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Book club questions for The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan takes an in-depth look at all the twists and turns in this compelling read. There will be spoilers so for more context about the story, check out my spoiler-free review first.
I liked this novel overall! While memoirs are not usually my favorite writing story, this faux memoir format was pretty well done and interesting. I just wish we had read more key scenes! I wanted to read more about the reunion with Amanda and also Ryan.
Not being able to read what happened in those reunions made it seem like everything wrapped up really easily. And while Annie was forthcoming with why she took the actions she did, it still did cause some devastation and I just felt that was kind of glossed over.
Let me know about your thoughts on the book below!
The Synopsis
Cate Kay knows how to craft a story. As the creator of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series, she’s one of the most successful authors of her generation. The thing is, Cate Kay doesn’t really exist. She’s never attended author events or granted any interviews. Her real identity had been a closely guarded secret, until now.
As a young adult, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their difficult homes and moving to California to become movie stars. But the day before their grand adventure, a tragedy shattered their dreams and Cate has been on the run ever since, taking on different names and charting a new future. But after a shocking revelation, Cate understands that returning home is the only way she’ll be a whole person again.
Book Club Questions for The Three Lives of Cate Kay
- Let’s first talk about the title. What were the key moments in each of the ‘three’ lives for Cate (aka Annie)?
- The book is written as a memoir, with several different perspectives. What were your thoughts on this writing style?
- What did you think about the friendship between Annie and Amanda? Why was it important for the reader to learn so much about their relationship?
- In what ways was there a power imbalance between the two? When did Annie start to pull away from Amanda?
- Amanda experiences a tragic and terrifying fall. After calling for help, Annie runs away from Amanda and the town. Let’s talk about why Annie made this decision. Why didn’t she stay with Amanda? How would have life been different if she had stayed?
- Annie eventually meets Sidney, an aspiring attorney. In many ways, it’s another power imbalance relationship as Sidney takes advantage of Annie’s emotional state, and even lies to her about Amanda’s fate. What was your overall impression of Sidney?
- Why do you think Annie never questioned any of Sidney’s motivations? Why did Annie take so long to return home?
- Why did Annie channel her past into a novel?
- Prior to filming the movie adaptation, Annie is invited to the house of the actress (Ryan) who will portray one of the main characters on film. Why did Annie agree to come to Ryan’s house?
- Do you feel Annie and Ryan are a good match? Why or why not?
- We eventually read the aftermath of Amanda, her injuries and how her life changed for good. Are you surprised she eventually forgave Annie for leaving?
- Annie makes her way back home and reunites with Amanda. Did you want to read more about their reunion?
- Now that Annie has finally come clean to the world about her identity and past, what’s next for her? Do you think her and Ryan are in it for the long haul?
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed book club questions for The Three Lives of Cate Kay! Here are some more recommendations along with book club questions.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Another engaging story is Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera. Check out my book club questions here.
After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life.
But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast “Listen for the Lie,” and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one that did it.
The truth is out there, if we just listen.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is an entertaining mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Check out my book club questions here.
The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.
Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job isn’t like the others. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time.
Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn’t be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge. . . .
Happy reading!
