Printable Book Club Questions for The Body Politic by Brian Platzer

The story starts off with Tess at a nightclub—getting a break from daily life. And then in chapter two starts with her still feeling drunk and her children are awake. Let’s discuss this opening introduction to Tess and her life.
We quickly learn that David had an accident that results in constant dizziness. Let’s talk about how David’s condition impacts every aspect of their lives. How did it change his relationship with Tess?
Before the accident, Tess had an affair. She thinks to herself that she “has a hard time making sense of her role as perpetrator after a lifetime of victimhood. The last eight months aren’t even close to enough to make up for the previous thirty years.” Let’s talk about this thought process from Tess. How did the tragedy of her past continue to set her back in her present?
The story follows various time periods but the majority is set after the 2016 election. Let’s talk about how we felt after the election.
Tazio is a constant presence in Tess and David’s life but he’s also unreliable and pretty much disappears for a majority of the book. Until we find out that David asked him to leave town because of fears that Tess and Tazio could get too close. Let’s talk about Tazio’s relationship with both Tess and David. Do you think that Tazio and Tess were/are ever actually in love? Or was it lust?
Why did Tess choose David over Tazio?
Why did Tazio decide to go into politics? What did you make of the section of him working at the Trump White House?
Angelica is engaged to Tazio but he leaves her behind. However, a key storyline for her is confronting Gerard about his assault of her. Let’s talk about that section and how it brought her and Tess closer.
Why was it important for Tess to confront her father about his murder of her mom? It becomes apparent that her father is still abusive with his new family. Let’s discuss this. Do you think Tess finally experienced closure in the end?
What do you think happens next for the four main characters?
What are some of the key takeaways and themes of the novel to you?