You Lucky Dog
Spoiler Alert!
You Lucky Dog
April is almost over and we’ve just finished our 26th book together! I thought You Lucky Dog with the epitome of a breezy Spring rom-com and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Who doesn’t love a quirky romance also starring adorable pups?? I hope you enjoyed reading along and are ready to discuss this month’s title down in the comments! Let’s get to it!
xo- Ashley Brooke
April’s Book
Discussion Questions
OK y’all, let’s talk books! Head down to the comments to answer our discussion questions and tell us what you thought of this month’s selection. Remember, this book club is here to be fun and thoughtful so be sure your comments are kind and respectful of others.
1. One of the sweetest parts of this story were the ancillary family stories. Which family member or side story was your favorite?
2. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships?
3. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)”“what would you want to write about?
WIN NEXT MONTH’S BOOK
We’ll choose one commenter each month to receive a FREE copy of next month’s title!
Leave A Comment
Book Club
Join Our Discussion
You Lucky Dog by Julia London
Explore
More Discussion
Join The Club
Stay up to date on our latest book pick, author exclusives, giveaways, and more!
Stay Connected
1. One of the sweetest parts of this story were the ancillary family stories. Which family member or side story was your favorite?
I thought the marriage between Max and Carly was a funny-ish road bump for them to encounter. Many people have “crazy” families and it was nice to see some dysfunctional humor that eventually sorted itself out for the best.
2. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships?
I loved that Carly was so career focused. Typically in romance novels the male character is making their career a priority. This story allows us to see the impact a career move can have on a relationship and their ultimate long term goals. Two thumbs up to Julia London for having the main character juggle career choices and stress throughout the novel and the best part of all is that ultimately Carly comes out on top in the end!
3. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)–what would you want to write about?
I would love to see how Carly, Max, Hazel and Baxter navigate their relationship through the adventures of moving in together, continuing their careers, and the debate of dogs on the couch or not. Team pro-dogs on the couch in this house! lol
1. I really liked Jamie and Toby’s relationship. It’s very endearing whenever one family member steps up and is the full time care giver for another family member. You never got the impression he was terribly resentful or mad. He seemed to be a really good father!
2. I loved that neither asked the other to sacrifice or made the other feel guilty for pursing their dreams. I’m glad Carly tried her dream job out and gave it a realistic chance before deciding what she really wanted.
3. I agree definitely a book on how to plan a wedding around their family!! Or maybe a book on how she grows her busy or helps his department with their publicity in regards to new research. Or the both because crazy successful and have to reunite after their careers take their time away from each other. Or maybe a book about Baxter and Hazel lol!!
Great book!! Sorry for being a little tardy on the discussion!
1. One of the sweetest parts of this story were the ancillary family stories. Which family member or side story was your favorite?
Definitely Max and his brother. I loved the inclusion of a character like Jamie. That kind of representation is so important. I have a background in education and I loved the insight into Max’s research, and how animals can truly help people in all different kinds of ways and situations.
2. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships?
I loved that they understood each other, and supported each other through career stress. There was always an understanding that they were committed to their careers, and no one asked the other to give it up for them, but instead Carly found a way to make it work and come back to Dallas. Even though Max didn’t totally understand Carly’s career, or Carly Max’s, there was clear respect for the dedication the other had.
3. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)–what would you want to write about?
Definitely lots more family antics and antics with the dogs. I see it almost in a sitcom type format. One time Max and Carly and dogs watch her sister’s kids, they move in together, more stories with their hilarious families, a story about their wedding (!!!) and how awkward that would be for Carly’s mom and Max’s dad. I would totally read that. I loved this story because it seemed so real with likable characters and I just totally fell into it and devoured it over my spring break. An amazing pick!
1. One of the sweetest parts of this story were the ancillary family stories. Which family member or side story was your favorite?
I liked the Max and Jamie relationship! It showed that Max cared deeply for his brother but was also naive to the difficulties of long term care of his autistic brother. This relationship showed a lot of growth in the short time span of the book.
2. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships?
I appreciated that Carly didn’t give up her career immediately for love. Of course, I actually wanted that to happen so they could be together sooner, but I liked that the author didn’t make the girl give up her dreams for a man. She got to go for the life she wanted and was successful! In the end it just wasn’t the life she actually wanted, which made her decision to come back to Austin easier.
3. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)–what would you want to write about?
I would dive more in to Max and Jamie’s dad! I felt so sorry for this good man who has worked so hard taking care of his son with autism for years and finally finds what he thinks is love. Only to have a relationship and marriage that falls apart quickly. Yeah, he can have the marriage annulled, but I hate that he was just dumped like that. So, I would have him find true love and someone genuine who actually cared for him and accepted his son.
1. Max & Jamie’s relationship was my favorite too! Love how Jamie influenced his research.
2. Loved that Max encouraged Carly to go to NYC & pursue her dream. But loved how it all ended.
3. Think Jamie’s art could be a profession for him. Carly could be his PR person. Their parents could make for some interesting holidays too.
This was a great pick! Can’t wait to see what you choose next.
1. One of the sweetest parts of this story were the ancillary family stories. Which family member or side story was your favorite?
The brotherly relationship between Max and Jamie Max made him a huge priority throughout the book.
2. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships? Yes they were definitely both career driven however Carly took it to another level and it was good that she had Max to help her balance things out in the end.
3. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)–what would you want to write about? More dogs please! Maybe a similar dog lovers finding each other story for Jamie.
1. I thought the storyline with Max’s dad and Carly’s mom was an interesting plot point.
2. They both supported each other and their “doggy dates†were something for them to look forward too with each other when their jobs were becoming an all consuming thought for both of them. Carly realized with some help from Max that her dream job was right under her nose the whole time.
3. The dogs! A double wedding ceremony maybe, the pups and Carly and Max.
1. One of the sweetest parts of this story were the ancillary family stories. Which family member or side story was your favorite?
Definitely Max and Jamie. I loved how protective Max was with his brother and how Jamie inspired Max’s research and career.
2. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships?
I think the author did a good job balancing their career and ambition with their personal lives. I think there are always going to be seasons in life (like when Max was preparing for his tenure presentation) when career is more stressful and then hopefully, there is balance to give more time to your personal life.
3. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)–what would you want to write about?
I was a little wary of the fact Max and Carly said they were going to live their relationship in a vacuum. I wonder how practical that is for them to move forward and potentially marry without their families being involved. Seeing how they adjust and get everyone together would be interesting.
1. One of the sweetest parts of this story were the ancillary family stories. Which family member or side story was your favorite?
I loved the relationship between Max and his brother. It was just so sweet and real!
2. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships?
Honestly I thought this was really well done. I loved how both Max and Carly were able to live out their dreams! I loved the way it all came together at the end.
3. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)–what would you want to write about?
I’d love to see what’s next and how they’d navigate getting married and family events… hahah! I feel like it would be so awkward with their parents, but would make for great content. Her mom is NUTS!