What are good book club discussion questions for Going Further?

Spoiler-free questions to get the conversation going: Before we open the book, who is the grandparent, elder, or mentor you still hear in your head when you face something hard?; Where did you do most of your reading for this one (porch, couch, bed), and what kind of mood did the book leave you in each time you put it down?; The book dwells on a childhood that started with very little. Did any part of that early story remind you of your own family's roots or a place you once called home?; What moment in the book felt the most tender or human to you, the kind that made you slow down and reread it?; Discipline and hard work come up again and again. Was there a rule or saying from your own upbringing that felt strict then but that you're grateful for now?.

What food and drinks should I serve at a Going Further book club?

Food: Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, Warm Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter, and Georgia Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream. Drinks: Hot Spiced Peach Cider, Texas Bourbon Hot Toddy, and Chicory Coffee with Sweet Cream.

Cozy night

Going FurtherBook club questions, food & host guide

Ted Cruz

A cozy book club night for Going Further by Ted Cruz. Includes 8 spoiler-free discussion questions, food and drink pairings, a playlist, and a host guide, ready to print and share.

A friendly, curious club that enjoys true stories and can share a range of views warmly and respectfully

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A Texas senator's portrait of Justice Clarence Thomas gives your club a warm way into big conversations about where people come from, who shaped them, and how far a person can go from humble beginnings.

Why it works for clubs

Themes like family, grit, and faith invite personal stories rather than debate
The grandparent-and-mentor theme gets people remembering the elders who shaped them
It's a chance to talk kindly across different views over good food
Readers who don't usually pick up biography find a relatable human story here

Themes & mood

Biography Roots and Family Perseverance Southern Warmth Mentorship

Browse all themes →

Reading level

Moderate

Warm-up questions

1 Before we open the book, who is the grandparent, elder, or mentor you still hear in your head when you face something hard?
2 Where did you do most of your reading for this one (porch, couch, bed), and what kind of mood did the book leave you in each time you put it down?

Digging in

1 The book dwells on a childhood that started with very little. Did any part of that early story remind you of your own family's roots or a place you once called home?
2 What moment in the book felt the most tender or human to you, the kind that made you slow down and reread it?
3 Discipline and hard work come up again and again. Was there a rule or saying from your own upbringing that felt strict then but that you're grateful for now?
4 Setting politics aside for a moment, did anything in this portrait surprise you or soften how you pictured the people involved?

Going deep

1 The book is one public figure writing warmly about another. How did that affection shape the way you felt while reading, and did you feel pulled closer or want a little more distance?
2 Looking back over the whole journey the book describes, what does 'going further' mean to you in your own life, and who helped you take your next step?

On the table

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

A nod to Thomas's coastal Georgia roots near Savannah. It's creamy, filling comfort food you can keep warm in a slow cooker so people can help themselves.

Warm Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter

A simple Southern kitchen staple that brings to mind grandparents' tables and home cooking. Easy to bake ahead and rewarm.

Georgia Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

An indulgent, homey dessert that celebrates Georgia. Frozen peaches work fine and keep the effort moderate.

To sip

Hot Spiced Peach Cider No alcohol

Apple cider simmered with peach nectar, cinnamon, and cloves. It's warming, family-friendly, and fills the house with a cozy smell.

Texas Bourbon Hot Toddy

A nod to the author's home state. Bourbon, honey, lemon, and hot water make a slow-sipping drink for relaxed conversation.

Chicory Coffee with Sweet Cream No alcohol

A rich Southern-style coffee that goes well with cobbler and late-evening talk. Offer decaf too.

Soft Southern soul, gentle gospel warmth, and a little Georgia and Texas nostalgia, kept low enough to talk over

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