discussion, and I have also attached some additional recommendations below.
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section!
About the Story
“Her, Too” follows Kelly McCann, a fiercely determined lawyer who specializes in defending men accused of sex crimes. After securing an acquittal for a prominent scientist accused of sexual assault, Kelly becomes the victim of a brutal attack herself.
Burdened by the fear of destroying her career, she decides to take matters into her own hands. With the support of her rapist’s other victims, Kelly seeks both justice and revenge. However, as they plan to turn the tables on the perpetrator, they soon discover they are not alone in facing danger.
Her, Too by Bonnie Kistler
The suspenseful journey unravels a web of deception and peril, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking climax.
About the Author
Bonnie Kistler, an esteemed former Philadelphia attorney, is also a talented author known for her works “House on Fire” and “The Cage.” Graduating with honors in English literature, magna cum laude, from Bryn Mawr College, she later pursued her law degree at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. During her time there, Bonnie excelled as a moot court champion and legal writing instructor.
Throughout her impressive legal career, she practiced in prestigious law firms, leaving a remarkable mark as a trial lawyer. Peer-rated as Distinguished for both her legal acumen and ethical standards, Bonnie achieved success in trying cases in various federal and state courts across the nation.
Currently, Bonnie and her husband reside in both Florida and the picturesque mountains of western North Carolina.
Book Club Questions for Her, Too
- Why did Kelly McCann switch sides in her law career from prosecuting sex offenders to defending them? What were the factors that influenced her decision, and were there any other options she considered pursuing?
- How might the gender of defense counsel impact the outcome of high-profile sex crime trials involving male defendants and female attorneys? Should a woman lawyer take a case solely because she was hired for her gender, and how might this influence her decision?
- Kelly’s defense of accused sex offenders sparks controversy, with some labeling her a traitor to her gender. How does the book explore the ethical dilemma of defending those accused of heinous crimes? What are your thoughts on the matter?
- Throughout the novel, Kelly’s personal life intersects with her professional choices, including her husband’s medical condition and their financial situation. How do these aspects of her life shape her decisions and actions, and what impact do they have on her character?
- The story introduces other intriguing characters like Rick Olsson and Tiffy Jenkins, who play important roles in the plot. What do you think of these supporting characters, and how do they contribute to the overall narrative?
- “Her, Too” explores themes of justice, revenge, and the impact of sexual assault on women from different walks of life. How does the author depict the various characters’ responses to trauma, and how do their experiences influence their decisions throughout the story?
- The plot is described as a fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists. Were there any moments that surprised you, or did you find certain plot developments predictable?
- Kelly’s stepdaughter, Courtney, accuses her of being a gender-traitor and complicit in her clients’ crimes. Do you think this accusation is justified, given Kelly’s change in career and her defense of individuals charged with similar offenses?
- The victims who signed non-disclosure agreements (NDA women) after being victimized by Benedict had varied motivations for doing so. Let’s explore the differences in their reasons and discuss the implications of their silence. Can they be considered complicit in any way?
- Some wives and partners of sex offenders tend to turn a blind eye or rationalize their actions. Benedict’s wife goes to extreme lengths. Let’s delve into her motivations and discuss what might drive someone to such actions.
- Kelly is deeply troubled when she discovers her 14-year-old son has been sexting with a teenaged girl. Is his behavior a result of normal adolescent curiosity, or does it reveal an attitude that objectifies girls? How can a mother raise a son who respects women and their boundaries?
- Javier, Kelly’s investigator, has a history of being a self-described ladies’ man. Do you think his behavior is a form of sexual predation, and can we trust his claim that he has changed his ways? What factors might have contributed to his transformation, such as his relationship with his feminist wife or exposure to Kelly’s clients’ behaviors?
- At the end of the novel, Kelly faces a difficult decision between breaking her silence and sacrificing her career, while Ashley chooses to remain silent. Is there a middle ground between these two choices? What would you do if you were in their positions?
- Some reviewers mentioned that parts of the book were difficult to read, particularly concerning the portrayal of sexual assault. How did the author handle this sensitive subject matter, and what impact did it have on your reading experience?
Selected Reviews for Her, Too
“[A] page-turner . . . . sharp prose and a ripped-from-the headlines premise. . . . Kistler, a former trial lawyer, brings authenticity to the proceedings . . . This burns hot.” — Publishers Weekly
“Masterful, gripping.” — BookTrib
“Her, Too is a roller coaster ride. But it also shines a spotlight on our justice system where women who have suffered a sexual assault still struggle to be heard.” — Woman Around Town
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed the book club discussion questions and reading guide for Her, Too by Bonnie Kistler!
Here are some more of my book club recommendations related to this book:
The Libyan Diversion by Joel C. Rosenberg
The world’s most wanted terrorist is dead. Marcus Ryker recommended the drone strike himself. The intelligence was rock-solid. But what if it was wrong?
Abu Nakba―the man responsible for lethal attacks in Washington, D.C., London, and Jerusalem―is finally dead. Marcus Ryker has been tasked with hunting down and destroying what’s left of the terror group Kairos.
But before Ryker can mobilize his team of CIA operatives with their new assignment, a disturbing report from Libya suggests all may not be as it seems. The U.S. bombing that should have taken out Nakba’s headquarters now appears to have been a disastrous mistake―and Ryker himself may be responsible.
With Kairos gearing up for a major retaliatory strike against the U.S., time is short, and terror cells may already be inside American borders. But Ryker won’t be able to stop this threat until he clears his own name, and his closest ally inside the White House can no longer help him.
The Libyan diversion threatens to leave Ryker on the sidelines just when his country needs him most.
Packed with action and intrigue, this thriller novel is everything Joel’s fans have come to expect.
The Promise by Nora Wolfenbarger
Someone is killing organ transplant survivors. As a boy, Silas Albert made a promise to fulfill the strange deathbed request of his grandpa. Give ‘The House of Audrey’ a heart. The problem was, the decrepit old warehouse barely had bones, let alone a heart.
Today, Silas is Chief Detective of Kansas City’s homicide unit. Under his guidance, The House of Audrey has transformed into a unique shelter for abused women, fortified with a supercomputer named Bertha, and an interesting group of ladies called The Blackbirds.
Silas has no idea how strong of a heartbeat The House of Audrey has now, until he teams up with the Blackbirds to take on a serial killer who has a deadly grudge against transplant survivors.
Will Silas and The Blackbirds be able to stop a killer who wants to rip away a person’s second chance at life?
The 7 She Saw by Elle Gray
Fourteen years ago, young Blake Wilder came home from school to find her parents brutally murdered.
As the devastated Blake frantically searched her house for her baby sister. She soon realized the young girl was missing, taken from her room.
At the age of 22, Blake joined the FBI in hopes of one day discovering the truth behind the mysteries of her own past. Through the years at the bureau, she has solved many disturbing cases.
When she is called to the small affluent town of Briar Glen, she soon finds that the idyllic seaside town is far from what it appears.
Three young women are found brutally murdered, and their bodies dumped in odd location.
Agent Wilder finds conflicting clues and similar patterns of killing from 7 years ago.
As more secrets are uncovered, Blake realizes that there is a malevolent darkness that potentially underlies everything in this place.
In Briar Glen, the shocking truth of the town will forever haunt you.
Happy reading! 📖