Purple State

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Think about your overall reaction to the blend of romance, friendship, and politics in Purple State. Did you find the balance between these elements effective? Which aspect of the story resonated with you the most?

2. The story fits into the popular “city person finds love and a new life in a small town” narrative. How did you feel this book handled that trope? What elements made it stand out from other stories with similar premises, like the novel Part of Your World (2022) by Abby Jimenez or the movie Sweet Home Alabama?

3. Which of the three main characters’ journeys, Dot’s, Mary’s, or Harper’s, did you find most compelling? What was it about her transformation that captured your interest?

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

1. Dot, Mary, and Harper all feel stuck and unfulfilled in their New York lives at the beginning of the novel. Which character’s specific dissatisfaction did you relate to the most, and why did her situation feel familiar to you?

2. The “political gap year” (57) is a spontaneous decision that changes the course of their lives. Have you ever made an impulsive choice that led you down an unexpected path? How did that experience compare to what The Crew went through?

3. Danny’s choice to avoid social media to escape the pressure of comparison is a small but significant detail. In what ways do you see this pressure impacting your own life or the lives of those around you?

4. The bond between Dot, Mary, and Harper is central to the story. How does their supportive friendship dynamic, especially when they face challenges in Cedar Falls, compare to the important friendships in your own life?

5. The Jankowskis maintain a happy marriage despite being on opposite sides of the political spectrum. How do you approach building or maintaining relationships with people who hold different core beliefs than you do?

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

1. Purple State suggests that genuine, personal connections can bridge the national political divide. How persuasive did you find this argument in the context of today’s political climate? Where do you see this idea succeeding or failing in the real world?

2. The fight to save the Taylor farm involves real-world issues like eminent domain and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). What does the novel’s resolution of this conflict suggest about the power of local communities against powerful corporate and governmental interests?

3. The novel champions the idea that personal relationships can overcome deep political divisions, a theme also explored in very different ways in classics like Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960). How does Purple State’s optimistic vision of bipartisan friendship compare to other stories you’ve encountered that tackle societal division?

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

1. The contrast between the settings of New York City and Cedar Falls is central to the story. How does this contrast drive the personal development of the protagonists and reinforce the theme of finding an authentic identity?

2. Kitty Bell is a professional foil to Dot. In what ways do her motivations and careerist approach to politics highlight the changes in Dot’s own values and definition of success?

3. If you had to identify one character or force in the novel who is an antagonist, who would it be and why? In what way(s) does that person/force cause the protagonists to change?

4. Humor appears alongside serious subjects such as grief, sexual harassment, political hostility, and the possible loss of the Taylor farm. How effectively does the novel balance these different tones? Identify at least two specific instances of humor and discuss the impact these moments have.

5. Author Dana Perino’s background in political communications is reflected throughout the story. In which specific scenes, like the debate preparations or the viral dating profile strategy, did this insider’s perspective feel most apparent or insightful to you? How does this perspective shape the novel’s portrayal of modern political campaigns?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Dot devises a creative and successful viral campaign for Lucy Lopez. If you were hired to create a similar “out of the box” (109) strategy for a political candidate or a cause you care about, what would your idea be?

2. Imagine you are casting a film adaptation of Purple State. Who would you choose to play the six main romantic leads: Dot, Mary, Harper, Danny, Jake, and Tommy? What qualities would make them perfect for their roles?

3. The epilogue gives us a glimpse into Dot’s new life running the bookstore. What do you imagine a typical day in her life would look like one year later? What kind of events might she host at Dot’s Bookshop & Second Cup Café?