The Most Fun we Ever Had
Our March-April 2025 Book
The Most Fun We Ever Had
by Claire Lombardo
This New York Times bestseller was chosen as a Reese's Book Club pick and longlisted for the 2020 Women's Prize in Fiction. While not a central theme, substance use weaves through the narrative, reflecting both personal struggles and complex family dynamics.
Various characters turn to alcohol and other substances as coping mechanisms for emotional distress—whether stemming from inadequacy, grief, or unresolved trauma.
Rather than presenting addiction as the primary conflict, Lombardo frames it as a symptom of deeper issues: strained relationships, societal pressures, and personal insecurities. In doing so, she highlights how self-destructive behaviors can ripple through generations.
“A wonderfully immersive read that packs more heart and heft than most first novels… A deliciously absorbing novel with—brace yourself—a tender and satisfyingly positive take on family.” – NPR
Sophia Book Club Question Guide for
The Most Fun We Ever Had
At first glance, The Most Fun We Ever Had may seem like an unexpected choice for Sophia’s Book Club. If you’ve read it before, you might be thinking, "I don’t remember that novel being about addiction". And you wouldn’t be wrong. However, we invite you to revisit the story with fresh eyes, considering the subtle yet significant ways substance use appears throughout.
Consider Julie’s questions below as you read the novel:
1. Coping and Escape – Several characters use substances as a way to cope with stress, grief, or personal struggles. How does the novel portray substance use as a method of escape? Do yo think these characters are aware of their reliance on substances?
2. Family Influence – Substance use is not a dominant theme in the novel, but it appears in ways that reflect family dynamics. How do you think the Sorenson family’s culture—whether through parenting, sibling relationships, or emotional expectations—shapes the characters' behavior regarding substance use? Are there examples of healthy substance use or drinking?
3. Intergenerational Patterns – The novel examines how behaviors, trauma, and coping mechanisms are passed down through generations. Do you see any patterns in how different members of the Sorenson family approach self-medicating or avoiding emotional pain?
4. Judgment and Compassion – How do different characters react to substance use within the family? Is there judgment, empathy, or avoidance? How do their reactions shape our understanding of addiction and dependency?
5. Broader Themes – The book explores themes of perfectionism, pressure, and the fear of failure. How does substance use tie into these larger themes? Are there moments where you see characters engaging in other forms of self-destructive behavior that parallel substance use?
6. Societal Expectations – The Sorenson sisters, in particular, grapple with societal expectations and personal setbacks. Do you think gender plays a role in how substance use is portrayed in the novel? Are women judged more harshly for their coping mechanisms than men?
7. Resolution and Growth – By the end of the novel, do you think the characters have gained a healthier understanding of their struggles? Are there moments of healing or self-awareness that change how they cope with pain?
Through her nuanced character development, Lombardo explores the many ways people attempt to manage pain, seek control, or escape reality. Ultimately, the novel underscores the importance of understanding, connection, and compassion in the face of personal struggles.