Mystic Summer (34 page)

I can honestly say that I talk more about my team at Emily Bestler Books than I do about my books. Another tremendous thank-you to Emily herself, whose keen eye and fabulous team have made it possible to deliver two novels in two years. Hugs and high fives to Ariele Fredman, publicity fairy godmother, who called, messaged, promoted, and ultimately garnered more media and print exposure than I ever imagined possible. Huge thanks also to Arielle Kane, who in one lengthy, laughter-filled phone call talked social media marketing, tossed me into “the Twitter,” and oversaw the videotaping with Studio4. Thanks to Jin Yu, who so kindly assisted in all things web related. And to Matt, who entertained me during my visits with all things crochet-animaux. (I'm still waiting for that chicken!)

Friends and family are where it all starts and ends. Cheers to my New York “sisters” who put me on the right train and also come along for an adventure: A.C., J.R., and J.J. A toast to the C.C. Ice Fishing crew, whose laughter and cheer sustained me during the writing of this book. To B.B., fellow Camel and tour guide extraordinaire, who so generously shared Mystic with me and helped bring it to life for Maggie. And to Sherman, the little town big on love for this resident writer. You know who you are.

It's been so rewarding to connect with my readers online, and I must thank all the bloggers, reviewers, librarians, book clubs, Indie bookstore owners, and readers who reach out to me. Your support has been inspiring.

To my family, who still call me and shout into the phone
when they see my name in print. Most of all, to my girls, Grace and Finley, who remain the stars in my eyes and the reason I do what I do each day, and with each book. You'll always be my most important works. I can't wait to see the stories you write with your own lives.

by Hannah McKinnon

A Readers Club Guide

W
hen she's blindsided by a trio of seemingly unconnected events—her best friend's summer wedding, a heartbreaking potential layoff, and a chance run-in with an ex-boyfriend—Maggie Griffin has no idea that she's just embarked on a summer that will change her life and cause her to question everything she holds dear. A devoted Boston resident, she returns to her hometown of Mystic for the summer, where the past and present collide. Her journey of discovery impacts others' lives as well, and when a vulnerable child is suddenly in danger, Maggie must make a choice. Should she hold tight to the life she's built, or let go—and allow room for something even better? Critically acclaimed novelist Hannah McKinnon spins a warmhearted and thoughtful story of summer, friendship, and self-knowledge that is sure to charm women's fiction fans everywhere.

1. Maggie and Erika are two best friends who prove that opposites attract. Despite how they exasperate each other, what are
the ties that bind these childhood friends, and how does their relationship change throughout the novel?

2. Maggie notes:
“I have always taken pride in my skill to find good in all of my students . . . Even when I have to dig deep.”
How does she apply this optimistic spirit and goodwill to other characters in the novel? You might consider the Cam, Jane, Erika, and Peyton as examples.

3. Jane is a constant sounding board for Maggie as an older sister (a role she's played their entire lives), and Maggie's parents are likewise close confidants and advisers. What are some of the bonds that have held this family together? Find examples in the text to support your answer, in addition to discussing the more emotional side.

4. Change and stability are two of the major forces that drive
Mystic Summer
's plot, but the author never makes them simple opposites. For instance, for Maggie, Boston represents change in that she must navigate finding a new home, but it is also the stable, safe choice when she considers returning to what she knows. How do other elements of the book embody this duality? Discuss Maggie's relationships with Cam and Evan, her friendships, and the town of Mystic itself.

5. One of the most charming parts of
Mystic Summer
is its description of parenting—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Compare and contrast Cam and Jane's approaches to raising kids. Which did you relate with most?

6. Erika gives Maggie a lot to think about when she tells her about her difficult summer with Chase, her old high school boyfriend. Do you agree with her decision not to tell Trent about her infidelity? Why or why not?

7. Maggie makes the decision to forge a reconnection with Cam impulsively. Discuss this decision with your book club. What does Cam represent to her? Why is this so important at this point in her life?

8. Why does the Edwin Bate house evoke such nostalgia for Maggie? What does it come to represent for her?

9. Lauren, Cam's ex and Emory's mom, is one of the novel's most complex characters. What are her struggles and motivations? When does she feel most sympathetic to you?

10. Peyton, Erika, and Maggie are a close-knit group, but each has a distinct part to play in their friendship. Discuss the role each woman holds in their trio. How do their approaches to crises (like Erika's wedding venue meltdown) reveal their personalities?

11. Hannah McKinnon makes the interesting narrative decision to never show Erika and Trent's wedding, though it's arguably the focal point of the book. What effect does this have on how you experience Maggie's story?

12. 
“This is not my style. I am not the girl who shouts after old boyfriends in the street”
. In what other ways does
Maggie challenge her own expectations of herself and her relationships throughout the novel?

1. Research atrial septal defect, the congenital heart condition that affects baby Emory (the American Heart Association's website at
heart.org
is a great place to start). Ask your book club members to bring contributions to one of the many great charities that supports children with this life-threatening defect, like the Children's Heart Federations, the AHA, or the International Children's Heart Foundation and make a group donation on your club's behalf.

2. Even if your book club is chilly and landlocked, there's no wrong time of year to evoke a Mystic summer. Serve New England beach–themed snacks like mini lobster rolls, corn on the cob, and spicy shrimp, and make sure to have lots of chilled white wine on hand! You can even try your hand at making homemade mini-pizzas inspired by the real-life namesake of the film
Mystic Pizza.

3.  A summer wedding is at the heart of
Mystic Summer,
just like in
The Lake Season,
Hannah McKinnon's debut novel. Bring in some of your favorite wedding pictures—whether they're from your own nuptials, or those of your friends and family. As you peruse each other's photos, tell your best wedding stories, and give a prize to whoever can share the funniest mishap!

O
THER
B
OOKS
B
Y
H
ANNAH
M
C
K
INNON

The Lake Season

F
OR
Y
OUNG
A
DULTS
(
AS
H
ANNAH
R
OBERTS
M
C
K
INNON
)

Franny Parker

The Properties of Water