The First Time I Saw Him Book Club Questions
10 discussion questions for The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave.
October 18, 2026
Spoiler warning: some questions touch on how the book ends. Best read after you've finished it.
Discussion questions
- How do you think Hannah and Bailey's relationship has evolved since settling in Southern California?
- What are your impressions of Nicholas as a character and his role in Hannah and Bailey's lives?
- Why do you think Owen chose this particular moment to reappear at Hannah's exhibition?
- Do you believe Hannah made the right decision in going on the run with Bailey after Owen's reappearance?
- How does the setting of Southern California contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story?
- What were your thoughts during the scene when Hannah first spots Owen at the exhibition?
- Discuss the significance of Hannah's art exhibition and how it reflects her personal journey.
- Do you think forgiveness is a central theme in the novel? How do the characters grapple with it?
- How did you feel about the book's ending and the possibility of a second chance for Hannah and Owen?
- Can you relate any part of Hannah and Bailey's journey or struggles to a personal experience in your life?
These questions were drafted with AI help for book clubs using Lapwing.
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