Queen of Hearts (Martin) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1. Did Zadie and Emma’s friendship through the years always make sense to you or were you ever surprised they remained such good friends?

2. We witness both Zadie and Emma in vulnerable moments over the course of the book. Did you relate to one character more than the other?

3. Which of the two women would you most want to have as a friend? And which one would you choose as your doctor, Zadie or Emma? Why?

4. Kimmery Martin’s medical background as an ER doctor helped her to bring many of the hospital scenes to life. Was there anything in this behind-the-curtain look at a working doctor’s personal life that surprised you?

5. What personality traits do you typically expect a doctor to embody? Did Zadie or Emma fit the persona of a doctor in your mind?

6. Is it common for friends to share an interest in the same man at a certain stage in their lives? Have you ever experienced any similar kind of female competition in your life?

7. What do you think Graham brought into Emma’s life that she was missing out on before their relationship? Are there any similarities you can point to between Graham and Wyatt?

8. Dr. X has a few moral transgressions during Zadie and Emma’s medical school years. Which one did you find to be most egregious?

9. Did you connect more with Zadie’s style of parenthood or with Emma’s?

10. What meaning does the title The Queen of Hearts have for you?

11. What effect did keeping such a long-buried secret from her closest friendhave on Emma?

12. How did you interpret Emma’s analysis of her actions? Were you sympathetic with her?

13. How would you personally draw the line on forgiveness when addressing betrayal in a friendship? Would you have forgiven your friend in this instance?
(Discussion Questions issued by the publisher.)

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