The Perils of Girlhood, Melissa’s forthcoming memoir-in-essays is available for preorder from the University of Nebraska Press. Books will ship by September 1, 2025!

Thanks so much for choosing Glory Days for your discussion. To arrange a visit (online/phone or in person) with your Book Group, please get in touch via the Contact page. If your group has at least 5 members, I would be happy to sign copies of Glory Days. Take advantage of 30% off using this limited-time offer. Is this book available in your local library? If not, please request it!

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. How does the quote by Jane Hirshfield that opens the book set the stage for this novel?

2. What were your first impressions of Teensy, Luann, and Gardner? Were they positive or negative? How did your impressions change through time?

3. In many ways, the problems that are showcased in the rural town of Ingleside from the loss of farmland and jobs to self-medication and the devastating effects of climate change are duplicated in small towns throughout the United States. What have been some of the consequences of these issues in your community?  

4. Fredonia the Great, the ghost-boy Jeremiah, Luann’s mother, and later Luann, represent some of the supernatural elements in this book. How do you see the supernatural and magical realism fitting into this tale about a small ranching town in Nebraska?

5. The novel explores the dark times that befall Ingleside once people sever their attachment to the land. What is the relevance of place in this novel?

6. What role does imagery play in Glory Days?

7. In this book chapters are stand-alone stories, but when read in the order in which they are arranged have the same feel as a novel. This form is known as a novel-in-stories. How does this structure influence your impression of the book as a whole? Does it feel cohesive? Are there places where it is less or more satisfying?

8. Luann’s desire to belong transforms her throughout the course of this book. What events in your life have been transformative?

9. Have you ever gone along with someone to sustain a relationship? Was it for the best or was it a mistake?

10. How does Luann’s relationship with Teensy change over time? How is this reflective of other father-daughter relationships that are familiar to you?

11. How are economic differences significant to the novel? What are some of your experiences of economic differences and sameness?

12. Gardner, Teensy, and Footer represent different backgrounds, personalities, and notions of right and wrong. Is one of them more “right” than “wrong,” or do they all have compelling motives for their behavior?

13. What do you think Teensy does next, after the book comes to a close?