1. First Impressions of Paul
    What was your initial reaction to Paul Strom as a narrator? How did your perception of him evolve as the story unfolded?
  2. Narrative Voice
    Paul directly addresses the reader throughout the book. How did this narrative style impact your experience? Did it make you feel complicit, manipulated, or entertained?
  3. Marriage and Control
    How does the novel portray the dynamics of Paul and Mia’s marriage? What subtle (or overt) signs of control stood out most to you?
  4. The Title: “Best Day Ever”
    The phrase is repeated throughout the novel. How does its meaning shift from the beginning to the end of the story?
  5. Reliability and Deception
    Paul sees himself as reliable, even as he twists reality. Did you ever believe him? How does Rouda use Paul’s unreliability to build suspense?
  6. Wealth, Appearances, and Power
    How do themes of affluence and appearances shape the Stroms’ relationship? What commentary does the novel make about success and image?
  7. Mia’s Role
    How did your view of Mia change from the start to the end of the novel? Did she surprise you in the choices she made?
  8. Series Continuation
    Knowing this is the first in the Paul Strom series, how do you feel about following his legacy into The Second Mrs. Strom and What the Nanny Saw? What are you most curious to see explored in the next books?