1. In the first few chapters, Liza buys Bette a book on meeting men, drags her to a matchmaker, and takes her to a singles party. Why is it so important to Liza that Bette be in a relationship?

2. Bette has devoted her entire academic career to researching food in the English novel. What is behind this obsession? What role does food play in the novel as a whole?

3. Why does Liza continue walking dogs for Amelia and Gwendolyn?

4. What is the significance of the children's story that Liza writes within the novel? How does Liza the Lemming resemble Liza's life?

5. Why does Liza feel that she and Bette are incomplete parts of one perfect Elizabeth? Does that perception change throughout the novel?

6. What roles do Liza and Bette play in their family? What happens when their roles change?

7. Liza says near the beginning of the story, "everything I know how to do well is useless; everything I don't know is impossible." Why does Liza believe this?

8. Are the parents a negative or positive influence on the sisters? How have they shaped the sisters?

9. What happens to Liza during her stay in Los Angeles ? How does her perspective change?

10. The book ends on an uplifting note, but do you believe that Liza and Bette live happily ever after with Gregor and Lawrence? Where do you see the two couples in ten years' time?