READERS GUIDE

Destiny Day is, as Chaka would say, “Every Woman”–smart, sexy, savvy, and the shrewdest, most ambitious sista walking around Manhattan in a pair of Christian Louboutins. She is calling her own shots in the seductive A-list nightlife world. Destiny is also strong and resilient, having escaped hardscrabble beginnings in the small Midwestern town she calls “East Boogie,” East St. Louis, Illinois. The questions that follow are designed to spark a discussion that is poignant and compelling. I hope that your reading group finds inspiration in her story as you discover who the real Destiny Day is, after the dj spins the last jam and the party’s over.

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. Destiny lives by the rule “Get in, get yours, and get out.” Discuss how she applies this philosophy in both her professional and personal life.

2. Prior to meeting Taye, Destiny has a string of men and manages to separate herself emotionally from all of them except Malik. What makes her so vulnerable when it comes to him? Why do so many women fall victim to this type of passive-aggressive behavior when it comes to relationships?

3. What is the significance of Josephine’s comparison of Malik to the main character in the children’s book Where’s Waldo?

4. In the chapter “Love Rollercoaster,” the laundromat scene is an important eye-opening experience for Destiny. Discuss the revelation she has after spending the afternoon with Malik at the laundromat.

5. Destiny’s mother, Juanita, appears in her dreams and reflections throughout the book. What is the significance of her presence?

6. Destiny begins to question the meaning of love. Discuss where in the book this occurs and her ultimate journey to discover love.

7. Destiny is determined not to be like her mother, Juanita, but in many ways she is. How is she like Juanita?

8. Josephine’s therapy is going to the Fairway Market, while Malik’s is going to the laundromat. What special places or activities provide “therapy” for you, and how?

9. Destiny has special connections with Rico, Izzy, and Josephine in terms of their life struggles. What is that connection? Discuss Destiny’s trust issues when it comes to friendships with people outside her small circle.

10. Spirituality plays a big part in Josephine’s character. Recount and discuss the chapters that reveal various revealing moments in the story for Destiny that eventually lead her to find her own spirituality.

11. When Destiny meets Taye Crawford, she quickly finds herself moving in a direction she never anticipated. Discuss the emotional challenges she is confronted with. How does he help her face her painful past and let go of fear?

12. Taye is able to break through barriers as no man has ever been able to do before with Destiny. What makes Taye so different than all the other men in Destiny’s life?

13. Josephine encourages Destiny to be open to something “shiny and sweet.” What does this mean to you? How do Rico and Izzy find that “shiny and sweet” gift in their lives?

14. Music plays a major role in Destiny’s life. She believes music can “unfurl a person’s deepest desires.” Explore and discuss how music is used in the story. What is its significance in Destiny’s life, and how does the dj’s presence metaphorically save her life?