Book Club Discussion Guide for
Bend
by Kivrin Wilson

1. After such a long time being just friends, why do you think Mia suddenly decides to ask Jay if he's ever thought about having sex with her? And what did you think of Jay's reaction to it?

2. Jay and Mia are both medical professionals. What influence do you think that has on their relationship?

3. Mia is very straightforward and bold in pushing Jay to become "friends with benefits." Did you like this about her? Do you think it makes her an unusual heroine in a romance novel?

4. That shower scene! Were you surprised when Jay gave in after refusing her so stubbornly until then? Why do you think he did it?

5. How did you feel about Jay's "rules" for their relationship after it starts to include sex? Why do you think he wanted rules, and did you think it would last?

6. Jay is convinced Mia is still hung up on her ex-boyfriend, Matt, while Mia denies it. Who do you think was right?

7. The reader learns about Jay's past long before Mia does. Did this change how you felt about or understood him? Would you have felt differently if you hadn't found out about it until Mia does?

8. That car scene! What did you think of it? How did you feel about Jay lashing out at Mia afterwards?

9. How did you feel about what happened between Jay and Mia during her grandma's birthday weekend?

10. Was the revelation of Mia's grandma having cancer a shock to you? How did you feel about the way Jay was there for Mia after she found out, and do you think it would have gone differently if they were still only friends?

11. If Jay had originally expressed his feelings to Mia, would their relationship have been strong enough withstand the doubts Mia's dad put in Jay's head? Or do you think he would have still "broken up" with her?

12. Mia decides to meet with Matt and have a conversation with him for closure. Do you think that was necessary for her?

13. Do you think Jay will regret not being at his father's execution?

14. How did you feel when Jay showed up at Mia's grandma's funeral? Why do you think he did?

15. Were you expecting Jay to propose when Mia went to his hotel room?

16. Did you feel the epilogue was a satisfying conclusion to the story?