The first rule of book club is that you don’t talk about…

Oh wait, that’s Fight Club, nevermind.

In all seriousness, the first rule about our DFW book club is that everyone gets a turn to choose whatever novel they want.

Historical fiction, fan fiction, fiction that ends happily ever after, fiction that never resolves itself, suspenseful fiction, romantic fiction, it doesn’t matter.

For our recent Thursday night meeting, we branched into epic family saga territory with The Shell Seekers, which debuted in 1987 and clocked in at a whopping 592 pages. A bestseller that’s been made into multiple TV movies, The Shell Seekers wasn’t exactly what everyone was used to reading.

But it led to an engaging discussion anyway—one of many things I love about book club. You’re exposed to styles and storylines you may have missed out on otherwise. Even the person who selected the book found that it resonated with her differently than when she first read it.

And just in case someone from your book club selects The Shell Seekers, here are the questions that sparked lively reflection, debate, and personal stories.

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher: Book Club Questions

Icebreaker: What’s the most ambitious book you’ve ever attempted? Was it worth the payoff? Confession: Mine was Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer, a rather embarrassing admission spurred on by curiosity about vampire childbirth

Q1: The Shell Seekers first released in 1987. Did it show its age? Did it feel current or like historical fiction?

Q2: What did you think of Penelope as a protagonist? Was she remarkable enough to lead the story?

Q3: Do you have a family heirloom that’s truly priceless to you — like the painting was for Penelope?

Q4: What did you think of Penelope’s children Nancy, Noel, and Olivia? Did they deserve to be included in the will?

Q5: Olivia takes a year off for a new life with Cosmo. Would you do this for love and a break from it all? Where would you want to be on this adventure?

Q6: What star rating would you give the book? Why?