Printable: Book Club Questions for The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram

Let’s first discuss the title as it relates to both timelines in the novel.
Tess and Grant develop an instant connection—pretty much love at first sight. Why do you feel they had such an instant spark?
Despite their differences, the two fall in love. Do you feel they are a good match? Why or why not?
When we meet the two as adults, both have chosen politics as a career. Why did they both seek out politics?
There are a lot of secrets in this novel, and both Tess and Grant decided not to tell their spouses the truth about their past relationship until they are forced to. Why did they not tell the truth to begin with? Why were they trying to hide the past?
Despite their best efforts, Grant and Tess can’t deny there’s still a spark. Why do you think they still had feelings for each other after all these years?
Tess develops a fondness for Grant’s mother. In what ways were they similar, and how were they different?
When Grant’s mother dies, it changes everything for the two. And Grant’s father tries to lay the blame on Grant. How did this lie impact Grant well into adulthood?
Eventually, we find out Tess got pregnant, and decided to have an abortion, which devastated Grant. Let’s talk about how both reacted to the news of her pregnancy.
How did you feel reading about the politics version of Tess and Grant vs their teenage versions?
Tess ends up winning the race. Both Tess and Grant end up single as their spouses left them during the race. Do you think Tess and Grant will ever rekindle their romantic relationship? Why or why not?