Gamers and Theatre Geeks: Book Club Questions for Dungeons and Drama
Updated: Aug 11
Age: YA (14+)
Genre: Romance
Reading the series?
Keep the discussion going with the guides for Dating and Dragons (book 2) and Rolls and Rivalry (book 3).
Quick Review of Dungeons and Drama
This YA romance is fun, quirky, and delivers a fake flirting story with lots of heart. While I wouldn’t have minded more actual D&D in the story, I love the nerd culture rep and how it slots together with Riley’s passion for theatre. And that's not all there is to discuss: woven throughout are poignant questions about reinventing family relationships after divorce and how far you'll go to pursue your dreams.
Book Club Questions
Riley operates under the philosophy that it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission. How does and doesn’t this mindset work out for her? Do you have a philosophy or guiding principle you use to make decisions?
The book starts with Riley getting punished for driving illegally and ends with her getting to drive with her new license. Why do you think the author chose driving as the image to bookend the story and demonstrate Riley’s growth?
Seeing Nathan’s parents’ lack of involvement in his life makes Riley appreciate her own parents. As she says, they “can be overprotective and frustrating, but they’re always here, no matter what.” Is there anyone in your life whose support you take for granted? If so, how can you show your appreciation?
Riley is surprised to find how much D&D and theatre have in common. Have you ever had an interest translate to a different activity, perhaps in a surprising way?
While Riley dislikes Paul, she still casts him as Shrek because he’s their best male actor. Would you have done the same? Have you ever had to work with someone unlikeable to achieve a goal?
Riley’s closeness to her mom often made her dad feel left out. Even though he didn’t share their interest in musicals, what could he have done to build a connection with Riley earlier? Why do you think he didn’t? What could Riley’s mom have done to help?
Because she feels her dad chose his game shop over their family, Riley has been keeping her distance from him and even feels disloyal at the idea of enjoying time with him. Have you ever had to set aside someone’s past choices to have a relationship with them? If so, what helped you do it? What helped Riley?
Riley learns that her dad uses his store to build community and serve people in various ways, such as creating a safe space for Nathan. How does this affect her perception of her dad and his store?
While everyone around Nathan sees the red flags with Sophia, he doesn’t (at least initially). If you had a friend pursue someone with obvious red flags, would you try to intervene? Why or why not?
Bonus: use an online guide to make D&D characters (for ease, focus on class, species, alignment, and backstory). Name your character and introduce them to the book club!
Extra bonus: start with this activity and have the book discussion with everyone in character.
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