THE DEATH ROW CLUB: READING GUIDE QUESTIONS

Many of the club members are shaped by their childhood experiences. Which character seems the most profoundly impacted by their parent’s crimes? What aspects of their personality or behavior led you to that conclusion?

At the beginning of the novel, Nicola is ostracized for her father’s crimes and her alleged involvement. Do you think the elementary school was justified in firing her? As a parent, would you feel comfortable having Nicola teach your child?

Greer upends Nicola’s life during the filming of her television show. What ethical responsibilities do you think production crews have to their subjects? Do you think Nicola should have forgiven Greer for her actions?

While most of the club members distance themselves from their parents, others—such as Greer and Zach—choose not to. If someone close to you were convicted of a serious crime, would you maintain a relationship with them or cut ties? How severe would the crime need to be for you to walk away?

The novel offers limited details about the crimes committed by the club members’ parents. Why do you think the author chose to withhold those specifics?

Ros keeps her past, specifically her serial killer father, a secret from her husband and children. Do you believe people have the right to keep parts of themselves hidden from those they love? Under what circumstances, if any, are they morally obligated to disclose the truth?

Kemy and Zach present opposing arguments about the death penalty. Whose position did you find more compelling? Did any character in the novel challenge or change your perspective on capital punishment?

Steffani chooses not to report her abductor to the police. Do you think this was the right decision, or did she have an obligation to come forward? To what extent, if any, is she accountable for the murders that followed?

Greer suggests that Ros has rewritten her childhood memories to include warning signs about her father. Where else in the novel do characters rewrite or reinterpret their pasts? Do you see this revision as protective, harmful, or something in between?

Greer and Nicola end the novel with what appears to be a happy future together. Do you believe their relationship is built to last, or do their personal histories suggest an inevitable breakup?