READERS GUIDE
Reader’s GuideThe Lust Crusade by Jo Segura
Discussion Questions:
1. The story begins with Dani discovering that Theo has been captured, leading to her capture, too. He tries numerous times to get her to safety, but Dani is too stubborn. What would you do if you were Dani? Would you leave and get help? Stay with Theo? What do you think the outcome would have been had Dani left Theo when she first had the chance?
2. Dani struggles with not living up to her high school dreams and expectations. Do you think Dani would be a different person had she never returned to Grand Rapids? Are you living the life you imagined when you were in high school? If not, how has your life differed from your expectations?
3. One of the things Dani laments is how she’s never traveled the world like she always thought she would. When was the first time you traveled away from home, and where did you go? Was the experience scary, exciting, or something else? What places are on your travel bucket list and why?
4. The miscommunication trope is one of those love-it-or-hate-it tropes. Had Theo just talked to Dani before taking off to Greece, perhaps none of the events in the book would have happened. When do you think Theo should have confronted Dani about his feelings? Right away? After he saw her with Beau? Their first night together after they reunited? Some other time? Are there ever times when you think not confronting someone is warranted? What are your thoughts on the miscommunication trope?
5. Theo grapples with wanting to make his parents proud while also living his own life. Do you think there is a way for Theo to accomplish both? How? Have you ever struggled with adhering to family expectations versus wanting to live your own life? In what ways?
6. Dani and Theo take turns being the hero of the story, each saving the day and each other in different ways. What do you think makes someone a hero? Who do you think is the hero of the story and why? (And don’t forget side characters—some may say it’s Harold.)
7. What is your favorite Greek myth? If you were a Greek god (one already in the books, or completely new), who would you be and why?
8. Food plays a huge role in Dani’s and Theo’s family gatherings. Do you have a go-to dish? What sort of food traditions does your family have?
9. Theo gives Dani the nickname “Juicy” after an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Do you have any embarrassing nicknames? If you were to earn a nickname based on what you’re wearing right now (doesn’t have to be your underwear, LOL), what would it be?
