Crosstalk: Book Review and Questions

Deviating slightly from my all-fantasy book reviews to talk about this light Science Fiction Romance. The Taylorsville Library (where I work) partners with the Taylorsville Senior Center for Senior Book Club. We would meet at the senior center once a month, and I assisted librarian Elizabeth Weaver in running the book club. Our last meeting was in March, right before everything shut down for Covid. April’s book was to be Crosstalk by Connie Willis. It was my book pick for the year, and my turn to lead discussion, and we had hoped that we would still be able to discuss the book, if just postponed. At this point in time, however, I do not foresee us getting back to meetings this year. Or at least not to discuss April’s book. So, as I still love this book, and took the time to create discussion questions (as none existed), I am sharing my thoughts here instead.
I highly enjoyed Crosstalk. We got it as a summer reading reward from the library. My first time through the story, Jeff (my husband) read it aloud. I was thoroughly engaged by the story and characters. The story takes place in a near alternate future, where there is a medical procedure that opens up the brains pathways to allow two people to feel each other’s emotions. Our protagonist, Briddey Flannigan, gets the procedure with her new boyfriend, Trenth Worth. But instead of connecting with Trent, Briddey connects with someone else. 
I read through the book a second time in preparation for book club, and enjoyed it as much, if not more, than the first time. I was able to really see all the clues that led up to the twists. Connie Willis does a great job creating characters that feel real, and you really get into Briddey’s head. The romance isn’t the central plot, but does play a major role. The ending is satisfying. I definitely recommend this for anyone who wants a light science fiction read. 

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1. What were your initial impressions of Briddey’s family? Were you able to keep all the family members straight?
2. Did you like Trent? What were your initial impressions?
3. The EED (Emotional Enhancement Device) is a minor brain surgery intended to allow a couple to feel each other’s emotions. Is this something you think people would want today? Is it something you would want if it was available?
4. What were CB’s arguments and warnings to attempt talking Briddey out of getting the EED? (p 19)
5. CB kept emphasizing unintended consequences. What were Briddey’s unintended consequences after getting the EED?
6. “Aren’t you connected enough…” Do you think people are too connected with social media, phone apps. Are all these technology making communication better or worse?
7. CB comes up with a concept for a Sanctuary phone – emphasizing limiting communication, not more. Functions include Deadzone, Blackball, and SOS app. Do you wish phones had these features? (p 23)
8. What are the benefits to telepathy? What are the downsides?
9. Discuss the different aspects of telepathy – hearing thoughts vs mind-talk.
10. Discuss the different “forms” the voices took. Why was it different for each character?
11. What would your safe room be?
12. Were you surprised to learn Maeve is telepathic? (p 358)
13. What were Trent’s motives for wanting Briddey to get the EED? What were Dr. Verrick’s motives?
14. After CB rescued Briddey at Dr. Verrick’s office after opening the floodgates, all telepaths started having blackouts where they couldn’t transmit or receive thoughts. Did you believe CB when he said he wasn’t causing it?
15.  How was CB’s lying different than Trent’s lying? Or did you think both should have been truthful from the start?
16. What did you think of the ending. Do you think they found a good solution to the telepathy problems?
17.  What superpower would you like to have?