Face Off

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your initial reaction to the dynamic between Emmy and Maverick? Which phase of their journey did you find most compelling, and why?

2. The D.C. Stars function as a “found family” that provides an essential emotional anchor for the characters. How did this portrayal of team camaraderie resonate with you? If you’ve seen other sports stories, like the TV series Ted Lasso, how does the Stars’s dynamic compare?

3. Let’s talk about the ending. Did you find the “one year later” epilogue, with its grand public proposal, a satisfying conclusion to Emmy and Maverick’s story? Why or why not?

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

1. Emmy uses negative social media comments as fuel, taping them inside her locker for motivation. Think about a time you faced criticism or doubt. How did you respond?

2. Maverick maintains a public “playboy” persona that is very different from his private, more vulnerable self. Have you ever felt the need to present a certain version of yourself to the world that differs from how you feel internally? What are the challenges of navigating that difference?

3. The concept of a “found family” is central to the novel, with both Emmy and Maverick relying on teammates and friends for support. Thinking about your own life, who makes up your “found family,” and in what ways have those relationships provided an anchor for you?

4. Emmy and Maverick’s “question of the day” game becomes a key ritual for building intimacy. What small, consistent practices have you found to be meaningful in getting to know someone, whether it’s a friend, partner, or colleague?

5. Maverick’s love for puzzles helps quiet his busy mind and allows him to focus. What is a hobby or activity that you turn to for a similar sense of calm or concentration?

6. The story shows characters balancing intense professional ambition with the desire for personal connection. How do you navigate these two areas in your own life?

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

1. The novel confronts the double standards and sexist scrutiny that female athletes often face. Where do you see these kinds of double standards playing out today, whether in professional sports or in other traditionally male-dominated fields?

2. How did knowing that the author wrote Emmy’s story before the real-life Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) was established affect your reading experience? Does Emmy’s fictional journey into the men’s league feel more like a pioneering fantasy or a reflection of real-world progress?

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

1. How did the dual-perspective narrative shape your understanding of Emmy and Maverick’s relationship? Did you find that having access to both characters’ thoughts made their conflicts and resolutions more effective?

2. What is the significance of the “question of the day” game as a central motif in the novel? How does Curto use this device to pace their emotional intimacy and reveal key aspects of their characters’ histories and vulnerabilities over time?

3. How does the symbol of the hockey jersey evolve throughout the story for Emmy? Point to specific moments in the text.

4. In what ways do supporting characters like the loyal Hudson and the optimistic Piper serve as foils to the more guarded protagonists? How do they help advance the central themes of found family and vulnerability?

5. The narrative contrasts Maverick’s very public reputation with his quiet, private self. How does the novel explore the gap between public perception and private identity?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel ends with Maverick and Emmy’s engagement. Imagine you are writing a short scene set five years into their future. What new challenges or triumphs might they be facing, both professionally and personally?

2. If you were to design a new tattoo for either Emmy or Maverick that represents their journey together, what would it be and where would it be placed? What makes that image a fitting symbol for their relationship?

3. Suppose you are asked to give a speech at the dedication of the Hartwell Room. What key message about Emmy’s legacy and impact on the sport would you want to share with the team and future players?