As we march forward in time, it’s hard not to yearn for the nostalgia-studded 90s. From vampire-themed TV shows to iconic romcoms to boy bands, there’s no shortage of good memories (and incredible entertainment) to run back to. This month, as we feature Emma Straub’s American Fantasy—a cruise-set novel about a NKOTB-inspired band and their boat full of middle-aged fans—we’ve created a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect 90s-themed book club to go along with it. You’ll find discussion questions about American Fantasy, a curated 20th-century menu, era-appropriate outfit suggestions, game ideas and a playlist to set the perfect mood.

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

Setting sail on the American Fantasy cruise ship with a 90s boy band and thousands of adoring women definitely wasn’t Annie’s plan. Newly divorced and on the eve of her 50th birthday, she’s only here for her sister’s sake, but something happens when she hears the band perform for the first time in decades. The mixture of nostalgia, slushy drinks, and a chance meeting with one of the band members awakens buried memories of her youth—and might just open up the possibility of a whole new future.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Discussion Questions

  1. What’s one trend (fashion, music, etc) from your adolescence that you’re surprised to see coming back in style?
  2. What 90s trends do you wish would stay in the past?
  3. American Fantasy demonstrates how nostalgia and hope can change the course of your life. Do you tend to embrace nostalgia in your adult life, or do you prefer to look towards the future?
  4. How do you find hope and joy during difficult periods in life? How have those methods changed throughout your life?
  5. Who is your favorite character in American Fantasy and why?
  6. What aspects of Annie’s character did you find yourself relating to throughout the book?
  7. If you could travel to one moment in the past, which moment would you choose?
  8. If you had the opportunity to embark on a cruise with any music artist, living or dead, in attendance, which artist would you choose and why?
  9. What’s one artist that you always wanted to see live but never had the chance to see?
  10. Which character from American Fantasy would you want to meet in real life?

Menu

Remember those sleepovers where you ate so many pizza rolls that marinara sauce seemed to run through your veins? That’s the vibe we’re going for, just a little toned town for adult palettes.

Try making your own pizza rolls or bagel bites from scratch with some marinara dipping sauce on the side for a foolproof entrée.

For sides, pair some tortilla chips and veggies with the classic 7 layer dip.

Dessert is really where you can let the nostalgia go wild. Homemade dunkaroo dip, anyone? Or perhaps some Gushers?

For beverages, whip up the 90s cocktail (Cosmopolitan). Or lean into American Fantasy’s cruise ship setting and make piña coladas. Grab some Snapple from the store for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Game

The sky is truly the limit for games. You could embrace the unforgettable choreography on MTV and have a dance off or dip into some of the more coordinated moves with a Macarena marathon or the Electric Slide.

Karaoke is always an option as well. Everyone can pick their favorite 90s boy band song and sing their heart out! If you’re wanting to jazz up the karaoke experience, there are plenty of karaoke machines and wireless microphones available online.

Attire

There are so many routes you can take with an on-theme outfit. Lean into the casual, effortless look sported by New Kids on the Block with a graphic tee (bonus if it’s a 90s band tee!), distressed jeans, and sneakers. Or go full grunge and dust off your flannel and Doc Martens. You can never go wrong with pastels, either.

If the group is up to it, you could also plan boy band-esque coordinating outfits. Track jackets, cargo pants, monochromatic looks…it’s all up for grabs.

Playlist

From New Kids on the Block to Boyz II Men, En Vogue to NSYNC, this list is going to hit all your 90s party vibes. We may be bookish, but no 90s baby can resist these Walkman-worthy hits.

 

If you host a 90s themed book club meeting, make sure you tag @shereadsdotcom so we can share your bookish bash with our audience of readers. It would be… da bomb.