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Book club questions for Wellness by Nathan Hill explore the themes of modernity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships, encouraging us to reflect on our own beliefs, question the narratives we construct in our lives, and ponder the influence of technology in the digital age.
This was a terrific book. And it’s also Oprah’s book club pick for October 2023!
Through the course of one marriage the book examines the 21st century’s most important issues. Who are you and who do you believe? Highly recommended. For my full review of this book, click here!
What were your impressions of this novel? ✨
Wellness by Nathan Hill
In this blog post you will find thoughtfully crafted discussion questions for Wellness by Nathan Hill!
At the bottom of this post I have prepared a printable PDF with downloadable book club questions so you can use them with your book clubs, and I also have some additional suggestions for novels that share similar themes and narratives.
If you find these book club questions useful, let me know! I’m excited to hear your unique perspectives during your book club discussions!
Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations | Printable List
Summary | Ending Explained | Review
About the Story
Wellness is a novel that spans two decades in the lives of Jack and Elizabeth, a couple who meet in college and navigate the vibrant art scene of 1990s Chicago together.
Fast forward twenty years, and they find themselves married, raising a child, and facing the challenges of parenthood. Their relationship is tested by various modern phenomena, including mindfulness cults, polyamorous interests, and social media conflicts.
As they struggle to balance their past dreams with their present reality, Jack and Elizabeth embark on separate journeys to confront their individual demons. They must navigate unfulfilled ambitions, painful childhood memories, and the complexities of adult life.
In this process of self-discovery, they risk losing the most important thing in their lives: each other.
About the Author
Nathan Hill, a successful novelist, found his passion for writing during his time at the University of Iowa. Initially a biomedical engineering student, he switched to English and journalism, eventually becoming a reporter for The Daily Iowan.
Hill’s experience as a journalist influenced his novel writing. His debut book, The Nix, received critical acclaim, named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times and NPR.
The novel, exploring political protests and video games, showcased Hill’s ability to blend research and storytelling.
Following this success, his second book, Wellness, also became a bestseller and was chosen by Oprah Winfrey for her book club. Nathan’s ability to weave compelling stories has earned him recognition not just in the United States but also across the globe, with his books being translated into more than two dozen languages.
Now residing in Florida, Hill continues to write and has even met his literary idol, John Irving. His journey from a student reporter to a celebrated novelist reflects the transformative power of pursuing one’s passion.
Book Club Questions for Wellness
Disclaimer: the following discussion questions contain spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven’t finished the book yet.
- Reflect on Jack and Elizabeth’s relationship at the start of the story. How did their initial love story compare to their relationship two decades later? What pivotal events shaped their connection over the years?
- In what ways does the novel delve into the challenges faced by modern marriages? Consider the impact of technology, societal expectations, and balancing personal aspirations with family life. How do these factors affect Jack and Elizabeth’s relationship?
- Both Jack and Elizabeth embark on separate journeys of self-discovery. How do these journeys change them individually, and how do these changes influence their relationship? Discuss the significance of their personal growth in the context of their marriage.
- Hill covers a wide array of themes, including polyamory, psychology, art, and algorithms. Choose one of these themes and discuss how it added depth to the characters or the storyline. How did the exploration of this theme contribute to your understanding of the characters’ motivations?
- How did the supporting characters, such as Toby and Elizabeth’s friends, contribute to the story’s development?
- Consider the novel’s portrayal of the early 21st century. How does Hill use the characters and their experiences to comment on the state of the world during that period? Are there specific events or cultural phenomena mentioned in the book that resonated with you?
- Despite its length, Wellness is described as engaging and never overly long. What storytelling techniques did Hill use to maintain your interest throughout the 600 pages? Were there specific moments or plot twists that kept you captivated?
- Share your favorite character or scene from the book. What made this character or scene stand out to you? How did it contribute to the overall narrative?
- Discuss the emotions evoked by the novel. Did you find certain scenes particularly poignant or heartbreaking? How did the characters’ emotional journeys impact your own feelings as a reader?
- How did the story of Jack and Elizabeth make you reflect on your own relationships and life choices? Were there moments in the book that prompted you to reconsider your perspectives on love, marriage, or personal growth?
- Were there any parts of the book where you felt the pacing was too slow or too fast? Which scenes did you find particularly engaging or challenging to get through?
- If you could rewrite the ending of the book, how would you conclude Jack and Elizabeth’s story differently?
- Are there unresolved plot points or character arcs you wish had been explored further?
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? Who do you think would enjoy reading this novel?
- What do you think makes “Wellness” a unique read in the context of contemporary fiction?
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed the book club discussion questions and reading guide for Wellness by Nathan Hill!
Here are some more of my book club recommendations related to this book:
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
In this beautiful and moving novel about family, love, and growing up, Ann Patchett once again proves herself one of America’s finest writers.
In the spring of 2020, Lara’s three daughters return to the family’s orchard in Northern Michigan. While picking cherries, they beg their mother to tell them the story of Peter Duke, a famous actor with whom she shared both a stage and a romance years before at a theater company called Tom Lake.
As Lara recalls the past, her daughters examine their own lives and relationship with their mother, and are forced to reconsider the world and everything they thought they knew.
Tom Lake is a meditation on youthful love, married love, and the lives parents have led before their children were born. Both hopeful and elegiac, it explores what it means to be happy even when the world is falling apart.
As in all of her novels, Ann Patchett combines compelling narrative artistry with piercing insights into family dynamics. The result is a rich and luminous story, told with profound intelligence and emotional subtlety, that demonstrates once again why she is one of the most revered and acclaimed literary talents working today.
To read my review of this book, click here.
For my book club questions and printable reading guide for this book, click here.
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
In “Mother-Daughter Murder Night,” Lana Rubicon, a successful businesswoman, is forced to recover from illness in a quiet coastal town with her daughter Beth and granddaughter Jack.
Their peaceful stay takes a thrilling turn when Jack discovers a dead body while kayaking, turning them into amateur sleuths trying to solve the murder mystery and protect their family.
As they delve deeper into the investigation, they unearth hidden family vendettas and land disputes, ultimately learning to rely on each other in the face of danger.
To read my review of this book, click here.
For my book club questions and printable reading guide for this book, click here.
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Happiness Falls is a gripping novel that follows the harrowing journey of an Korean American family in Virginia when their father mysteriously disappears after a walk in a nearby park.
As they search for answers, they must confront their own secrets and navigate the challenges of communication, love, and human connection, all while racing against time to find their missing patriarch, with the unique perspective of their non-verbal younger brother adding complexity to their quest.
For my book club questions and printable reading guide for this book, click here.
Printable PDF
Feel free to distribute these discussion questions to your book club members before your meeting. Simply click the link below to download and print the PDF file.
Happy reading! ❤️