Summer in the City

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does Summer in the City compare to other romantic comedies? In what ways does it differ?

2. What did you enjoy most about the book? What did you like least?

3. Compare this adult debut to Alex Aster’s middle grade and young adult novels. How has she navigated the transition to more mature age categories? How has the transition to the adult genre changed her storytelling?

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

1. Elle places great importance on independence, sometimes to the detriment of her relationships. Have you ever found yourself prioritizing independence over connection? How do you strike a balance between self-reliance and vulnerability?

2. The novel explores how money can influence power dynamics, particularly in families and romantic relationships. Have you ever experienced or witnessed money being used as a tool of control? How did it affect the relationship involved?

3. Parker challenges Elle’s assumptions about him, and she is forced to re-evaluate long-held beliefs. Have you ever misjudged someone early on, only to have your perspective shift later? What made the change possible?

4. Throughout the novel, New York is a place that represents trauma and healing. Have you ever had a place that represented both a painful and a healing chapter in your life? How did your perception of that place change over time?

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

1. The novel critiques how women’s success is often undermined or attributed to the men in their lives. How does Elle’s experience with media speculation and family assumptions reflect broader societal narratives about gender and success? Do you think these issues remain prevalent today?

2. Throughout the book, wealth is shown to both empower and entrap—used to open doors but also to exert control. In what ways does the story comment on contemporary power dynamics related to economic privilege, especially in elite industries like tech and entertainment?

3. The New York City setting is central to Elle’s internal transformation. How does the portrayal of NYC accurately or inaccurately depict the stereotypes of the city? If you live in NYC or have visited it, how does it compare to the reality of the city?

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

1. Elle Leon uses her writing as a way to make sense of her emotions and past. In what ways does the act of screenwriting function as a tool for character development and thematic exploration in the novel?

2. Elle’s anonymity as a screenwriter allows her to control her narrative. How does this anonymity interact with identity, control, and autonomy? How does losing anonymity challenge or benefit her in the end?

3. Discuss how Parker Warren’s character arc complements or contrasts with Elle’s. How does his backstory complicate the reader’s perception of him, and what role does he play in the novel’s interrogation of assumptions and appearances?

4. The book frequently references “movie moments” as a motif. How does this motif serve both as a romantic ideal and a form of critique? How does Elle’s evolving view of these moments reflect her character growth?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Summer in the City is set to be adapted into a feature film by New Line Cinema. Who would your ideal castings be for the characters of Elle, Parker, Penelope, and Cali? How would your casting choices accurately reflect the characters’ personalities?

2. Imagine a sequel following the love story of Elle’s best friend Penelope. What would her love story look like? What would you hypothesize her own internal conflicts are that are keeping her from finding lasting love?

3. Outline a scene that didn’t happen in the book but you think would have fit—something that might deepen a theme or add nuance to a character’s arc. What would the setting be, who would be involved, and what purpose would the scene serve?

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