READERS GUIDE

Questions and Topics for Discussion

Medium Rare depicts several “arenas”—sports, politics, Hollywood. What do these arenas have in common? How do they diverge?

How do the characters’ formal roles and affiliations influence their behaviors, relationships, and decisions?

Is the plot propelled more by luck or skill? Would you rather be lucky or good?

How does fame change Phil? How does it change those around him?

Cassandra claims that “If you want the world to pay attention to an extraordinary woman, you have to tell the story of an ordinary man.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

The novel is billed as a modern retelling of the myth of Icarus, but a number of other mythical characters are also at play: Phaethon, Cassandra, Midas. What is the role of narrative and myth itself in the story?

Conversely, all of the basketball games cited in the novel are real. Several characters are fictionalized versions of public figures. What is the role of history here?

What is the difference between prophesy and probability in the novel? Do you trust one more than the other in your own life?

Is Cassandra telling the truth? Do you believe her? If she’s credible, why is she credible? If not, why not?

The novel’s title, Medium Rare, is used in a number of different ways. How many can you find? How do these various interpretations intersect and deviate?