Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel is titled Into the Blue, referencing a line from Astronauticals’s intro: “Out of the black, / And into the blue” (71). Did the story’s overall tone feel more like a hopeful journey into the blue or a struggle within the black? Where did you feel the balance tipped, and did the last chapter, set in 2015, ultimately resolve this tension for you?

2. Emma Brodie’s debut novel, Songs in Ursa Major, also explores the world of creative performers. If you’ve read it, how did AJ and Noah’s journey as actors compare to the experiences of the musicians in her first book? If this was your first Brodie novel, did the focus on the artistic process make you want to read more of her work?

3. What part of the story has stayed with you the most since you finished reading?

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

1. AJ uses her sense of humor to navigate difficult situations in her personal and professional lives. What do you see as one of your greatest strengths? Share a personal story about a time this skill or trait has helped you.

2. Noah’s life is governed by a rigid “plan” designed to control his future, while AJ eventually chooses to embrace uncertainty. Do you prefer to live with or without a script? Consider sharing a story to explain your perspective.

3. Ezell writes that your “scene partner is your life” (234). Who in your life has felt like a true “scene partner,” someone with whom you shared a deep, almost psychic, collaboration?

4. The Blue Coats fandom plays a key role in the story. Have you experienced being part of a fandom in your own life? If so, has this community offered you the sense of belonging and support portrayed in the novel?

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

1. How did the novel’s depiction of Huntington’s disease affect your understanding of the personal and ethical dilemmas surrounding such conditions? Did Noah’s decisions about genetic testing and his future plans seem like a responsible way to manage his fate or a tragic attempt to control the uncontrollable?

2. How does the inclusion of the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike ground the story in a specific cultural moment and serve as a catalyst for the plot?

3. Director Em’s behavior toward AJ reflects a toxic power dynamic that has become a major topic of public conversation in recent years. In what ways does the book explore the vulnerability of young artists in a competitive industry?

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

1. How does the “Black Room” shape AJ and Noah’s bond? How does this concept of shared consciousness explore the novel’s theme of Performance as a Path to Authenticity?

2. Brodie uses Laughter & Death to articulate the novel’s philosophy. What is the author saying about art and life, and how do Ezell’s teachings guide AJ and Noah through their most difficult moments?

3. Eudora is a complex figure. Do you see her as a mentor whose harsh methods are ultimately for the best or as an antagonist driven by selfish motives? What do you believe is her primary motivation for training AJ and Noah?

4. The novel directly references Romeo and Juliet, another story of fated love. In what ways does Into the Blue update or challenge the classic “star-crossed lovers” trope for a modern audience?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. What kind of story do you imagine AJ and Noah would tell in the Into the Blue sequel they’re producing in the final chapter?

2. The final act of Fire & Water is improvised each night, allowing AJ and Noah to argue their real-life positions through their characters. If you were writing one of the 12 performances, what scenario would you create for F and W to explore, and why?