Printable Book Club Questions for The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

This novel follows a group of close-knit friends. Why do you feel they have remained friends for all these years?
Having lifelong friends is something special, but it doesn’t mean it’s a perfect road. In some ways, they are stuck chasing their younger days with all their drinking and such, despite being parents. Do you feel that, in some aspect, these friends are held back by their shared past?
Which character did you relate to the most and why? On a similar note, which character were you not a fan of?
Did you like the multiple points of view perspectives, or would you have preferred it to stay with Caroline?
Did you feel Caroline and Van’s relationship was authentic?
Van’s friends are not welcoming to outsiders, especially to Caroline. Why are they not open to new people in the group?
Also, why was Augusta so focused on Bailey and Van getting together?
How would you have approached this group of friends if you were in Caroline’s position?
When it’s revealed that Bailey is pregnant with Van’s baby, Caroline decides to stay with him, despite her reservations. Was this the right move, or should she have left the relationship?
Bailey and Van always find a way to be with each other, but their relationship is mainly sexually charged. When the two live together to take care of Dylan, it becomes apparent how different the two are. Do you feel they will finally just remain friends, or do you think they will try to make it work again in the future?
Van eventually breaks up with Caroline, and Caroline retaliates by writing about this group’s relationships and secrets. Why did Caroline write this?
When did Caroline realize she had made a mistake?
The article has huge reveals, with the biggest being Colin’s and Eben’s relationship in high school. What were your thoughts on this reveal and Augusta’s reaction to it?
Why was Fran so resistant to marrying RJ for so long? Do you think RJ will change, or will it be an uphill battle? What was behind Fran’s decisions during her work trip?
In some ways, the article pushes these couples to be truthful with each other. Do you think they will be changed for good, or will there be lingering trust issues?
Will Caroline and Van get back together? Do you feel the group of friends will welcome her back or be hesitant?