Girl on the Train
Our Inaugural Book Club Selection
April-May 2024
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
A #1 Globe and Mail and New York Times Bestseller
In this psychological thriller reality blurs as the story unfolds through the eyes of the primary narrator, Rachel.
“Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and every night.
Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to watch the same couple having breakfast on their deck.
She's started to feel like she knows them; she calls them Jess and Jason. Their life--as she sees it--is perfect.
Then Rachel sees something shocking as she's passing by on the train--it's only for a minute, but it's enough. And now everything's changed…”
“Perfectly paced, from its arresting beginning to its twist ending; it’s not an easy book to put down.” —NPR
Sophia Book Club Question Guide for
The Girl on the Train
Once you have finished reading the book, consider the story and characters through the lens of substance use:
1. What are the signs that substance use, or addictive behaviour, was negatively impacting Rachel’s life?
2. What role might trauma have played in Rachel’s problematic substance use? How might trauma have impacted her self-esteem?
3. Most people are familiar with the idea of triggers. “Glimmers” are the opposite. They’re the small moments that spark joy and provide strength for individuals seeking to change their substance use habits. What triggers may have influenced Rachel’s behaviour (emotional, environmental, other)? Are there positive influences (glimmers) that help her begin to regain control of her circumstances?
5. Relationships can strengthen an individual’s recovery journey. In what ways do people around Rachel try to help her? In what ways is she judged?
Resources:
Substance Use Health: Just like mental health, or any other kind of physical health, substance use health exists on a spectrum. Learn more here.
Read an analysis of the theme of addiction in The Girl on the Train (4-minute read). This primary analysis is accessible to non-subscribers of LitCharts.