The Love Haters

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you react to Center’s inclusion of emotionally challenging subjects within the context of a romantic comedy? Did the comic aspects of the novel enhance or detract from its serious subject matter? Why?

2. Did you like Katie as a character? Did you find her sympathetic or relatable? Why or why not? Do you feel the same way about characters like Hutch or Cole?

3. Did you expect Katie and Hutch to overcome the barriers to their relationship presented by their jobs? Were there any points in the novel where you thought they might not end up together?

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

1. Have you ever felt the weight of impossible expectations, like the beauty standards imposed on Katie? How did you deal with these expectations?

2. Have you ever had a lie spiral out of control? What were the consequences? How did you regain control of the narrative?

3. What did you feel when you read about Rue’s illness? Do you agree with her assertion that confronting mortality makes one appreciate life more?

4. Do you or anyone you know have a sibling rivalry like Hutch and Cole? Do you think it comes from a place of love as theirs does?

5. Have you ever had to keep a secret from someone you loved for their own benefit? How did you feel about Katie hiding the truth about her relationship with Cole from Hutch?

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

1. What does this novel say about body image and societal beauty norms? How do you think Center uses Katie’s insecurities to portray a broader message?

2. How does this novel comment on heroism? What surprising or unconventional forms does heroism take? Does Center ask readers to reevaluate their understanding of who or what a hero can be?

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

1. What does George Bailey symbolize in the novel? Why do you think he is always jumping on Katie?

2. How does the setting of Key West play a role as a symbol in the novel? Would the novel be any different if it were set in another coastal community?

3. Center refers to The Love Haters as a love story “between Katie and herself” (264). Do you agree with this? How does this love story compare to others within the novel?

4. What significance does clothing have to characters like Katie, Rue, and others?

5. How does the revelation that Rue is terminally ill change the tone of the novel? Did this change your thoughts or feelings about Rue’s role in the novel?

6. How does the novel make use of romantic comedy conventions? How does it subvert or challenge these conventions? Does it push the genre in any new directions?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Write a brief chapter in which you describe Katie’s rescue of George Bailey from George Bailey’s perspective. What is the dog thinking and feeling during this frightening experience?

2. If you were Katie, would you have told Hutch about Cole’s lies? Write an interior monologue from Katie’s perspective in which you consider reasons for and against exposing Cole.

3. If you were Cole, what would you have told Sullivan to help Katie keep her job? Write a letter of recommendation in which you explain why Katie is an asset to the video-production company.