Suggested Talking Points for Book Group Discussions
PIANO GIRL: A Memoir
Compiled by Robin Meloy Goldsby and André Wagner, publicist

1. How did you relate to the author’s early years?
2. What was your favorite chapter, and why?
3. Robin Goldsby says: “my favorite chapters are the ones that were trickiest to write: Always a Bridesmaid, Never an Inmate—the Rikers Island chapter—was quite challenging. I knew it was funny in a weird way, but I wanted the reader to understand how sad it was.” Were there other stories in the book that successfully mixed comedy with sorrow? In what ways does Goldsby contrast the glitz and glamour of show business with the instances of caring and friendship?
4. The New York City chapters, in particular All the Sad Young Men, seem to capture the mood swings of the eighties. Did you know anyone who contracted AIDS in the early stages of the disease? How did Michael’s tragedy compare with Reginald’s?
5.Have you ever lived in New York City? Or visited? Did the author accurately portray the city as you have experienced it?
6.Goldsby’s experiences in Haiti changed her life in many ways. What were they?
7.Piano Girl is written in present tense. The book was originally written in past tense, but the author—at the last minute!—rewrote her memoir in present tense, hoping to breathe more life into her stories. How did you react to this choice?
8. Do you know anyone like Don Brockett, the larger than life producer with bad manners and ever worse golf cart skills?
9. Goldsby’s memoir is based largely on observations she has made over the last thirty years. She has kept a journal and continues to jot down notes about odd things that happen to her. Do you do the same?
10. Goldsby’s love of music theme prevails even though she’s often in less than desirable situations. Is there any point in the story when you felt she might as well quit playing?
11. There is one moment in the story when Goldsby decides it’s okay to “just” play background music. Can you identify this turning point?
12. How does Piano Girl differ from other memoirs?
13. Goldsby’s writing has been compared to David Sedaris’s writing, with a soundtrack.  Do you agree?
14. The last chapter of the book, Julia’s Playback, describes the author’s emotions while watching her daughter perform at her first piano recital. Have you been in similar situations with your children?
15. Can you envision this book as a film, and if so, whom would you cast?