Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your initial reaction to the novel’s unique blend of humor, political commentary, and scientific reality? How well did you think these worked together?

2. The novel’s title is a direct allusion to Gabriel García Márquez’s story “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings.” How did this connection shape your understanding of Pepper’s experience?

3. How did you feel about the book’s ending, with Pepper becoming an “abortion fairy”? Did this feel like a satisfying and believable conclusion?

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

1. Pepper’s story begins with her children taking her license and moving her into Vista View, initiating the theme of Dismissal of Elder People’s Agency. Think about the conversations surrounding aging and independence in your own life or community. How did the book’s portrayal of this dynamic resonate with your observations?

2. Moth’s past trauma with Louisa’s death deeply influences his reaction to Pepper’s pregnancy, putting him in direct conflict with her wishes. Think about a time when someone’s personal history has strongly shaped their perspective on a current situation. How do we navigate those moments when our loved ones’ pasts collide with our present choices?

3. In the face of Pepper’s news, her children react in very different ways. Did you find yourself identifying more with Alice, Darcy, or Max? Why?

4. Father Frank suggests that the answer to “Why me?” might simply be, “You’re just fucking lucky, I guess” (213). Has there ever been a time when you’ve had to accept a strange or difficult situation without a clear explanation? How do you find peace with life’s unanswerable questions?

5. Pepper’s definition of being “pro-life” evolves to mean protecting the full, lived life of an existing person, like her granddaughter Lola. What does “pro-life” mean to you?

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

1. The “abortion trafficking” laws in the book are based on real ordinances in Texas. Consider how laws such as these differ from state to state. How does this variation impact how people navigate difficult personal medical decisions?

2. Pepper’s body becomes a battleground for activists and corporations, illustrating The Politicization of the Female Body. Where else in society today do you see individuals’ bodies or personal choices being turned into public or political symbols?

3. What does the novel suggest about the unforeseen consequences of medical advancements? Considering Protocol 183 was based on an experimental trial from the 1980s, who do you think bears the responsibility for its long-term, unexpected side effects?

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

1. In what ways do the antagonists Dr. Blankman and the deputy, “Mr. Sir,” represent different facets of the opposition Pepper faces?

2. Describe Pepper’s narrative voice. How does her first-person perspective shape the reader’s understanding of the events? How might the story have felt different if it were told from the perspective of Moth or one of her children?

3. Examine food’s consistent presence in the novel, from the terrible meals served at Vista View to the cookies Father Frank delivers. What does it symbolize?

4. If you’ve read Laurie Frankel’s other work, like This Is How It Always Is, how would you compare the ways she portrays the intersection of private family life and public scrutiny? What are the signature elements of her storytelling?

5. The community at Vista View forms a powerful “found family.” What role do friends like Maisie and Dot play in the story that Pepper’s biological family cannot?

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

1. In what ways do the antagonists Dr. Blankman and the deputy, “Mr. Sir,” represent different facets of the opposition Pepper faces?

2. Describe Pepper’s narrative voice. How does her first-person perspective shape the reader’s understanding of the events? How might the story have felt different if it were told from the perspective of Moth or one of her children?

3. Examine food’s consistent presence in the novel, from the terrible meals served at Vista View to the cookies Father Frank delivers. What does it symbolize?

4. If you’ve read Laurie Frankel’s other work, like This Is How It Always Is, how would you compare the ways she portrays the intersection of private family life and public scrutiny? What are the signature elements of her storytelling?

5. The community at Vista View forms a powerful “found family.” What role do friends like Maisie and Dot play in the story that Pepper’s biological family cannot?