Printable Book Club Questions for The Night Before by Wendy Walker

After a brief chapter in the past with Laura’s therapist, it turns to “the night before” when she’s getting ready for a first date with a man she met online. She’s taking great care to get ready and embraces a dress and cherry red lipstick because she believes the “old” her won’t be able to get a date. What do you think that says about Laura that she felt she had to almost become someone else before going on the date?
Why do you think Laura ran away from New York and moved in with sister? Do you think it was because of having her heart broken or was there something more?
When Rosie awakes the next day to find out Laura never returned—what did you think happened to Laura?
Were you suspicious of Jonathan Fields from the get-go? What were red flags for you? Laura had plenty of chances to get away from him; why do you think she continued to stay?
And on that note, why would she reveal her past to him? Why do you think she slept with him? Was is it because Laura had low self esteem? Did she not think she was worthy of love?
Throughout the novel, we slowly learn about that night in high school when Laura’s boyfriend, Mitch, was killed. Much of it makes it seem like Laura was the one who did it, even though the homeless man was convicted of it. Did you think she was guilty all along or did you think she was innocent?
What do you think about the dynamic between Laura and Rosie? Did Rosie trust Laura?
Were you surprised when it was revealed that Laura and Joe (Rosie’s husband) are actually siblings?
In what ways did Laura’s father leaving the family impact her relationship with men as an adult?
Did you ever suspect that Gabe was the mastermind behind it all? Why do you think none of the characters ever suspected him?
What did you think about the ending? What’s next for Laura and Rosie?
Part of this story, in a sense, is a cautionary tale of online dating, specifically how men abuse the platform. What are your thoughts about online dating? Why do you think so many people, mainly men, lie on the platform?
If they turned this book into a movie or TV series, who should play the lead parts?