Still Me, by JoJo Moyes

Characters

Louisa Clark Mother Father Grandfather Sister – Katrina “Treena” Thom – Treena’s son Edwina “Eddie” – Treena’s love interest Sam Fielding – new boyfriend, paramedic Donna – old partner Katie Ingram – new partner Will Traynor – patient she cared her in past (from novel Me Before You) Camilla – mother Lily - daughter Joshua William Ryan III

Mr. Gopnik Agnes Gopnik – second wife Zofia – daughter in Poland Kathryn – first wife, “The Big Purple” Tabitha – daughter to first wife, “Tab” Greg – son to first wife Michael – Mr. Gopnik’s assistant Nathan – physical therapist Ilaria – housekeeper, made meals no one liked George – Agnes’ trainer Garry – chauffer Steven - artist The Lavery: Ashok – doorman Meena - wife Mrs. Margo DeWitt – tenant Frank Weber – son, wife Laynie Vincent Weber - grandson Dean Martin – dog Vintage Emporium Lydia

 For Discussion

NOTE: I am reading a pre-publication copy of this novel, so the quotes are only referenced to the chapter they are from.

1. Toward the end of Chapter Four at the Stager Charitable Foundation Dinner where everyone was dressed beautifully, Louisa thought that they did not have any “fun” with their wardrobes.   Also, from her background she had the idea that to spend too much attention on yourself and how you looked showed an “unhealthy interest in yourself.”   She also thought that the women, “looked as if they made appearance a full-time job.”  Where is the happy medium?
2. When Agnes discovered her dress was not appropriate for the dinner, Louisa told her to “style it out” and “own it” (Chapter Five).  Was this good advice?
3. In Chapter Six, were you surprised that Agnes’ friends changed and seemed to resent her for helping them?  Why do you think they felt this way?
4. Also, in Chapter Six, when Louise was telling Sam about the event she commented that the people there didn’t seem to notice or appreciate the decorations and no one ate their dessert.   Why?
5. In Chapter 15, Louisa thinks about how we see people wearing uniforms and how that takes away their individually.   Did you ever wear a uniform in your job?  Do you agree with this assessment?
6. What differences between wealthy and “regular” people were described in the novel?  Do you agree?
7. Would you like to have someone like Louisa to see to your every need?
8. In Chapter 16 Louisa realized that Mr. Gopnik was only interested in giving to a charity if he was seen giving.   If this is the case, it is really giving or self-promotion?
9. How difficult is it to say “Yes” to new experiences as Will advised Louise to do?  How comfortable are you with new things?
10. When Mrs. DeWitt was telling Louisa about her son, she said, “All this nonsense about women having it all. We never could and we never shall. Women always have to make the difficult choices.  But there is great consolation in simply doing something you love” (Chapter 23).   Do you agree with this statement?
11. Toward the end of the book when Louisa was trying to find Sam at the top of Rockefeller Plaza, she thought about how often she had reinvented herself and that she could do it again.  Can you relate?  How you reinvented yourself throughout your life?
12. How was your reading experience?   Did you enjoy this novel?  Were there any parts that especially spoke to you?

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