Coinage of Commitment: A Discussion Guide for Book Clubs and Reading Groups

Below is a discussion guide for groups wanting to examine some of the issues raised by Coinage of Commitment

How was this novel different from other love stories you have read?

How well does the book explore its stated theme of exploring love at a higher level?

Were you pleased with the intensity of the relationships described in the story? Which of them were satisfying for you? Do you think the emotional intensity described in the book can be maintained over time in real life?

Do you think that front covers sell books?

The cover was carefully composed by the author to harmonize with the tone of the story and the conflict of its characters. How well do you feel that this cover meets that objective?

Trick question: who are the characters on the cover? (hint: the answer for one of the characters may surprise you.)

Most novels explore some variation of “what if” or “the road not taken.” An example of that theme in this novel was Wayne and Nancy’s decision not to marry after they became lovers. How do you feel about their decision and how it played out?

Which character did you relate to best?

Which of the main characters did you like least?

How well did you enjoy the surprise development in the final chapter? Was it a surprise for you?

How well was the book written in terms of:
• Portrayal and vividness of the characters?
• Plot quality?
• Dialogue?
• Scene descriptions?
• Continuity and development of the story?
• Literary qualities like lyrical prose, metaphors, or voice of the writing itself?

Nancy develops a set of precepts, a kind of guide to loving at a higher level.
• What did you think of her precepts? Were they realistic?
• Did you think they would work for most couples?
• Can you think of any that were missing?

Faced with her own impending demise, Nancy makes a choice intended to spare her lover.
• Do you think that her intentions were sincere?
• Was it the right decision under the circumstances?

Ingrid uses a strategy of loving vulnerability, stated clearly and beforehand, to deepen her relationship with her husband. Ultimately, she offers to give him up so he can go to another.
• Was this a shrewd move on her part or merely dumb?
• Do you think this tactic would work for most relationships?

The book explores heroism as a basis for romantic attraction.
• What are your feelings about that as a legitimate basis for love?
• How well does it work in this book as a driver for Nancy’s attraction to Wayne?

Ingrid decides to lose weight in order to attract the boy she has always wanted. Her intentions are two-fold: 1) to force him to see her in a new light; 2) to show by her actions how much she already loves him.
• How do you feel about her willingness to go to such lengths?
• Were you rooting for her success? Or were you thinking that such actions shouldn’t be necessary?

Days after his angry break with the girl of his dreams, Wayne realizes that he still loves her despite the terrible things he thinks she has done. Despite strong urging from Henk, Wayne decides that he will not date other girls to break her hold on his heart.
• How did you feel about this decision?
• How did it make you feel about Wayne?
• What does it tell you about his true feelings?

At one point in the story, Wayne rejects Nancy’s overtures because he believes that her acting career will eventually consume her interest and make her less of a soul mate than he needs.
• Was this too much to ask in exchange for his love?
• How demanding do you think love has a right to be?