Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting

Discuss how each of the primary characters contributes to the novel’s themes of self-reinvention and finding one’s passion. What differences do you see in each character’s individual experience, and what message do their collective character arcs convey?

Explore the novel’s motifs of violating etiquette, going against convention, and rule-breaking. What norms does the novel suggest are meant to be broken, and why?

Discuss the diversity among the characters’ backgrounds in terms of upbringing (where known), career experience (if they have it), age in life, and interests. What is the significance of these commonalities and differences? What might Clare Pooley be suggesting by bringing such different people together in friendship?

The novel contains quiet commentary on several cultural trends: consumer lifestyles, celebrity, social media and related technology, and the norms of market-driven capitalism. Analyze one of these elements. How does Pooley use it to support or elaborate a larger message in the novel?

Make an argument for what Pooley’s use of irony and humor adds to the novel, using specific passages for support. What does it add that Pooley keeps a light touch on situations that could be quite painful?

Discuss the novel’s theme of Endings and New Beginnings. Compare the journey or experiences of several or all of the point-of-view characters to show what each character contributes to this theme.

Explore Iona’s role as the linchpin, advice giver, and inspiration for the novel. How is she characterized? What is her wider significance in the text?

Discuss the individual interests, goals, or passions held by the individual characters. What larger theme or message does the novel communicate in the way the characters inspire, teach, and support one another? What does the novel suggest about the nature of human connection?