PERFECT MATCH

• About the book
• Book club discussion questions
• Reviews
• Buy the book

About the book

Book club discussion questions

1. Disguises figure prominently in PERFECT MATCH, and what you seem to be is not always what you are. Discuss.
2. What is the metaphorical significance of Caleb's job?
3. Immediately after shooting and killing Father Szyszynski, Nina says repeatedly, "I did what I had to do." Do you think she really felt she had no other choice but to do it, to protect her son as well as for the greater good, as she claimed? Or was it just to aid in her defense?
4. Was Nina justified in her actions, or was she "simply a reckless woman who thought she knew better than anyone else"? (pg. 228) Was she morally right to do what she did? Is there a difference?
5. Do you feel Nina's sentence is a fair one, or do you think the judge was too lenient? Why?
6. In what ways do some of Caleb's and Nina's domestic moments foreshadow the bigger differences between them? (pgs. 209-210)
7. Compromised trust appears to be an issue at play for some of the characters in PERFECT MATCH. Discuss each of the characters affected. Who will have the most difficult time learning to trust again?
8. During the course of the story, did you feel Caleb was supportive enough of Nina? Was his anger justified?
9. In your opinion, which person involved in the case has the most selfless motives? Discuss.
10. What has Quentin Brown learned from his involvement in Nina's prosecution? Explain.
11. What is the metaphorical significance of Nathaniel's silence?
12. How far would you be willing to go if you discovered that someone you trusted molested your own child, or a child you love deeply, knowing that the justice system does not often work in favor of the child? Would you be capable of murder? Can a person really know oneself enough to be sure, if it's never happened to them?

Reviews

'A gut-wrenching tale. . . When events take a dramatic turn, readers will be shocked by a legal system that fails to protect the most vulnerable. . This book contains enough blind alleys and red herrings to keep even the most astute readers on their toes.'

'PERFECT MATCH is the shocking, visceral tale of a lawyer who takes the law into her own hands ...'

'Picoult's novel… reminds us how easy it is to jump to conclusions and to do all the wrong things for all the right reasons'

'Picoult's characters are so compelling that the reader hopes this won't be the last time we meet.'

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