Here One Moment: Book Club Discussion Questions
Updated: 4 days ago
Fundamentally, Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty is a compelling, thought-provoking, and emotionally layered novel that explores fate, free will, grief, relationships, mortality, and the choices we make when faced with uncertainty. With Moriarty’s characteristic blend of psychological insight, humour, and suspense, the novel asks intriguing questions about whether our futures are predetermined, how much control we really have over our lives, and what happens when someone tells us exactly how and when we are going to die.
The novel begins on a seemingly ordinary flight when a mysterious woman moves through the cabin, telling passengers the age and circumstances of their deaths. Among those passengers is Alice, whose life is profoundly affected by the prediction she receives. As the story unfolds, Moriarty explores the ways these predictions influence Alice and others, examining their relationships, fears, hopes, regrets, and decisions. Through multiple perspectives and interconnected lives, the novel considers the tension between destiny and choice, while exploring themes of family, love, anxiety, loss, resilience, and the desire to make the most of the time we have.
The Here One Moment book club discussion questions below were created by our Chapter 25 team of dedicated readers. These prompts are designed to spark conversation about fate, free will, mortality, family, relationships, grief, fear, hope, personal responsibility, and the choices we make when confronted with the possibility of knowing our own future.
Book Club Discussion Questions:
The story starts off on that fateful day when Cherry predicts when the passengers will die and how. What were your thoughts as you read all of that unfold?
Why was it important for the author to make sure to describe Cherry (aka The Death Lady) as rather unremarkable in both appearance and demeanour?
How would you react if you were on a plane and someone predicted everyone’s death, including yours? Would you believe it? And if so, would you try to change your fate as well?
We then follow six passengers after that day, as they try to move on with their lives. However, Cherry’s predictions are a constant threat. Why do you think the author chose these six passengers to focus on? Which storyline were you most engaged with and felt was most relatable?
We also read about Cherry’s past, starting with her childhood, to get a full picture of the woman who would eventually be known as “The Death Lady.” What was your impression of the sections dedicated to Cherry? Why was it necessary to include Cherry’s backstory?
Do you feel her mum, who ran a business as a fortune teller, truly had the ability to see one’s future? Or do you believe she told people both what they wanted and needed to hear? Could it be a mixture of both?
Let’s talk about Cherry’s mother performing a reading on Cherry, where her mother seems to see glimpses of Cherry’s future. Do you feel it was truly her future or do you think it was a hopeful guess?
We learn that Cherry did not take her mother’s profession seriously. But at the same time, Cherry had some “feelings” and “visions” that turned out to be true. Do you feel the author was trying to say that Cherry could see into the future or do you think it was simply anxious thoughts (fearing the worst outcomes)?
What were your thoughts when three of Cherry’s predictions came true?
Each of the six passengers take action to try and avoid their supposed fate. Eventually, they all take steps to better their lives. Would they have made any of those changes without that fateful flight?
Discuss the writing. How does Liane Moriarty create tension and emotion as the story unfolds? What did you think of the writing style? Did the alternating between first-person and third-person perspectives work for you?
It all eventually gets revealed that Cherry’s predictions, at least in her own view, were not true visions. Were you satisfied by this reveal or did you want it to be something more?
Kayla was driving overly cautious as a result of Cherry’s prediction and she was hit and killed by another car. Do you feel Cherry bears some responsibility for the impact of her predictions? Why or why not?
What were your thoughts on the ending and epilogue? What happens next for all the main characters?
What is your opinion on free will and destiny? Do you believe everything is destined or do you think people have a hand in their own fates?
If you had information about your future, would you try to change it or would you ride it out and see what happens?
Have you read other Liane Moriarty books? If so, where does Here One Moment rank? If not, are you interested in reading any of her other books?
Liane Moriarty’s books are often adapted into TV series. Which actors would you cast for each character in Here One Moment?
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