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The Starting Over Book Club Experience

A free book club discussion guide for My Life Is In A Storage Unit, Stacy McDaniels' novel about Ava McClain starting over at 54.

Good Books. Real Conversations. A Little Laughter. Gather your people, pour something delicious, and explore the journey of Ava McClain.

Signature drink

The Next Chapter: Ginger Peach Cooler

Prep time:
5 minutes
Serves:
1 (multiply for the group)
Alcohol:
None

Ingredients

  • 2 oz peach nectar
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3 oz nonalcoholic ginger beer
  • 2 oz sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Peach slices and fresh mint

Instructions

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Add peach nectar and lemon juice.
  3. Pour in sparkling water.
  4. Top with ginger beer.
  5. Stir gently and garnish.
“To the next chapter. May it come with fewer boxes and better surprises.”

My Life Is In A Storage Unit Book Club Questions

  1. 1.How did losing her job affect Ava's identity?
  2. 2.Why can career loss feel different later in life?
  3. 3.What would you have done in Ava's situation?

  1. 4.How did Marcus support Ava?
  2. 5.Where did their communication break down?
  3. 6.How did family influence Ava's decisions?

  1. 7.What did the storage unit symbolize?
  2. 8.Was Ava's relocation an opportunity or a sacrifice?
  3. 9.What possessions or expectations would be hardest for you to release?

  1. 10.How did faith influence Ava's decisions?
  2. 11.What scene made you laugh?
  3. 12.Which character did you relate to most?
  4. 13.What would you have done differently?

  1. 14.What did Ava discover about herself?
  2. 15.What dream have you postponed?
  3. 16.What would you title your next chapter?

Host sheet

A relaxed 90-minute evening.

  1. 0–15 min

    Welcome & Signature Drinks

  2. 15–40 min

    Discuss Ava's Journey

  3. 40–60 min

    Relationships, Reinvention & Real Conversations

  4. 60–75 min

    The Next Chapter Activity: What are you ready to unpack?

  5. 75–90 min

    Dessert, Reflections & Closing Toast

The menu

  • The Starting Over Board: Cheeses, crackers, grapes, peaches, nuts, and chocolate.
  • The Dollhouse Bites: Mini sandwiches, savory pastries, and appetizers.
  • The Plot Twist Dessert: Peach cobbler cups, mini cheesecakes, or chocolate-covered strawberries.
  • The Next Chapter Cooler Bar: A self-serve station with the Ginger Peach Cooler ingredients.

Checklist

The Story Isn't Over Yet. Neither Are You.

Buy the bookInvite Stacy to your book club

More on starting over: Starting over at 50 · How to start over at 50