Looking for your next book club pick? Expecting to Fly follows Roy Philips, a former rock star from one of the biggest bands of the 70s, as he faces the end of an era and the start of an uncertain future. With the band broken up and the decade closing, Roy must navigate questions of identity, trust, love, and the ghosts of his past. The themes of reinvention, nostalgia, and the cost of fame make it a compelling choice for group discussion.
Use these questions to spark conversation in your club (or just to reflect on your own):
Discussion Questions
- Roy is introduced at a crossroads: the band is over, and the 70s are ending. How did you see him handle change—through denial, reflection, or hope?
- Who is Roy without music, without the band, without fame? How did your view of his identity shift as the story unfolded?
- The novel explores trust in bandmates, in relationships, and in himself. Where did Roy succeed, and where did he fall short?
- Roy reconnects with a girl from his past. Did you see their relationship as fate, nostalgia, or something else?
- The book blends real history with fiction. Did the 1970s setting deepen your connection to Roy’s struggles?
- The book opens at the end of the 1970s. If you could time-travel to that decade, what would you most want to experience firsthand (music, fashion, culture, or something else)?
- If Expecting to Fly were made into a film or series, who would you cast as Roy and why?
Enhance Your Book Club Night
- Build a 70s-inspired playlist to match the book’s mood (think CSNY, Neil Young, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne).
- Pair with retro snacks or classic cocktails from the era.
- Share your reflections with me on Instagram (@heatherjbennett_original) — I’d love to see your book club in action!
Invite the Author
Want to bring the conversation to life? I’d love to join your book club meeting — either in person (if you’re local to the Dallas/Fort Worth area) or virtually via Zoom. We can talk about the writing process, the 70s rock inspiration behind Expecting to Fly, and answer any questions you have about Roy, Avery, and the world of the book.
To set up a visit, just fill out the form on my Linktree and I’ll get back to you!
