One of the fun things about our book club is that I choose the evening’s menu based on something referenced in the novel.

Considering how The Women is Kristin Hannah’s fictionalized account of the women who valiantly served as nurses during the Vietnam war, there weren’t a lot of obvious choices.

One book clubber gamely suggested that we have gin and cigarettes. Which, of course, aren’t all that festive but definitely provided a few laughs.

There was a scene in Oahu, however, where our leading lady Frankie finally got a break from the nursing front lines. One of the story’s happier moments, I decided to keep things tropical. Chips with homemade pineapple salsa and guacamole. Hawaiian rolls with ham and swiss. A Farro salad. Spicy Vietnamese noodles. Ina’s famed coconut cupcakes for dessert.

And, of course, book club wouldn’t be book club without a compelling discussion, which the marvelous The Women had going for it in spades. Here are the questions we tackled…

Icebreaker: The declaration that “women can be heroes” is what ultimately helps Frankie believe she could be an army nurse. Are there any women who’ve inspired your career or life path?

1. What were your impressions of reading about this particular time period?

2. What do we think about Frankie when we first meet her? What about her growth journey intrigued you the most?

3. Frankie’s family had mixed feelings, to say the least, about Frankie leaving California? Were they out of line?

4. Frankie and Jamie, who is married at the time, become very close. Do you think war bonds people in a different way and why?

5. Was there a moment when you actually trusted Rye? Why do you think he betrayed Frankie twice?

6. Were you surprised when Frankie re-upped rather than coming home?

7. What is your star rating for the book and why?