Call It What You Want

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your favorite part of the book? What event—positive or negative—stood out the most, and why?

2. Did the book’s ending, which emphasizes Sloane’s self-love over a romantic reunion, feel satisfying to you? If not, what ending would you have liked to see?

3. Did you find the characters relatable? Which, if any, did you identify with most?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Sloane tries to understand Ethan’s trauma, believing her love can be a healing force. Have you ever tried to help someone overcome a painful past experience? How did it go?

2. Lauren often acts as a voice of reason, offering Sloane direct advice and a pragmatic perspective on Ethan’s behavior. Have you ever been the “Lauren” for a friend, or had a “Lauren” in your own life?

3. Have you ever had a painful breakup? Why was the relationship hard to let go?

4. In some ways, Sloane is very confident, but in other ways, she’s insecure. Have you ever felt this way? How did you overcome your insecurity?

5. Sloane’s writing helps her come to terms with her heartbreak. Do you have a creative outlet that helps you deal with emotional struggles? How does it change your relationship to the painful experience?

6. How do the characters’ experiences in college and job hunting compare with your own? Did you face the same challenges, or were they different?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The term “situationship” is central to the novel’s exploration of modern romance. Why do you think these undefined relationships have become more common, and what does the book suggest are their consequences?

2. In your opinion, has dating culture gotten worse or better over time? Is it easier or harder to meet someone and form a relationship? How might this change?

3. Does the novel’s portrayal of Sloane’s desire to “fix” the emotionally damaged Ethan fit in with traditional gender dynamics in heterosexual relationships? How does the novel comment on heteronormative gender expectations?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The story alternates between Sloane’s and Ethan’s first-person perspectives. How did having access to Ethan’s internal thoughts, particularly his self-awareness about his trauma, affect your judgment of his actions toward Sloane?

2. Romances often use coincidence as a catalyst for interactions between the main characters. What coincidences brought Sloane and Ethan together at different points in the novel? Did these coincidences seem realistic? Why or why not?

3. What role do animals play in the novel? How do they serve as counterparts or alternatives to people?

4. How do the supporting characters highlight the flaws in Sloane and Ethan’s relationship? Why don’t Sloane and Ethan listen to their advice?

5. The novel’s plot is built on a cyclical pattern of connection, withdrawal, breakup, and reconciliation. How does this structure mirror Sloane’s character development? When does the pattern finally change?

6. As a work of New Adult fiction, Call It What You Want focuses on post-college life and identity formation. Does the novel’s resolution, which prioritizes Sloane’s self-worth over a traditional romantic pairing, seem in keeping with today’s values? Why do you think this choice was made?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to write an open letter about a formative experience in your life, what would its title be and what message would you want to share?

2. Imagine you are Sloane’s editor, Annie. After the final, definitive breakup, what article or blog series would you assign Sloane to help her process the experience and continue building her platform?

3. The epilogue offers a brief glimpse of the characters nine months after the breakup. What do you imagine Sloane’s and Ethan’s lives will look like five years after Graham and Emily’s wedding?