Arts & Tea Book Club: Missed the Chat?
Reflect and Revisit The Friday afternoon Club, with Our Book Club Questions!
Unpack Friday Afternoon Club with Our Key discussion Questions!
If you couldn’t join our lively book club chat about The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne, don’t worry—i’v got you covered!
But here’s the good news: whether you’ve just finished the book or are planning to read it soon, you can still enjoy the experience by exploring the same thought-provoking questions i wanted to discussed during the session.
These questions are on the themes of the memoir, connect with the Dunne family’s journey, and even uncover parallels to your own life. Grab a cup of tea and find a cozy spot, dive into these prompts to enrich your reading experience.
Griffin’s uncle John Gregory Dunne with his wife, Joan Didion, and Griffin’s father, Dominick. Photograph: courtesy Griffin Dunne
Family Dynamics and Legacy
How do the relationships within the Dunne family, particularly between Griffin and his father, Dominick, shape the narrative? In what ways do family legacies influence individual identities?
Impact of Tragedy
Dominique Dunne's tragic death is a pivotal event in the memoir. How does Griffin Dunne portray the effect of this loss on his family and himself? What insights does he offer on coping with grief and seeking justice?
Hollywood's Influence
Growing up amidst Hollywood's elite, Griffin shares anecdotes involving celebrities like Elizabeth Montgomery and Martin Scorsese. How does this environment affect his upbringing and career choices? What commentary does he provide on the nature of fame and the entertainment industry?
Resilience and Personal Growth
Griffin candidly discusses personal challenges, including his struggles with dyslexia and self-destructive behaviors. What does his journey reveal about resilience and the pursuit of self-acceptance?
Griffin Dunne, photografed by Lynn Goldsmith
Role of the 'Friday Afternoon Club
The titular gatherings hosted by Dominick Dunne brought together various personalities. What significance do these meetings hold in the memoir, and how do they reflect the family's social dynamics and the era's cultural milieu?
Narrative Tone and Style
Griffin Dunne employs humor and candor throughout his storytelling. How does his narrative style affect your engagement with the memoir? Are there particular anecdotes or passages that stood out to you?
Comparisons with Other Memoirs
If you've read other family memoirs, such as those by Joan Didion, how does The Friday Afternoon Club compare in terms of themes, tone, and insights into family and personal life?
Reflection on Personal Choices:
Griffin reflects on pivotal decisions in his life, including career moves and relationships. How does he assess these choices, and what lessons does he convey about personal growth and self-awareness?
Overall Impact
What are your key takeaways from The Friday Afternoon Club? How has the memoir influenced your understanding of the Dunne family and the complexities of navigating personal and professional identities in the public eye?
Griffin Dunne and Brooke Adams in New York, 1985. Photograph: Art Zelin/Getty Images
Even if you missed our chat, there’s always room to share your thoughts—drop a comment below or start a conversation with a fellow reader.
Don’t miss next month’s Arts & Tea Book Club! The title will be announced in The Art of New Beginnings newsletter on January 7th. Stay tuned—we can’t wait to see you there. Mark your calendars, brew your favorite tea, and join us!
Happy holidays!
/ Julia Hichens
🖤🖤🖤