1. Why do you think Chris Pavone chose to title his novel THE DOORMAN? What did you think of Chicky Diaz? Were you surprised to learn the details of his life?

2. Chicky and his fellow doormen are privy to the secrets of the residents of the Bohemia. Were there any you found particularly shocking?

3. Stephen King praised THE DOORMAN, saying, “Cynical, tender, sharp, dense, funny, and loaded with inside dope about how New York works (and how it doesn’t). THE DOORMAN is a BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES for the twenty-first century. He gives it to both sides of the culture wars, and with both smoking barrels.” What culture war issues present themselves in THE DOORMAN, and which sides do each of the characters fall on? Did any of their viewpoints surprise you? If so, which ones and why?

4. How does Pavone showcase the world of the staff of the Bohemia? Describe them, in particular Zaire and Olek. Why does Zaire continue to work at the Bohemia despite being “so sick of these f---ing people” (p. 228)?

5. In defending a decision, Roland mentions intersectionality to Emily, saying, “Everything has to do with everything else, Emily, and it all has to do with everyone. Any instance of injustice is a call to arms for every sort of justice. And today the calls are very, very loud” (p. 147). What decision has Roland come to, and why? Explain how intersectionality factors into his decision.

6. Julian makes it a point to take public transportation to his black-tie events. Why? What did you think about Julian? In what ways is he like the other tenants of the Bohemia? Are there any differences?

7. In THE DOORMAN, Pavone provides glimpses into a variety of marriages: Emily and Whit, Julian and Jennifer, Chicky and Tiffani. Describe each of the marriages. Of Emily, Pavone writes, “[She] had accepted that she was making a deal, a compromise. But then she’d been bait-and-switched” (p. 196). What kind of compromises do Emily and the other people within the couples make? Why might they make these choices? Do you think the members of the couples mentioned love each other?

8. What do you think about the way Whit’s company has made its profits? Why might it be seen as controversial? What do you think Emily knows?

9. Who is Justin Pugh? Describe his relationship with Whit and Emily. What are Emily’s true feelings toward Justin, and why? Do you think she’s justified in feeling the way she does?

10. At a contentious board meeting, various residents debate whether or not they need to hire extra security in light of upcoming demonstrations. What are the arguments for and against? How does the staff feel about this discussion? Why?

11. While Emily tries to empathize with the clients from her volunteer work, “[she] never succeeded in putting herself in those shoes.... Maybe a better person might succeed, a more genuinely generous person. But failing was okay, she thought, or hoped. It was trying that really mattered” (p. 121). Describe Emily’s volunteer work. Why do you think she has chosen this way to spend her free time? What does Whit think about it? Do you agree with Emily that trying is what really matters?

12. Who is Hailey? Describe her encounter with Chicky. Were you surprised by what you learned? What conflict does the discovery create for Chicky? How does he handle it?