Opportunity Rings Reading Group Guide

1. Erica prides herself on being a modern woman – able to juggle her career and family life, even envisioning how she will make the transition to working mother one day. Despite all the advancements made by women over the years, do you think it’s possible for women to truly have it all?

2. As independent as she is, Erica is a staunch believer in good old-fashioned chivalry where men still hold doors open for women. Isn’t she being a bit hypocritical? Where do you stand on the issue?

3. Erica sees Lunch Sex on Wednesdays as a way to jazz up her relationship with Lowell. How do you think she miscalculated? What role should sex play in a relationship?

4. How does Erica feel about never getting a diamond ring? Is she still a tomboy who doesn’t care about sparkly things, is she covering up deep-harbored resentment or is it a combination of the two? Why is the engagement ring so important a symbol to so many women?

5. Is there any truth to the cougar phenomenon as Erica calls it? Could you ever envision yourself a cougar? Who would you pick to join your den?

6. There are a lot of nostalgic references throughout the story. Why is that – especially since the story is set in a forward-thinking technology sector?

7. Not everyone inadvertently calls their boss a dick, but certainly Erica isn’t the only one with abysmal text messaging skills. Have you ever sent a damaging text or email? How do you think technology is changing the way we communicate? Is it to society’s betterment or detriment?

8. On the surface, Sloane and Erica seem to be nothing alike. What do you think bonds their friendship together?

9. When Mikki’s widows’ group puts its book club on hold to focus on iTunes songs and YouTube videos, Erica sees their interest in technology as a passing fad. How do you view older generations’ grasp of technology? Is it more difficult or easier for them to understand and use tech?

10. Is Dani really an opportunist or is she just working hard to get ahead? Is there a difference? Do you know anyone like Dani? How do you deal with them?

11. Would you consider using a smartphone with compartments for lip gloss/eye shadow or other feminine applications? Should technology go that feminine or should it be gender neutral? Why?

12. What does Sanjay cyber-stalking Erica from India say about how the world is changing? How do you feel about all the personal information and images that people post on the Internet these days?

13. How would you describe Reynolds, Nick and Perry? Which one is best for Erica? Who would you pick for you?

14. Even though Erica had no intention of dating anyone after her separation, she ends up with more than her share of dates. Would you call her promiscuous? Should she be allowed to have some fun after what Lowell did to her? Is she being fair to the guys she dates? Is she being true to herself?

15. What’s with Erica’s always giving her sexual escapades a name (Lunch Sex on Wednesday, Staircase Sex, Limo Sex, etc.)? What does it say about her personality?

16. Is there any truth to Starbucks being the new McDonald’s? Even if Erica’s a little bit right, what does that say about how western culture has evolved? Is it a good thing?

17. Should Erica have given Lowell more of her time to talk when he showed up at the loft-warming? What did you learn about the state of their marriage from this scene? How does it compare to some of your friends’ relationships and/or breakups?

18. Why is it so difficult for Erica to accept Mikki being with someone other than her dad? How has she dealt with loss throughout the story? Is she able to fully resolve her feelings by the end of the book?

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