Heartwood

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your overall impression of the characterization in this novel? Which of the characters resonated with you most, and why?

2. Which elements of this novel’s plot were the most enjoyable for you, and why?

3. Have you read Amity Gaige’s prior novels, such as The Sea Wife? If so, what similarities—shared interests, stylistic parallels, etc.—can you find in the two works? If not, what book would you compare this one to, and why?

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

1. How did you respond to the novel’s depiction of complex family dynamics? Did the characters’ experiences strike you as realistic?

2. Discuss Valerie and Gregory’s views on marriage and partnership. How do your own views compare or contrast with theirs?

3. Do you think that Valerie’s experiences while lost in the woods are relatable? What might you have done in her situation?

4. Santos’s character speaks to contemporary conversations about race and class in outdoor activities. Have you ever felt excluded from an interest or hobby you are passionate about? How did you handle that situation?

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

1. Consider the novel’s depiction of mental illness. Does its portrayal align with what you know about this subject, particularly regarding the relationship between mental illness and violence? How do representations of mental illness shape the way society treats individuals with these conditions?

2. Discuss this book’s gender politics. How does the author depict female characters, and what does that depiction say about the state of feminism and equality in contemporary societies?

3. Compare this book to others, like Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, that depict thru-hikes. What themes do the books share, and what do they reveal about how society views nature and the wilderness?

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

1. What is the impact of Valerie’s journal entries on the narrative? How does it add to the book’s suspense and shape the reader’s view of the various characters?

2. Alongside its depiction of the wilderness’s dangers, the novel depicts various human threats that hikers may encounter, from kidnapping to prejudice. Why might the novel highlight these instances of humans harming one another?

3. Consider the similarities and differences among the novel’s three main characters (Bev, Valerie, and Lena). How does intertwining these women’s stories lead the reader to a better understanding of each as an individual?

4. Valerie’s nickname, “Sparrow,” is part of a bird motif that runs throughout the narrative. How does the imagery of birds contribute to the novel’s exploration of nature (or any other key concerns)?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Whom would you cast in a film adaptation of this novel, and why?

2. Create a playlist that captures the mood or themes of the book. Which songs might you choose to represent each of the novel’s key characters?

3. Imagine a sequel or continuation of this story. What would Valerie, Lena, or Bev do next in their lives?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.