In 1965, on a small island in the South Pacific, a group of astronomers gather to witness the passing of a comet, but when a young boy dies during a meteor shower, the lives of the scientists and their loved ones change in subtle yet profound ways. Denise struggles for respect in her professional life, married Eli becomes increasingly attracted to Denise and her quixotic mind, and young Lydia attempts to escape the scientists’ long-casting shadows. Andrew Sean Greer’s remarkable and sweeping first novel is an exploration of chances taken and lost, of love found and broken, and of time’s subtle gravitational pull on the lives of everyday and extraordinary people.

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Path of Minor Planets: A Novel (Fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Path of Minor Planets:

• Did Andrew Sean Greer emphasize any specific themes throughout The Path of Minor Planets? What do you think Andrew Sean Greer is trying to explain with this theme?
• What was unique about the setting of The Path of Minor Planets and how did it affect the storyline?
• Could you relate to any of the characters? If so, which ones and why?
• How do characters change or learn throughout The Path of Minor Planets? What events caused these changes? Have you or someone you know experienced the same thing?
• How does The Path of Minor Planets reveal Andrew Sean Greer's own perspectives about people and the world? For a lively discussion, describe why you think Andrew Sean Greer is liberal or conservative.
• Did certain parts of The Path of Minor Planets affect you emotionally? Why did it evoke those emotions?
• Did Andrew Sean Greer's point of view on things lend new perspective to your own view of the world?

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Path of Minor Planets: A Novel (Non-fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Path of Minor Planets:

• Did Andrew Sean Greer make persuasive arguments in The Path of Minor Planets? Did The Path of Minor Planets change or reinforce your opinion on the subject?
• What did you learn from The Path of Minor Planets?
• How does Andrew Sean Greer present the information and did you enjoy it?
• How is Andrew Sean Greer biased within The Path of Minor Planets? Is there a political slant to what is being discussed and how does it impact the book?
• What, if anything, does The Path of Minor Planets make you want to read next? Why?