Story of My Life

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

1. Hazel’s journey is one of personal reinvention after a major life upheaval. Have you ever experienced a “fresh start” moment in your own life? How did it change you?

2. The novel emphasizes the importance of refusing to settle for less than you deserve. Can you think of a time when you settled for less? How did that turn out?

3. Community plays a huge role in Hazel’s healing process. How has community—whether through friends, family, or a place—shaped or supported you during a challenging time?

4. Cam’s fear of loss is a major obstacle in his character arc. Can you relate to the fear of losing something or someone you love? How does fear affect the way you approach relationships or new opportunities?

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

1. Hazel’s career as a romance novelist and her struggle for respect in the industry highlight ongoing debates about the value of certain genres. How does the novel reflect real-world biases against genres like romance, and what does it say about societal attitudes toward “women’s stories”?

2. The novel portrays small-town life as both charming and challenging. In what ways does Story of My Life contrast rural American communities with big cities?

3. Hazel’s personal reinvention speaks to the cultural conversation around second chances and “starting over” at any stage in life. How does the book challenge or reinforce societal expectations around success, failure, and self-worth, particularly for women over 30?

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

1. Discuss the role of Story Lake as a symbol throughout the novel. How does the setting function as more than just a backdrop for Hazel’s story?

2. Hazel’s renovation of Heart House parallels her personal transformation. How does Score use the motif of the fixer-upper house to symbolize Hazel’s journey of reinvention?

3. Cam’s internal conflict is heavily tied to trauma and fear of loss. How does Score develop Cam’s character arc to show growth from emotional isolation to vulnerable connection?

4. How does the novel both conform to and subvert traditional romance tropes such as “grumpy/sunshine,” “forced proximity,” and “miscommunication”? What effect did this have on your reading experience?