September 1, 2021
What if your first love was a forbidden one?
At twenty-three, Felice Cohen was, like other recent college grads, hesitant about entering the real world, with the added stress of coming out in the early nineties. Focused on how to land a full-time position as a writer, falling in love was the last thing on her mind. But fall in love she did. With her boss, a woman thirty-four years older. They embarked on a high-stakes, year-long love affair. Addicted to the high of first love, Felice was enthralled by Sarah’s attention and content to hide their love in the shadows. Though not perfect, it was enough. Until their secret was exposed, forcing Felice to publicly acknowledge their illicit love or start a new life for herself.
In this candid coming-of-age memoir — as compelling as a novel — Felice chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future. Ultimately, this is a story about navigating life’s unpredictable path while following one’s heart and finding acceptance.
Discussion Questions
Courtesy of Felice Cohen
- For the person who chose this book: What made you want to read it? What made you suggest it to the group for discussion?
- What do you think motivated Felice to share her life story?
- How did you respond to Felice’s “voice”?
- How did Half In compare to other memoirs you’ve read?
- How did the memoir make you reflect on your own life?
- Discuss the book’s structure and the author’s use of language and writing style. How does Felice draw the reader in and keep the reader engaged? Does she convey her story with comedy, self- pity, or something else?
- We hear from Felice why she was attracted to Sarah, but why do you think Sarah was attracted to Felice? Her youth? Her humor? Do you think it was true love?
- What is the significance of the title Half In? Did you find it meaningful, why or why not? Would you have given the book a different title? If yes, what would your title be?
- What were the main themes of the book? How were those themes brought to life?
- How important was the time period or the setting to the story? Did you think it was accurately portrayed? How would the book have played out differently in a different time period or setting?
- Which location in Half In would you most like to visit and why?
- Were there any quotes (or passages) that stood out to you? Why?
- Which scene has stuck with you the most?
- Did you reread any passages? If so, which ones?
- Who were some of your favorite or most memorable characters in the book?
- What did you learn from this book?
- Did your opinion of Half In change as you read it? How?
- Did you race to the end, or was it more of a slow burn?
- How did the book make you feel? What emotions did it evoke?
- Have you read any other books by Felice? How would you compare them to this selection?
- What do you think Felice’s goal was in writing this book? What ideas was she trying to illustrate? What message was she trying to send?
- If you could ask Felice anything, what would it be?
- What do you think will be your lasting impression of “Half In”?
- What did you like or dislike about the book that hasn’t been discussed already?
- Would you recommend it to a friend?
